The village of Viola is preparing for its upcoming mayoral election on April 1, with current Mayor Scott Barber seeking re-election against challenger Michael Wherry. Both candidates bring unique perspectives and goals for the village as they campaign to earn the support of local voters.
Scott Barber: Seeking Another Term
Scott Barber, the current mayor, was originally appointed to the position after serving as a trustee since 2021. His appointment came after the previous mayor was removed due to financial misconduct. Barber emphasized that one of his first priorities was ensuring financial transparency and accountability within the village government.
“For a small village, any amount of money taken without approval is a big deal,” Barber said. “We now require two signers on each check, and we’re keeping a much closer eye on receipts to ensure that financial oversight remains a priority.”
Barber highlighted Viola’s recent economic growth, pointing to the success of new businesses like Prairie Crossroads, Beanfield, and Gaining Ground Fitness, which have brought renewed energy to the downtown area. He also acknowledged the importance of infrastructure improvements, particularly concerning Viola’s aging water and sewer systems.
“We completed some water maintenance improvements about three years ago, but three-quarters of the town still need updates,” Barber noted. “We need to continue seeking grants and funding opportunities to keep making progress.”
When asked why he believes Viola is a great place to live, Barber pointed to its strong sense of community and family-friendly atmosphere.
“It’s a down-home, safe, community-oriented village,” he said. “It’s a great place to raise a family, and I want to keep it that way by focusing on the basics: safe drinking water, well-maintained streets, and reliable infrastructure.”
Michael Wherry: A New Vision for Viola
Challenger Michael Wherry, a lifelong resident of Viola, also recognizes the importance of financial integrity and infrastructure improvements. He emphasized the need for stronger checks and balances to prevent financial mismanagement, noting that separation of duties is critical in village government.
“You should never have just one person signing a check,” Wherry said. “We need to maintain a strong system of oversight to ensure that no conflicts of interest exist and that financial integrity is upheld.”
Wherry also highlighted Viola’s infrastructure needs, pointing out that some of the oldest water pipes in town recently burst, leading to boil orders. He suggested a two-fold approach: short-term fixes using available resources while also securing grants for long-term improvements.
“We’ve been told that some of our older fire hydrants couldn’t be repaired, but after researching, I found third-party companies that make replacement parts. While new hydrants are the ultimate goal, we can make smart, cost-effective repairs in the meantime,” he explained.
To attract new businesses to Viola, Wherry has collaborated with Mercer County Better Together and local architects to develop plans for revitalizing downtown. He envisions a phased approach, starting with using existing green space for community events like farmer’s markets and expanding over time to accommodate new businesses.
“Viola has 49 local businesses—many people don’t realize that,” Wherry said. “We need to support them while also creating incentives for new businesses to set up shop in town.”
Additionally, Wherry proposed increasing community engagement by offering regular office hours at the village hall, giving residents more direct access to their mayor outside of formal board meetings.
“Board meetings are structured and somewhat formal, which can limit public participation,” he said. “If elected, I’d like to offer evening hours and weekend availability so people can come in, ask questions, and share their concerns directly.”
The Path Forward
Both candidates agree on several key issues: improving infrastructure, maintaining financial responsibility, and fostering economic growth in Viola. However, they offer different approaches to achieving those goals. As election day approaches, residents will have the opportunity to decide which vision aligns best with their hopes for the village’s future.
The election will take place on April 1, and both Barber and Wherry encourage all eligible residents to cast their votes and participate in shaping the future of Viola.