Latest news with #SecondWard
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Primary election is May 20. Learn who is running for Waynesboro Borough Council in Ward 2
Pennsylvania's primary election is May 20 and one of the positions on the ballot is a Second Ward seat on Waynesboro Borough Council. The Second Ward is north of Main Street and west of Church Street. Brandon Boldyga and Ascohi Helman are running in the primary for the opportunity to be the Republican candidate in the November general election. More election information: Learn about First Ward Waynesboro Borough Council candidates No Democrats are running for borough council. We asked the GOP candidates in the borough council race to respond to a few questions via email. Below are their responses, listed in the order their names appear on the ballot. Their responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length. Age: 39 Town: Born in Annapolis, Maryland; Raised in Deale, Maryland; Live in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania (Ward 2) Education: Bachelors in Urban and Regional Planning from Frostburg State University (2007) Professional Experience: Department of Defense (DoD), 2008-2013; Town of Myersville Planning and Zoning Administrator, 2013-2025; Waynesboro Shade Tree Commission, 2020-2022; Waynesboro Zoning Hearing Board, 2022-2025 I decided to seek this office to use my skills and knowledge of municipal government to serve my local community. In my opinion, the top three issues facing the Borough of Waynesboro are: 1. Funding road and street maintenance projects 2. Funding public safety programs and public safety staffing for both fire and police protection 3. Smart growth and downtown redevelopment These are the predominant issues raised while campaigning thus far. Citizens should vote for me because I am the most qualified candidate to serve Waynesboro Ward 2. I have 13 years of municipal government administration experience and currently serve on the Waynesboro Zoning Hearing Board. I understand the parameters of municipal government and the issues that municipal officials face. If elected, I will do everything in my power to pursue the best interests of the residents of Ward 2 and the Borough of Waynesboro. I pledge to follow core conservative values and fiscally responsible practices, putting the Borough in a position to succeed moving forward. Age: 59 Town: Waynesboro Education: Experienced in utilizing computers and information technology within the context of business and management. This expertise encompasses a thorough understanding of how digital tools and systems can enhance operational efficiency, data management, and overall strategic decision-making in a business environment. Professional Experience: Proficient in Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and Google Calendar, with strong expertise in spreadsheet applications. I excel in navigating computer and IT applications in a business environment, consistently delivering tasks efficiently and punctually. I have effectively managed all aspects of personnel functions, including staff supervision, hiring practices, store policies, and employee terminations when necessary. I have established a stellar reputation with customers as a knowledgeable, capable, and approachable professional. My decision to seek Borough Council office stems from my deep belief in the transformative power of local government to enhance lives and strengthen our community. I am driven by a passion for making Waynesboro a better place for everyone, and I view serving on the borough council as a meaningful opportunity to bring that vision to life. 1. Economic Development & Job Creation: It is essential for the Borough to take proactive steps in attracting new businesses and supporting the growth of existing enterprises. This can be achieved by creating incentives for small and medium-sized businesses and promoting Waynesboro as an ideal location for investment. By focusing on technology, manufacturing, and tourism, we can stimulate job growth, reduce unemployment, and enhance the overall economic vitality of the community, ultimately improving the quality of life for all residents. 2. Infrastructure & Public Services: The foundation of any thriving community lies in its infrastructure. Waynesboro must prioritize the maintenance and enhancement of its roads, public transit systems, and utilities to ensure they meet the needs of a growing population. Additional investment in modern public services such as waste management, water supply, and emergency services, is crucial. Upgrading these systems not only supports current residents but also attracts potential newcomers by demonstrating our commitment to a safe and efficient living environment. 3. Community Engagement & Planning: Active participation from residents in shaping the Borough's future is paramount. Developing avenues for community engagement, such as public forums, surveys, and workshops, will enable residents to voice their opinions and contribute to planning initiatives. I firmly believe that I would excel in this position for several reasons, most notably my unwavering commitment to high expectation in every role I accomplish. If granted this opportunity, I will wholeheartedly represent the interests of all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or perspectives. I am dedicated to ensuring that every voice is both heard and truly valued. My pursuit of excellence uniquely positions me as a strong candidate for this role. In previous positions, I have consistently thrived in dynamic and high-pressure