Lorain's 5th Ward Councilwoman faces Democratic challenger

Israel Antonio Barrios Age: 76 Party: Democratic Education: Associate degree in computer maintenance and networking and liberal arts Family: Two brothers; two sisters; daughter; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. Job history: Spitzer auto sales; lab instructor, Lorain County Community College; marketing associate, LCCC; executive director, Lorain Arts Council; poll worker, Lorain County Board of Elections JoAnne Moon Age: 65 Party: Democratic Education: Admiral King High School Job history: Current 5th Ward councilwoman; retired from Lorain City Auditor's Office and Lorain County Board of Elections LORAIN — Two Democrats want to represent Lorain's 5th Ward. Incumbent Councilwoman JoAnne Moon will face challenger Antonio Barrios, executive director of the Lorain Arts Council, to represent the city's south side. The top vote-getter will move on to the November election where, unless an independent candidate files, they will be unopposed. What makes you the best candidate for the position? Barrios: I am a good communicator and to be so you have to be a good listener. This skill is essential to the work of councilperson. In order to help the residents of the ward, you have to know what their concerns are. I have talked to many, many residents as I walk the precincts in my campaign. The residents should be the main concern of a councilperson. One of their concerns is the fact that representatives of council think that they work for City Council, but the truth is that they are supposed to work for the residents. Moon: As the councilwoman with great appreciation from 2016 through 2023, we have made a tremendous amount of well-needed changes in our city, and I would be honored to continue making improvements. Just to name a few of the wonderful changes we have made — we have improved housing for Fulton Homes and giving the residents a new roof that was definitely needed, also the Red Hill water line project and many of our city streets being paved and that's just to name a few with me as a continued councilwoman. What is the biggest challenge facing the city and how would you address it? Barrios: Jobs are a main concern for residents but also for the progress of the city. With a lower number of residents working, the less income goes to the city coffers and of course, safety, as well as progress, can be hindered. I see progress in developing the riverfront as well as the lakefront. The city doesn't need any more resources when we have a gold mine in the river and lake. It is a matter of prioritizing efforts to focus on that development. Moon: My daily mission is to talk to the residents and hear what I can do to make our city better. A lot of the older residents don't have social media, so they are unaware of the endless programs I am trying to offer, so I would like to propose that we put fliers up in our local stores and churches so that everyone will still be able to have a voice. Some of the challenges — our city lacks a constant bus service to help our residents have a way to doctor's appointments, work, and grocery stores. With an increased minimum wage, our city can have endless opportunities. — Carissa Woytach