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Newark City Council, Ward 4

Newark 4-A, 4-B, 4-C & 4-DCity Council Members are elected representatives who serve on the legislative body of a city. They are responsible for making local laws (ordinances), approving budgets, and overseeing city operations. Council members work with the mayor and city staff to ensure city services are delivered and that the community’s needs are addressed.Source: Ohio Revised Code §§ 731.01–731.32, 733.01–733.34

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  • Candidate picture

    Mark Labutis
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Will Mooney
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

As a candidate for City Council, what do you see as the main challenges facing Newark over the next four years?

How will your skills and experience help to address these challenges?

What is the main improvement you hope to achieve for Newark during your term?

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Campaign Mailing Address 212 W Church St
Newark, OH 43055
Campaign Phone 740-527-0427
Campaign Email will@willforward4.com
Contact Email will.mooney.3@gmail.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/willforward4
Education (30 words) Masters Degree in Computer Science with a focus in AI from Georgia Tech
Current job (10 words) Lead Software Engineer at EverHealth
Work experience/qualifications (60 words) With 13 years building complex software systems, I understand how interconnected parts work together, like city services and budgets. My experience solving technical problems systematically and translating complex issues into actionable solutions prepares me to serve residents effectively.
phone 330-241-1006
Newark faces four critical challenges: First, over half our families live paycheck-to-paycheck, making our community economically vulnerable. Second, with Intel's timeline uncertain, we must be fiscally responsible and prepare for multiple scenarios rather than banking on one outcome. Third, our fire department remains dangerously understaffed despite recent pay increases. We cannot protect families and property without adequate personnel. Fourth, government accountability requires accessible information. Citizens shouldn't have to navigate bureaucratic mazes to understand how their tax dollars are spent. Strong communities need economic stability, responsible planning, public safety, and transparent governance.
As a software engineer with 13 years of experience, I bring systematic problem-solving and data-driven decision making to city governance. I offer a fresh perspective.

I approach problems by listening first, analyzing data, and building solutions that address root causes rather than symptoms. This methodical approach translates directly to municipal challenges like economic vulnerability, public safety staffing, and government accessibility. My experience managing complex projects and translating technical concepts for diverse audiences will help bridge gaps between citizens and government, ensuring solutions work for our entire community.
My main goal is transforming how city government connects with residents. Right now, finding basic information requires downloading tons of PDFs, and many residents feel disconnected from decision-making. I'm committed to making government truly accessible through modernizing how we share information so anyone can quickly find what they need, and being personally responsive: I pledge to reply within 24 hours to any Ward 4 resident who contacts me. When people have easy access to information and direct lines of communication, they can better advocate for solutions to our economic challenges and other priorities. Democracy works best when everyone can participate.