New Leadership is Promising, I hope.

This is only one citizen's response to a Herald Dispatch editorial "Huntington needs more than talk from county".   The board makes numerous references to Charleston, and Kanawha County officials.  Guys, keep to your subject to Huntington, and Cabell County, this is not Charleston.   Sometimes I wonder if the HD editorial board just sits around reading other city newspapers and making opinions even without leaving the building. 

This editorial board stated "huge deficit - of its own, got a very different kind of '"help'" from the Cabell County Commission - a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the $2 a week user fee Huntington City Council imposed on all who work in the city".  First, Huntington does not have 'Home Rule,' and the commission merely saw potential for failure and tested the proposal in court.  It is cheaper to test than to follow through with a plan only to pay back monies found unconstitutional later.  I think that if you research the history of a bill, you will find that this is a common practice.  Secondly, I believe the commission was only listening to their constituents. 

Yes HD, there are citizens residing and working outside of Huntington.  Just maybe more than you may think.  I really don't see citizens outside Huntington stealing or taking anything from Huntington.  They pay sales tax, parking, eat at local restaurants and shop at many community groceries.  

I do agree with the HD that talk is cheap.  I recall several years ago an organization, the Cabell County Concerned Citizens, Inc., provided the city council a letter of thanks for using their chamber for a 'Meet the Candidates" session.  In their letter they referred to Huntington as remaining the hub for Cabell County.  This organization went one step further however.  They identified Huntington as the county's hub but lacked leadership, and direction.  "The city has gone from a wilderness to a parking lot," it has been said.  "Where is the business"?   Many only come to Huntington to take care of government business.  I'm sure Barboursville would be receptive to their relocation too.  "Now just wait," you yell! " Huntington has parking lots, parking meters, and parking tickets," you continue.  Yeah, for what?   Can you say "Super - block or flop"?

I don't find it strange that Huntington is hurting financially, but do find it difficult to believe that the Herald Dispatch would suggest our commission to bail them out.  Speaking of bailing wasn't (now) Commissioner Bailey (then) Councilman Bailing during this nightmare?  Only after his crossing 8th street to the courthouse is this conversation coming up?  That's right, the Cabell County Commission has over $1mil surplus.   Someone at the commission must have done something right.  Therefore, "why not give a little to their Huntington buddies to help them out," you may be thinking.  Similar to a child asking a parent to bail them out of debt, I don't believe this action would work.   They would just do it again.

Here's an idea.  Let Huntington give up their charter and let the commission take over.  But no, that would only give the appearance of metro government.  But wait, I think I got it!  Remember how I couldn't figure why HD would think this way?  Just maybe this 'bail out' would help the Herald Dispatch get their money ($10,000) from the city.  If the county would only pay, please.   Get real!

Let's not forget annexation.  Huntington, I understand, is attempting to annex approximately 15 miles of Route 2.  Question, what does Huntington bring to the citizens of that area?  You may say police and fire protection.  I think it is more like police and fire fees. 

Citizens of Route 2, what about zoning directed by Huntington.  Do you recall when the former Mayor Dean and certain councilpersons came to Cox Landing School?  They were selling their plan to annex?  You know, there's something about government coming to us claiming "we're here to help you," I believe it's more like "we're here to get what we can". Oh, is there a floodwall protection board, and fee too? 

Yes, the Huntington City Council voted to annex, but I think the people have something to say about that subject.  Just maybe so does the county commission.  People, if you reside on Route 2 and don't watch out, you may just wake up one 'mourning' as a Huntington resident. Government plans operate like a clock; their plans just keep coming around. 

Just remember, when the city lack -of-leadership comes to your area for an INFORMATIONAL Meeting, they normally don't come providing information, but to determine what you know, and learn of their resistance.

Rick Miller
Ona, WV