EDITOR'S NOTE: This is one of a series of columns written by candidates on the ballot for the May 13 primary election in West Virginia. All columns were received before the deadline published in The Herald-Dispatch, and no further columns from candidates or their supporters are being accepted for publication.
A familiar refrain has been echoing throughout our city the past few years. "Somebody needs to do something!" is exclaimed as people sit around dinner tables, stand around the water coolers at work, during their walks around the park, before and after their worship services. People are truly concerned about our community.
I was the last city manager to serve the city of Huntington and served four terms in the House of Delegates. Although I am intimately familiar with how decisions are made in government, I also found myself saying, "Somebody needs to do something!"
The condition of our city is heartbreaking.
I came to the conclusion that with my background and experience, I could no longer sit idly by. I have a unique perspective that can be useful. Consequently, I decided to seek election for one of the at-large seats on Huntington City Council.
Yes, we have problems -- big problems. But I am encouraged that people from all over the community are taking ownership of the difficulties in their neighborhoods.
As our neighbors are saying, "Somebody needs to do something," a large contingent of Huntingtonians are stepping forward to clean up their neighborhoods, help the homeless and reach out to assist the police department acquire equipment needed to fight the rising crime. The citizens of Huntington are demonstrating the determination and spirit that long seemed dormant. They are responding to a community in distress.
City government, on the other hand, has not been responsive. There has been a lack of leadership, vision and fortitude. We have a leadership vacuum that has manifested itself into managerial inefficiency.
We hear nothing but excuses explaining why taxes are not being collected, why fees dedicated for police protection and road repairs are not used for the purported dedicated purpose, why our beautiful tree-lined streets and parks are allowed to lay in filth.
Excuses come easy. Answers are difficult. Solutions are even more evasive.
We have organizations throughout our community positioned to help us resolve our problems and enable us to become a laboratory for innovation.
I advocate we:
- Create a strategic partnership with Marshall University to design innovative solutions in public safety staffing, tax collection and employee benefits.
- Involve the medical community in our health benefits discussion.
- Seek tactical solutions from business and labor regarding road maintenance.
- Encourage church and synagogue involvement with substance abuse concerns.
- Examine the city charter to determine if basic services can be delivered efficiently in the present political and administrative structure.
- Assess whether metro government or metro services can more efficiently provide government services.
Innovation must be our by-word.
We have our work cut out for us. We must expect more from our city government. It is time for city government to resume its leadership in the progress of our community.
I remember when city government once was able to provide basic services and provide leadership for growth in our community.
We should expect nothing less -- now.
Steve Williams is an at-large candidate for the Huntington City Council. For more information on candidates, go to the Election 2008 page at www.herald-dispatch.com.
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