Two candidates are running for Reading’s City Council president seat in the Nov. 4 election.

Democratic candidate Donna Reed and Republican candidate the Rev. Evelyn Morrison are competing for the four-year term.

The candidates were asked to respond to the following question.

Question: 1. What would be your top priorities if elected council president?

*Denotes incumbent.

Donna ReedDonna Reed

*Donna Reed

Party: Democrat.

Age: 72.

Occupation: Freelance writer, former journalist.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=donna%20reed%20city%20council%20president

Answer: Addressing economic development, blight, crime and quality-of-life issues and housing.

It’s imperative that council be included as a working partner from the get-go, not just when the times come to request funding. Being responsible with our tax dollars is imperative to the public trust we hold.

We need to attract more business to our city — small, medium and large, and develop the downtown as well as outlying parcels. More businesses mean more jobs. We need to work with the many partners providing both economic development know-how and job training. This includes public and private entities as well as the county and our area colleges.

Support of our police department is critical, assisting in the recruitment effort and having the entire force know we are behind them.

Creating incentives for home ownership, especially working with partners like Habitat to reclaim and rehabilitate blighted properties into quality housing stock.  More homeowners mean more neighborhood buy-in and pride.

Rev. Evelyn W. Morrison

Party: Republican.

Age: Not provided

Occupation: Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church

Website:  https://www.facebook.com/100067444351191/posts/1127353406189461/?mibextid=Z73pjSa4K1TPGbST

Morrison did not provide her age or respond to the question.