“I’m most definitely up for the challenge,” Mr. Ravenstahl said. “I learned a lot in my first term, and we are ready to move forward.”

By most measures he has been fairly successful as mayor. He cut the city’s work force by 2 percent, streamlined snow removal and received increased economic development aid from state officials in Harrisburg. The result has been budget surpluses for the last four years.

Moreover, the city has done fairly well in replacing its steel industry with jobs in education, health care and a variety of “green” businesses.

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