Johnstown Mayor Sarah Slingerland cites many accomplishments over the past four years.

Among them: She helped create a comprehensive plan and is working on zoning regulations; she completed renovations at City Hall offices; she implemented a five-year capital plan for large equipment purchases and upgrades; she established a scheduled foreclosure and demolition process to put property back on the tax rolls; she implemented a scheduled program to pave city-owned parking lots and roads; she helped create a city Web site; and she co-chaired the 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee in 2008. In addition, Slingerland has set a motivational and inspirational tone.

In light of her positive effect on Johnstown, we encourage voters to re-elect Slingerland.

In her second term, the Republican would accomplish more good for her city. Slingerland, the city's first woman mayor, is promoting programs to recognize Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a Johnstown native who was one of America's first leaders of the women's-rights movement. Continuing her efforts to improve the city's efficiency, Slingerland aims to update the city's zoning. She will work to reduce the number of blighted properties and will promote further improvements to the Rail Trail along the Cayadutta Creek. She will emphasize shared services and cooperation among neighboring municipalities and Fulton County government. She actively will encourage more downtown events, including parades.

Slingerland has shown true dedication. She works hard in what is technically a part-time mayor's post to do what's in the best interests of Johnstown, and she always takes a professional approach.

No one can question her allegiance to and appreciation of Johnstown. She graduated from Johnstown High School in 1967, worked as a teacher in the city school district for 20 years, served as a council member from 2003 to 2006, was a Johnstown Charter Commission member and served on the city's Master Planning Committee. She's also been involved with numerous organizations in the city.

Slingerland's opponent, Stuart Myzal, says he's running to give voters a choice, but he offers few specifics for helping the city. We can't envision him performing at Slingerland's level.

The choice on Nov. 3 should be Slingerland.