Three of Delaware City Council ward representatives are running unopposed in the fall election, with two newcomers running for the 4th Ward seat.

The candidates for the 4th Ward seat are Rand Guebert, who chairs the city’s Sister City Advisory Board, and Kyle Rohrer, Delaware County’s first assistant prosecuting attorney.

Guebert, now retired after a 27-year career in oil refining and marketing, has lived in the 4th Ward for five years. He has degrees from Rice University and the University of Pennsylvania. Guebert has run four marathons in the past year.

“My wife and I really enjoy living in Delaware,” Guebert said. “Now I would like to contribute to the future development of the city. I believe my commercial and international experience will help me to balance thoughtful economic development with preservation of Delaware’s unique heritage and quality of life. I believe I have a record of community accomplishment in my activities with the Delaware City Schools’ Education Council, Delaware Rotary Club and Delaware’s Sister City advisory board. I want Delaware to continue to be a place we are all proud to call home.”

Guebert said he agrees with a recent city survey that said economic development was Delaware’s top priority.

“Delaware is seeing growth in retail, commercial and light industrial business development — this is having a positive impact on the city,” he said. “Each of these three business sectors is important and has different requirements, whether it is railroad access, a skilled work force, or proximity to other partners.

“Moving forward, the city needs the flexibility to engage the resources it needs to support the business community,” Guebert said. “Various city departments from public works to economic development to zoning and planning must be able to respond to new challenges. Developing and retaining quality staff should be a priority for the city administration and council.”

In addition to economic development, Guebert said he wants to maintain the “community feel” of the city.

“Delaware’s population will grow, but the city should not become just another suburb of Columbus,” Guebert said. “I support the historic preservation of our buildings and protection of our natural resources. I also would like to see Delaware become a modern city that encourages walking and cycling.

“I will also continue to ensure responsible financial management on behalf of residents,” Guebert said. “The city has certain amounts of revenue each year and this must be respected, and capital projects must be carefully reviewed if financing is involved. I believe that I can work effectively with other members of council in addressing these challenges.”

Rohrer has served 16 years as a prosecutor and has worked more than 100 jury trials, trying cases ranging from speeding to aggravated murder. He is married and has three children.

“As a resident of Delaware since 1999, I have great affection for our great city,” Rohrer said. “The citizens of the 4th Ward deserve a councilman that is well qualified and zealously represents their interests. My public sector experience in budgeting, as a prosecutor and administrator uniquely qualifies me to represent the interests of our citizens.”

Rohrer said public safety is the biggest issue facing the city.

“I work with police and firefighters on a daily basis,” Rohrer said. “I will make sure that we prioritize the safety of our residents.”

Rohrer’s other goals are to “balance the budget, maintain quality services, and smart growth.”

Andrew Brush, who has served as councilman for the 4th Ward since November 2007, is stepping down to pursue other interests.

Incumbent council members running uncontested are:

• Chris Jones, 1st Ward, who has served since September 2010.

• Lisa Keller, 2nd Ward, who has served since July 2008.

• Joe DiGenova, 3rd Ward, who has served since September 2006.