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Editor’s Note: This is the first of four stories about the upcoming Marietta municipal election.

The race for Marietta City Council’s 4th Ward pits an incumbent focused on water protection and city stability against a challenger calling for stronger infrastructure and business growth.

Erin O’Neill

Councilwoman Erin O’Neill, 51, a Democrat, was appointed to fill a 4th Ward vacancy in December 2023 and is now seeking election to a full term. Currently, O’Neill serves as the Grants Administrator for Washington State College of Ohio.

“I’m very proud of the work that this council is doing on making sure that our citizens have access to safe and clean water,” she said. “We’re not going to back down from bureaucratic strongarming when our citizens deserve answers.”

O’Neill also cited progress in stabilizing city finances, including creating a rainy day fund.

“When I first started, we were having some financial issues … we’re stable now, and I’m very proud of that,” she said.

O’Neill said she hopes to see sewer and levee projects through, help determine the future of the former Harmar school site and continue work on homelessness through the city’s outreach team. She also hopes to create a permitting process to encourage film productions to locate in Marietta.

“Whether I’m on council or not, I will still continue to be involved in some of these community things,” she said.

Ronald Wesel

Ronald Wesel, 65, a lifelong resident who has lived in the 4th Ward for more than 30 years, said his candidacy is about spurring action.

“Quite frankly, I was tired of watching our city not seem to get anything done,” said Wesel, a Republican. “I thought I would like to get involved, to maybe get some things moving.”

Wesel said his focus is on economic development, small business growth and stronger infrastructure planning.

“We need to be more business-friendly,” he said. “Our streets are in disrepair, and underground drainage systems need ongoing attention to prevent sinkholes.”

Now retired, Wesel previously worked in his family’s 80-year business, Marietta Ignition, and later as purchasing agent for Mondo Polymer Technologies. He has served as president of the Merchants Association, the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club.

“I’ve always been actively involved in the community,” he said. “I’ve got the time now, and I’d like to give back.”