May 12, 2008
COMMENTARY: Why I Voted 'Four More Years' for Mayor
David Felinton
He Deserves Another Term to Continue Implementing His Vision for Huntington; Best is
Yet to Come
By Tony Seaton
HNN Producer
Why re-elect the mayor? It's a no-brainer first and most obviously. Think of downtown Huntington in 2000. 'Superblock?' 'Teletrack?' How about 'Mud Avenue?' Previously failed visions of what is now the wildly successful Pullman Square.
Of course the mayor won't take credit for this sea-change in the look and feel of downtown Huntington. Self-deprecating as always he says, "All that has been done has been a team effort," he says, mentioning TTA, Congressman Nick Rahall, the State of WV and others, but the fact is, the project came to fruition and now completion under his tenure and mayoral leadership and is now a jewel in the crown of downtown. And it's still opening new stores. What recession? 'It's the economy, stupid.' Remember that saying?
Which brings us to another factor to recommend David Felinton for re-election: his basic decency and honesty. Having covered city politics as a journalist off and on for 38 years I can say he's easily one of the most straight-forward and forthcoming civil servants I have ever met. He doesn't duck questions, he's always available and he can't be 'bought.' That's why those who've tried to make him part of their 'machine' have learned this and moved on.
"The 'good old boys' do not like me because they know that I am my own person and can not be bought. Contributing to me some of them view as a waste of their time," the mayor bluntly acknowledges.
Why hasn't the mayor been more visible in touting his many accomplishments? "I have always used grassroots campaigning and believe that in a municipal election it is the way to go. I have never been much on fundraising."
Other candidates are seemingly everywhere; one in particular, and many wonder why thy mayor hasn't done more TV or newspaper advertising to counteract some of the claims he makes. "I have a city to run and that is my first priority. County Commission is a part-time position with no administrative duties, so he can go to many events to cut ribbons with little responsibility or effort," the mayor explains.
Finally, some of the other plans Mayor Felinton has implemented are just now beginning to come into focus, with one of them, 'home rule,' mentioned as the foundation of a fantasy future Bresnahan administration among others candidates..
Mayor Felinton alone has the right to mention that possibility as one of the things he's looking forward to implementing in the future should it pass the legislature. Of course, he only does so giving credit to his team and their assistance.
"I am very proud to have the responsibilities vested in me by the people of Huntington. I have been reenergized of late since being joined by Chief Holbrook and Brandi Jacobs-Jones and the great work that they have been doing. things are on the upswing and with great things on the horizon like the possibility of Home Rule (we are one of 4 out of 60 eligible communities to have applied) to our community visioning process (the city has had no comprehensive vision since the 1950's), to the old main corridor (which should begin construction in July) I am excited about good things happening."
So, ignore the highly unscientific polls you may see that show a certain candidate for mayor ahead of Felinton. When that guy was last mayor, the only shopping mecca being built was the Baboursville Mall. Not surprising perhaps that Barboursville Mayor Paul Turman gave life-long politician Bailey the maximum campaign contribution this go around.
Re-elect David Felinton.
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David Felinton
He Deserves Another Term to Continue Implementing His Vision for Huntington; Best is
Yet to Come
   |
| images:seaton |
By Tony Seaton
HNN Producer
Why re-elect the mayor? It's a no-brainer first and most obviously. Think of downtown Huntington in 2000. 'Superblock?' 'Teletrack?' How about 'Mud Avenue?' Previously failed visions of what is now the wildly successful Pullman Square.
Of course the mayor won't take credit for this sea-change in the look and feel of downtown Huntington. Self-deprecating as always he says, "All that has been done has been a team effort," he says, mentioning TTA, Congressman Nick Rahall, the State of WV and others, but the fact is, the project came to fruition and now completion under his tenure and mayoral leadership and is now a jewel in the crown of downtown. And it's still opening new stores. What recession? 'It's the economy, stupid.' Remember that saying?
Which brings us to another factor to recommend David Felinton for re-election: his basic decency and honesty. Having covered city politics as a journalist off and on for 38 years I can say he's easily one of the most straight-forward and forthcoming civil servants I have ever met. He doesn't duck questions, he's always available and he can't be 'bought.' That's why those who've tried to make him part of their 'machine' have learned this and moved on.
"The 'good old boys' do not like me because they know that I am my own person and can not be bought. Contributing to me some of them view as a waste of their time," the mayor bluntly acknowledges.
Why hasn't the mayor been more visible in touting his many accomplishments? "I have always used grassroots campaigning and believe that in a municipal election it is the way to go. I have never been much on fundraising."
Other candidates are seemingly everywhere; one in particular, and many wonder why thy mayor hasn't done more TV or newspaper advertising to counteract some of the claims he makes. "I have a city to run and that is my first priority. County Commission is a part-time position with no administrative duties, so he can go to many events to cut ribbons with little responsibility or effort," the mayor explains.
Finally, some of the other plans Mayor Felinton has implemented are just now beginning to come into focus, with one of them, 'home rule,' mentioned as the foundation of a fantasy future Bresnahan administration among others candidates..
Mayor Felinton alone has the right to mention that possibility as one of the things he's looking forward to implementing in the future should it pass the legislature. Of course, he only does so giving credit to his team and their assistance.
"I am very proud to have the responsibilities vested in me by the people of Huntington. I have been reenergized of late since being joined by Chief Holbrook and Brandi Jacobs-Jones and the great work that they have been doing. things are on the upswing and with great things on the horizon like the possibility of Home Rule (we are one of 4 out of 60 eligible communities to have applied) to our community visioning process (the city has had no comprehensive vision since the 1950's), to the old main corridor (which should begin construction in July) I am excited about good things happening."
So, ignore the highly unscientific polls you may see that show a certain candidate for mayor ahead of Felinton. When that guy was last mayor, the only shopping mecca being built was the Baboursville Mall. Not surprising perhaps that Barboursville Mayor Paul Turman gave life-long politician Bailey the maximum campaign contribution this go around.
Re-elect David Felinton.
E-mail HNN Yahoo Google
Make HNN Your Homepage (IE Users Only)
