"I do hate that I am only given this opportunity at the loss of David Fortunato," said candidate Angela Kirtdoll-Suggs.

Steubenville City Council fired out a list full of questions, from general qualifications to the tough ones.

"I think that I would be a great asset to the council and that I would be able to serve residents in my ward and the entire city with a lot of respect and integrity," said Kirtdoll-Suggs.

Current councilman David Lalich asked each candidate what they see as the critical issues facing the city of Steubenville over the next three to five years.

Candidate Royal Mayor said "Everything is driven by the economy, but when you diversify, that improves everything."

"All the businesses around me have been shut down, the music store, the car dealer right across from Super America. Everything in my vicinity. I just want to see business move into the downtown area," said candidate Michael White.

The five applicants who are vying for the open seat are Scott M. Dressell, Michael D. Hall, Royal Mayo, Angela Kirtdoll-Suggs, and Michael T. White. A sixth dropped out of the running before Tuesday's interviews.

The remaining were asked the same list of questions put together by current members of council.

"All five interviews were outstanding. City council is going to have a an extremely difficult decision to make over the next few days," said Mayor Dominic Mucci.

City council will hold a vote next Tuesday evening at their regularly scheduled meeting. Whoever is appointed will then serve for 6 months until the November elections.