It’s almost too bad there can be only one City Council representative from Ward 4.

Joe Paterniti, the incumbent Republican, has been a fresh voice the past two years on the council, bringing with him private sector experience, a willingness to speak up on behalf of those who have come to him with issues and, most importantly, common sense that is all too often lacking from our elected representatives. Doug Scotchmer, the endorsed Democrat, is a newcomer to elected politics but no stranger to residents of Ward 4 as is the husband of former Ward 4 councilwoman Marie Carrubba. While Carrubba brought experience in housing issues, Scotcher comes with a different set of experience through the county Mental Health Department from 1996 until his recent retirement.

Both raised use of $3 million from the city fund balance in the 2026 budget as a concern while admitting they’re not sure what’s left to cut to both reduce the tax levy and the fund balance appropriation. Both agree that it would benefit the city to find a way to tear down condemned homes more quickly Both have seen what happens when neighborhoods have houses that are vacant. Scotchmer said he would work to be a mediator in issues between neighbors if needed.

Both Scotchmer and Paterniti have shown they have a firm grasp on the city’s issues while not being naive enough to say they have the silver bullet to solve the city’s financial issues, housing issues or to reverse the crushing poverty that is affecting too many areas of the city. Their realistic views of complex problems is evident.

In short, both candidates bring a point of view that can benefit city residents – as was the case two years ago when Paterniti challenged Scotchmer. That was also the case two years ago, when the race between Paterniti and Carrubba was decided by a mere 31 votes. Ward 4 residents can’t go wrong with either candidate, but we endorse Paterniti for re-election. He has been a strong voice during his two years on the council, and we think he will be an even stronger voice with the benefit of two years of experience on the council.