STEUBENVILLE -- Voters in the city's fourth ward returned incumbent Councilman David Fortunato for a fourth straight term by a two to one victory margin over challenger Nate Kline.

" want to thank all the people who put their faith in my. I have worked very hard for the residents of the fourth ward as well as the entire city. I believe my experience on the council was appreciated by the residents I represent," declared Fortunato.

Fortunato finished with an unofficial 154 vote count compared to 73 votes for Kline.

"I hope to stay as involved for the next four years as I have been for the past 12-years," added Fortunato.

Fortunato started his election night at a city council sunshine meeting followed by an executive session to discussed pending litigation.

"I ran for re-election because I want to continue the work I have been doing for the past 12-years. I want to continue to be in a position to use my knowledge and experience for the residents of the fourth ward," cited Fortunato.

"I have always been very accessible, honest, experienced and caring and have been consistent in attending city could meetings as well as the boards and commissions I have been asked to serve on," said the Democrat.

"I believe we have a strong future based on health care, our Trinity Medical Center as well as Franciscan University of Steubenville and Eastern Gateway Community College," said Fortunato.

"I have worked closely with Franciscan University of Steubenville in several instances to assist the school in expanding for the future. We are seeing a redevelopment on our north end downtown neighborhood as well as major improvements to our recreational facilities," noted Fortunato.

"I will continue to work with Progress Alliance to attract a new grocery store business to the former Save-A-Lot building on North Seventh Street. I know my wife and I appreciated the convenience of a downtown grocery store and want to see a full line grocery business return to our downtown neighborhood," Fortunato declared.

Fortunato, current chairman of the councils service committee, planning and zoning committee and building and grounds committee said experience is important as the city faces a change in the city manager and fiscal budget issues in 2010.

Kline had said he chose to run as an independent for the fourth ward council seat because, "I believe the community needs more young people to get involved and I want as many people involved in their local government as possible."

Read all the election results in the Wednesday edition of the Herald-Star.