STEUBENVILLE -- Mayor Domenick Mucci easily won re-election to a fifth straight term beating Republican challenger Lou Arrico by a two to one margin Tuesday.
"I do want to thank the voters of Steubenville who placed their faith and confidence in my ability to lead the city during the trying times that face all of us in 2010," Mucci declared late Tuesday.
Mucci ran on a campaign that stressed his experience in city government and what he called his ability to build a consensus between different parties.
"I have always tried to listen to both sides of an issue and while my job is to preside at city council meetings I also try to discuss the issues with the council members to build the consensus we need in our city," added Mucci.
Mucci also said he planned to talk to Arrico in the near future.
"I want to thank my opponent for his enthusiasm during the campaign and to invite him to offer suggestions and ideas he may have for the future of our city. I have an open door policy and am open to ideas that can benefit all of us," Mucci stated.
"I understand the mayor's role under our charter form of government as well as the duties of the city manager. I think it is important to be aware of the fact the mayor can be called upon at different times to serve as acting city manager. I have served in that capacity on two different occasions and am prepared to work as the acting city manager if necessary in the future," said Mucci.
City Manager Bruce Williams will retire from his post on Jan. 8, 2010 and if a new city manager is not in place by that date Mucci will fill the job under the conditions of the city charter.
"It is also important to note that the city administration is facing contract negotiations with our three unions in 2010. We have seen difficult financial issues this year and I believe we need to build a consensus as we prepare for what may be a difficult fiscal budget in 2010," Mucci stated.
""This city has accomplished a lot during the past four years in spite of the tough economic times we face in the Ohio Valley," added Mucci.
The 26-year old Arrico works in Pittsburgh and said he chose to seek his first political office because he wanted to bring new ideas to the city government.
