Deadline Wednesday to get on ballot

An Ironton attorney has made official his intent to run for a seat on the city council.

Philip Heald filed his petition last week, making the number of candidates for the November council election two so far.

Detective Aaron Bollinger of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office is also running for one of the three available seats. Incumbents Kevin Waldo and Frank Murphy have picked up petitions but have not yet filed them. The deadline to file for the election is Wednesday.

Besides those of Waldo and Murphy, Councilman Chuck O’Leary’s seat is also up for grabs this year.

Heald, 49, an Ironton native, has been practicing law since 1996. Heald said now is a good time in his life and career to be on the council.

“I think I could make a positive difference,” Heald said.

Stealing a line from Woody Hayes, famed Ohio State University football coach, Heald said the city is either getting better or getting worse. Heald said he wants to help the city improve.

For instance, the city needs more commercial development, he said.

“There have been signs of growth but people are impatient for something to happen fast to show we are going in the right direction,” Heald said. “I want to do my part, to roll up my sleeves.”

Heald said his experience as an attorney would help him on council.

“I think have an advantage in understanding the legal issues before council,” he said.

His time as a lawyer has also given him experience dealing with issues that are contested, Heald said. He has experience finding solutions for people, he said.

“I love Ironton,” Heald said. “…I’m on the side of the people in Ironton. I want to see this city start to grow again.”