YOUNGSTOWN - Youngstown Mayor Derrick McDowell gave his very first State of the City Address at the Youngstown Rotary Club's lunch meeting on Wednesday, March 4.

Mayor McDowell started his address by thanking those who supported him and placed their trust in him to run the city.

McDowell then discussed the last 60 days since he took office, saying they've been filled with "wonderful beginnings" for the City of Youngstown.

Firstly, McDowell stated that education has been at the forefront of his first 60 days in office. 

"Being the husband of a wife who has served as an educator for 20 years, we have had extensive conversations that have informed the work of the first 60 days. ... We talk about parental engagement, we talk about attendance, ... we talk about reading on grade levels," McDowell said.

Other topics discussed included the city's response to the recent snowstorm that brought record levels of snow to the Mahoning Valley as well as working to hold SOBE Thermal Energy Solutions accountable following an extended period where several downtown buildings were without heat.

"Look at how we, City Hall, responded together. ... I mean some of you saw two pieces of farm equipment going down your streets pushing [snow] as if it was a field in the City of Columbiana, but it was the streets of the City of Youngstown because we knew if our response to that weather wasn't immediate, wasn't effective that your jobs were at risk," McDowell said.

"I can task a new CPED director all I want, but when City Hall is 57 degrees, we've got a problem in our municipal building. When a Huntington Bank has to close in the first 60 days of the city that I love, when OH WOW! has to reconsider, when the YMCA is not supporting our seniors with the sauna that they've enjoyed for decades, we've got a problem that I won't ignore," McDowell said. 

Samantha Turner, Youngstown 3rd ward councilwoman, was also happy with the way the administration handled the storm.

"I think the snow is always a test for the mayor, and I believe he passed this year. So we're really excited just to see what else he can do and what else he has on his mind for change in the city of Youngstown," said Turner. "I'm able to get my questions answered quickly, and it's not that I did it With the last administration, but with this administration, it just feels different. There's more intention, and it's more to close the loop and get the work done."

Furthermore, McDowell discussed first responders in the area, noting increased morale in the fire department and a decrease in mandated overtime accrued within the police department.

"We're retooling and looking at our cadet program through every lens possible to ensure ... that when it's written not only on the garage of our police department, but on the vehicles that we drive, that I demand a standard that stands up to the words, 'Youngstown's finest.' If you're looking for a vision, there it is," McDowell said.

On the topic of infrastructure, McDowell stated that the city is looking at how to address issues with aging water lines and potholes, mentioning a recent days-long boil alert that affected Youngstown and neighboring communities like Boardman and Liberty Townships.

"We're already front of mind, looking at how we can address taking care of the aging infastructure. We know that there are, unfortunately aging water lines breaks that have occurred day to day," said McDowell. "In the first 60 days, we're reestablishing relationships with those townships and trustees so that they know that communication is at the forefront," McDowell said.

Near the end of his speech, McDowell took questions. When asked what his biggest focus will be, McDowell pointed to Youngstown's identity.

When McDowell was asked about the city's finances, he said the city is in a good spot.

"Financially, we're in a good position, but we still have to get through budgeting process right now, and we've got to get to a place where the visionary things that we want to achieve are within that budget," said McDowell.

McDowell also mentioned his willingness to collaborte with surrounding communities.

Arnie Clebone, Liberty township trustee, said he's been working with the city to 'build a better Belmont Avenue,' and is hopeful a lot can get done under McDowell's administration.

"He very much wants to get involved with the surrounding townships and how we can work together. When they take a trip to Youngstown, they come through Liberty, and as they're coming through Liberty, we want them to keep going further," said Clebone.

McDowell concluded his address, saying Youngstown may have suffered some hardships in recent years, but promised to let the city live up to its potential.

"We might be a bit bruised. We're certainly embattled by things when it comes to what we know about this city, but I will tell you that this city under my term and my tenure will live up to what it said. And if you're going to in this city claim that Youngstown invented grit, it is now time to call on that grittiness and get at it," McDowell said.