environments, delivering remarkable results. I have fostered effective working relationships with colleagues, which contributes to a professional and positive team atmosphere. Furthermore, my optimistic approach and customer service skills enable me to adapt swiftly and efficiently to a variety of business challenges. Polls will be open for in-person voting from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 20. Mail-in and absentee ballots must be returned to the Franklin County Voter Registration Office by 8 p.m. on May 20. Ballots must physically be in the office by that time, a May 20 postmark is not sufficient. More election information: Learn about who is running for mayor of Waynesboro Only registered Republicans and Democrats can vote in the primary election. Additional information, including sample ballots, can be found on the Franklin County website. This article originally appeared on Waynesboro Record Herald: Brandon Boldyga, Ascohi Helman running for Waynesboro Borough Council
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
See who qualified to run for Coldwater City Council
COLDWATER — Unless someone mounts a successful write-in campaign, the mayor, three incumbent councilmen, and new councilman Jeff Budd will be sworn in to the Coldwater City Council on Nov. 10. City Clerk Shauna Chávez said only one candidate qualified for each seat in the Nov. 4 election. The city must hold an election even if only one person files for each seat. Michigan law allows for write-in candidates. A candidate seeking to be a valid write-in must file a Declaration of Intent with the city clerk by 4 p.m. on the second Friday preceding the election on Oct. 24. Four incumbents qualified for the ballot: Mayor Tom Kramer, who has served as mayor since 2011, will serve another two-year term. Kramer first served as a Second Ward councilman from 1985 to 1990, then as a Third Ward Councilman from 1992 to 2011, Travis Machan has served as First Ward councilman since 2015. Jim Knaack has served as Second Ward councilman since 2016 Randall Hazelbaker has served as Fourth Ward councilman since 2001 and mayor pro tem since 2018. Jeff Budd will replace the retiring Mike Beckwith as Third Ward councilman. Council members recruited Budd when no one else expressed interest in replacing Beckwith, who served 10 years. Except for the mayor, all terms are four years. The council is Budd's fourth position with the city of Coldwater. A local CPA, Budd, became the city finance director in 1998. The council hired him as city manager in December 2009 to replace retiring Bill Stewart. Subscribe Support local news. Subscribe to the Coldwater Reporter After seven years, Budd shifted in October 2017 to director of the Coldwater Board of Public Utilities. In August 2021, Budd resigned to become the chief financial officer of Coldwater's auto parts manufacturer, Sekisui Voltek, LLC. Contact Don Reid dReid@ This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: 5 qualify to run for Coldwater City Council positions on November 2025 ballot
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Historic Second Ward High School rebuild fulfills decades-old promise
Construction has officially begun on the new Second Ward High School in Charlotte, fulfilling a decades-old promise to rebuild the historic institution. The original Second Ward High School, the only public high school for Black students in Charlotte, was demolished in 1970 during urban renewal. Now, thanks to a $2.5 billion bond approved by voters in 2023, the new school is set to open in August 2028 as a medical and technology magnet high school. 'Neighborhoods were bulldozed, people were relocated forcibly, businesses, churches, things of that nature, schools went away,' said Dennis Lacaria, the executive director of facilities management at Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. The new Second Ward High School will be located on the same site as the original, on the southeast fringe of what is now Uptown Charlotte. The project is part of a broader redevelopment effort in the area, which includes a medical school under construction nearby and Atrium Hospital's work around a redeveloped Pearl Street Park. ALSO READ: New bill filed would grant CMS calendar flexibility Kyle Novak, an architect working with CMS, described the project as one of the most impactful he has worked on, not just in terms of scale but also in terms of history. The design of the school will focus on vertical construction due to space constraints in Uptown, featuring underground and multi-level parking instead of traditional sports fields. The new campus will include a large nursing lab with twelve beds and will serve as a full medical and technology magnet high school. CMS Design Manager Vincent Spencer explained that the top of the parking deck will serve as an outdoor plaza for students, while also paying homage to the original Second Ward gymnasium, now a museum. Natalie Beard, a 1967 graduate of Second Ward, expressed hope that the new school would honor the promise made years ago, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and exposure for all students. 'You wouldn't want just a certain population to have to attend there,' Beard explained 'I'd like for it to be an exposure for everyone.' With construction underway, the new Second Ward High School is poised to become a significant educational and historical landmark in Charlotte, offering unique opportunities for students in the medical and technology fields. To learn more, click here. VIDEO: New bill filed would grant CMS calendar flexibility
