Ontario mayoral candidates pitch competing visions for city’s future

ONTARIO — Cody Zeigler and Josh Bradley will go head-to-head for the Ontario mayor’s seat, setting up a race that will shape the city’s future.

The winner serves a four-year term with an annual salary of $56,650.

The candidates each highlight the city’s ongoing focus on affordable housing, infrastructure, job growth and community engagement.

Cody Zeigler

Zeigler, 33, is a lifelong Ontario resident and a 2010 graduate of Ontario High School.

He has worked for the past 11 years as a mechanical equipment operator at ArcelorMittal.

“Having lived and thrived in Ontario, I have seen first-hand how much our community has to offer and how vital it is for every demographic to be heard and supported,” Zeigler said.

Zeigler pledges fresh perspective, focus on housing and jobs

Though he has never held elected office, Zeigler said he is eager to take on the challenge as the Democrat candidate.

“This decision is not one I take lightly; my heart and commitment to serving our community run deep,” he said, noting that local leaders and educators inspired his run.

He he hopes to bring a fresh perspective to city leadership, with affordable housing and infrastructure among his top priorities.

“I will work tirelessly to create viable solutions, not just pay lip service to important issues,” he said.

Zeigler added he plans to spearhead a new water treatment facility to make Ontario self-sufficient.

If elected, Zeigler said he will devote his full energy to the role, emphasizing resident engagement and addressing community needs.

“I will uphold current zoning regulations while actively collaborating with local leaders to meet our community’s housing demands,” he said.

Zeigler said he has been active in unions since age 19 — first with the United Auto Workers and now with the United Steelworkers, where he serves as a steward for USW Local 3057.

“Despite the challenges we’ve faced during this inflationary period and the aftermath of COVID-19, I wholeheartedly believe that together we can navigate these obstacles,” he said.

With his wife and children involved in local schools, Zeigler said he remains optimistic about Ontario’s future despite recent challenges.

Job growth and creating living-wage job opportunities will also be a top priority, he said.

“Let’s come together and make a difference in Ontario’s bright future,” he said.

Josh Bradley

Bradley, 43, is an Ontario resident, a graduate of Ontario High School and the city’s Republican candidate for mayor.

A firefighter/paramedic with the Springfield Township Fire Department, Bradley has also completed coursework in Fire/EMS, Paramedic and advanced firefighter training through the state of Ohio.

He brings 24 years of service as a first responder in addition to his experience on Ontario City Council.

Bradley began serving as 4th Ward councilman in 2020 and won re-election in 2023. He currently chairs the Economic Development Committee and serves on the Safety and Finance committees.

He said he decided to run for mayor because he believes Ontario’s residents should shape the city’s future.

“That’s why I led the development of Ontario’s Comprehensive Plan, which was built on surveys and input from our residents,” he said.

That plan led to the creation of a Community Improvement Corporation, where Bradley now serves as a member.

“It is led by private citizens who care about Ontario and want to see our community improve. I am proud to be a part of that work,” he said.

Bradley is also leading a complete update of the city’s zoning code, a project he said will protect existing neighborhoods, establish clear rules for new development and ensure growth reflects the vision residents outlined in the Comprehensive Plan.

“This is all about serving the community, managing growth responsibly and making sure Ontario stays a great place to live and raise a family,” he said.

‘This isn’t just about policies — it’s about Ontario’s future’

Bradley said he has a proven record of turning community input into action.

“The Comprehensive Plan came directly from community surveys, and I made sure those voices were heard, which ultimately created the road map of our city’s future,” he said.

Keeping residents at the center of decision-making is a priority, he added, pointing to his role in creating the Community Improvement Corporation as an example.

“Finally, I bring a lifetime of service and commitment to Ontario—24 years as a firefighter/paramedic and years of council experience,” he said. “This isn’t just about policies for me, it’s about making sure Ontario remains a safe, thriving place for families now and in the future.”

Bradley said Ontario is at a turning point, and with the right leadership the city can keep neighborhoods strong and family-friendly, attract quality businesses and maintain the infrastructure that keeps the community moving.

He emphasized the importance of staying informed, noting that beyond his committee work, he attends most other committee meetings as well.

“I want to bring steady, accountable leadership that earns the trust of residents and makes them confident about the direction our city is heading,” Bradley said.

For more information about the Nov. 4 election, visit the Richland County Board of Elections website.