One of the more interesting races for the City Council this year is in Ward 6, where incumbent Andrew Faulkner faces former councilwoman Vanessa Weinert.

Faulkner first won election in 2021 and is finishing his first term on the council. The Republican has shown himself to be inquisitive in his first two years on the council and also an independent thinker. Weinert was originally elected in November 2017 and was quite active, particularly on the council’s Housing Committee, before resigning for personal reasons after serving almost one full year..

Two good – and experienced – candidates is a good problem to have for Ward 6 residents. Weinert brings her past experience on the council and her background in data analysis through her position with Chautauqua Institution. Faulkner, a union electrician, has shown himself to be an active council member during his two-year term. It can be intimidating to be the youngest member of a legislative body, but Faulkner has handled the role with aplomb while showing no qualms about asking difficult questions. Weinert would be a fine addition to the council, but in our opinion Faulkner has done more than enough over the past two years to merit two more years on the council.

Experience is a deciding factor in endorsing William Reynolds to return to the council in Ward 5. The longtime North Harmony town supervisor and Jamestown police officer moved back into the city a few years ago and was appointed to the council. Reynolds is running against Kaycee Colburn, a Creatives Rebuild NY artist-in-residence at Jamestown Community. Colburn has brought energy to the campaign trail, but Reynolds’ experience is worth returning to the council.

It’s also worth noting the final ward going to the polls on Nov. 7. There is no opponent for Tony Dolce, R-Ward 2 and council president. Dolce has found himself in the middle of a deliberative council and fast-moving mayor at times over the past four years. He’s a good and steady hand to have as president of the council.