WARDEN - Tony Massa is a big proponent of community service and believes his experience, work ethic and knowledge will help him serve as Warden mayor.

"I can think of no better service than helping the community that I love grow and become an even better place to live," he said.

Massa has served in numerous leadership roles, including five years on city council and time as chairman of the Grant County Board of Health.

"I know that the best decisions are made after all sides of an issue have had the opportunity to be voiced," he said. "Sometimes elected officials forget that the most important part of their job is to listen."

He also developed a working relationship with several state legislators while lobbying on the city's behalf for funding and gang issues.

The city is doing a lot to fight gang activity, Massa said, but more must be done to fully staff the police department, help gang crime victims and work with volunteers groups to pull kids out of gangs.

"As a city we need to stay the course. We didn't get here overnight and we will not get out of it overnight," he said.

Besides gangs, Massa sees many challenges ahead, including dealing with a failed well and finding funds for a mandated sewer plant. The city can overcome its challenges by developing goals and working towards growth to make Warden a better place to live and do business, he said.

Partnerships must also be strengthened with city industry, businesses, citizens and the media to build a better community.

Massa is against using speeding cameras in Warden, saying it would violate his core principals.

Concerning another hot city issue, Massa said that parents should be fined for their children's crimes.

"As a parent I am responsible for my children's actions," he said.

By far the best thing about living in Warden is the kids, Massa said.

"Warden has some of the greatest kids in the world," he said.