Five running for four Proctorville council seats

By Benita Heath | The Tribune (Ironton, Ohio)

Published Wednesday, October 21, 2009

PROCTORVILLE — Two incumbents on Proctorville council want back on the village's governing body as they face off with three other contenders for four open seats this November.

Raymond "Wes" Shephard, a retired truck driver, is finishing up his second consecutive term, having been on council in the past and gone on a hiatus.

"The main reason I am running is to have the opportunity to serve the people of Proctorville," Shephard said. "I want to continue to improve our water system in town, all-round beautification and cleanliness of our village. That is some of the things. The quality of the appearance of the village has improved. At the present time, we have a very good police force."

The other incumbent is Larry David Peters, who works at Lowe's.

"I want to continue to learn how the village council conducts its business for the village," he said. "The playground we did for the children, I had a big part in that. Something for the kids. The satisfaction of finding out how my town is run. It is a new experience for me, to see how the money is spent in the town I live in."

This is the first time running for office for Justin Wurtzler, store manager at the Lowe's in South Point. He has lived in Proctorville for the past six years.

"The platform I am running on is helping make the community a good clean, safe place for kids, helping out with the elderly and seniors and giving kids some things to do," Wurtzler said. "To try to get more people involved in community activities. I would also like to help beautify the town."

Brenda Chapman, manager of the Wendy's in Proctorville, said in an email that children are a priority for her campaign.

"I would like to see more involvement with our children," she said. "I would like to have a better looking village square like Chesapeake has. I would like to get more people involved in our village and we need to see some more sidewalks repaired."

Attempts by phone to reach the fifth candidate, Jeffrey Chapman, were not successful by press time.

The four winners will join Dale Burcham and Jerry Thompson. Gary Whitley and Fred Cooper are leaving council.

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1. Henry I. Wurtzler  (1832-1903)

    2.  Alexander Wurtzler  (1868-1905)

        3.Henry P. Wurtzler  (1892-1973)

           4.  William H. Wurtzler  (1920-2008)

5.      David P. Wurtzler  (1951-2009)

     6. Justin Wurtzler  (Living)

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