Denny Magruder. Rosemary Ketchum. Chad Thalman. The first three.
And then Carl Carpenter, and Beth Hinebaugh, and finally, JT Thomas. The three surprises.
Each of the first trio is “city experienced” with two of them current council members and the other a retired city executive. They know how the system works. They’ve seen the ripple effects of good and bad decisions. One advertises more of the same that’s taken place during his eight council years, another legislator wishes for a more progressive approach, and the third hopes to push the Friendly City back into “municipality mode.”
Now, the three surprises are the curveballs of this campaign season because no one expected their respected candidacies, and no one really knows yet what each stands for when it comes to the future of Wheeling. We’ve heard about economic development and open conversations and an inclusive agenda, but we’ve not heard about experience and know-how and relationships in Charleston.
At least not yet anyway. And we have to wonder if that is a good thing. Or a bad thing? One thing is for sure is that voters must consider the direction of this teetering town beyond the hopeful and dreamy renderings, right? The HONEST direction, right?
But where is Wheeling headed right now?
- Will the Wheeling-Pitt Lofts ever become a reality?
- If not, will the new parking garage along Market Street live a life below the bottom line?
- Will the streetscape provoke economic development or simply supply pretty sidewalks and smooth roadways for the commercial activity already in place?
- After years of speculation, will a new hotel/conference center be constructed in downtown Wheeling?
- What kind of welcome center will be built on the corner of 10th and Main streets?
- How will the next mayor and council handle the homeless issue?
The best advice anyone can offer a registered resident right now is to listen and learn so you can cast an educated vote for Wheeling’s next mayor and council members. Read the newspaper articles, listen to the radio interviews, and attend the unbiased gatherings. Instead of concentrating on friendships, focus on the long-term future of Wheeling.
