To the editor, The only contested race for Athens City Council is the Fourth Ward. Early voting has begun and voters must go to the Board of Elections or cast an absentee ballot to vote in this primary. Alan Swank is a candidate who deserves your vote. Alan Swank will be a visible council representative in the Fourth Ward who will work with residents to listen to their concerns and take appropriate action to address their issues. Maintaining city services and capital improvements will be a challenge for the next couple of years as city revenues can decline due to a decrease of enrollment at Ohio University and the likelihood of no additional federal stimulus dollars to shore up the city budget. Alan Swank understands the budgeting process and recognizes the need to have a common sense approach to work with city officials on budget oversight to ensure fiscal responsibility.