Three compete in Wickliffe Ward 1

Three candidates running for the Wickliffe Ward 1 City Council seat will be narrowed down to two after the Sept. 19 nonpartisan primary election.

The primary election, required by the city’s charter, is being held because more than twice the number of candidates to be elected filed petitions.

Incumbent James A. Bala will appear on the ballot alongside Thomas M. Bogo Sr. and Tami Ray Masten. The top two vote getters will advance to the Nov. 7 general election.

There are 2,178 eligible voters in Ward 1, according to the Lake County Elections Board. The candidate who wins the November election will serve a four-year term and make $7,600 annually.

Bala

Bala, 50, is seeking reelection, and the three things that he would like to focus on are revenue, safety and infrastructure.

He said the tax increase on the ballot should provide enough revenue to hire more safety forces and improve our infrastructure.

“I have been part of this community my whole life, I recognize the good in our city and I care about the future of Wickliffe,” he said. “Through my city involvement, knowledge and experience you should be confident to re-elect James Bala as your Ward 1 Councilman.”

Bogo

Bogo, 63, said his ambitious plans include addressing safety and city forces, improve economic development and make the city overall more desirable to live in.

“I plan to improve Euclid Avenue’s appearance by focusing on economic development,” Bogo said. “We need to find a director that will bring investors, developers, and funding to make Wickliffe the commercial and residential destination of choice.

“I want this city be the place people choose to live in, raise a family in and create memories in just I have from growing up here,” he said. “I love this community and I owe the people of Wickliffe a lot. I want to commit to working hard for the people, the schools, and the city itself. I’m always a phone call away for those in need.”

Masten

Masten, 53, said her priorities include revitalizing business with hard work and dedication, economic growth through city audits and tax reforms and crime reduction by hiring more police, fire and service.

In efforts to revitalize business, Masten plans to communicate more efficiently with current business owners and encourage growth and expansion, hire an economic developer with a proven background and restructure zoning.

“I’m dedicated and hard working,” she said. “I take the time to listen to others concerns and ideas. I go above and beyond and will accomplish the tasks at hand. I have the education and business background to achieve my goals for council.”