Story by
Chris Lusher

The landfill discussion came first. It was agreed at the last Council
meeting to reopen the landfill but Mayor Felinton vetoed the idea owing to the expenses and where they would come from. Council member, Tom McCallister scolded Felinton for various jobs that McCallister believed Felinton should have been performing. "We have Councilmen taking care of your business Mayor," he said. "We're directing traffic and throwing away trash," he continued. "You wont be saving the city any money but you might just save your skin."

Charlie Thompson also said his disagreement with Felinton's veto saying, "There's a lot of brainwash here, I mean we have trash coming out of our ears, m'kay," he stated. A Mr. Vance, citizen of Huntington, spoke on the Mayor's behalf. "Council you're not voting your mind, your voting party," he said. He then blurted out, "There's five of you on Council who's gonna run for Mayor and Mary your one of 'em," he said
referring to Councilchair Mary Neely. "That's new to me," Neely responded.

"Well I'm glad to let you know ahead of time," Mr. Vance said.

Public Works director George McClennen also spoke on the topic. "The only way this would work is if we did the garbage on Saturday and paid overtime." The Mayor's veto was then voted on and overidden by a vote of 8-3 reopening the landfill.

Controversy and a large citizen uprising surrounded the resolution to remove the position of Economic Developement Director. The position was appointed to Sandra McCoy by Felinton. Felinton began the resolution process by heaping praise upon McCoy. Councilman Polan then asked what responsibilities the position entailed. Richard Dixon of Developement and Planning explained. "They oversee loan portfolios, the enviromental review process and also public improvement to the city." he said.

Citizen Joyce Chapman spoke in favor of the removal of the position. "Why vote a hiring freeze and then continue to hire?" she asked. David Blackburn, of Huntington, spoke in favor of McCoy. "I have known Sandra McCoy for several years and I ask that you don't eliminate her position," he said. "I'm sure she's more qualified for her position than most of the councilmen here tonight."

Cal Kent spoke of why it was a bad idea to keep the position. "Until we get our fiscal house in order, we simply can't have this position," he said. Citizen John Queen spoke about needing this position for our city and our childrens futures. "I've listened to the pros and cons of this, and there are valid points, but put aside your differences," he said. "This is about our children and our future."

Councilman Inscoe concurred with Mr. Queen. "The gentleman that spoke about the children and the future of this city was right on target," he said. "If we get rid of this position we might as well turn off the lights and go home."

The motion was then voted on and carried by a vote of 6-5, eliminating the position.