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Outgoing Officials Deserving of Praise

By this time next week, Wheeling Mayor Andy McKenzie and five members of City Council will be history. They will leave office July 1, to be replaced by new officials elected May 10.

They should not go without something of a round of applause.

Eight years ago, the outlook for Wheeling, especially its downtown business district, was not particularly good. But the groundwork for progress had been laid by then-Mayor Nick Sparachane and others in office with him.

Things are much different now. Incoming Mayor Glenn Elliott and five new council members have a solid basis from which to continue moving forward.

McKenzie was limited to two terms in office, so could not seek re-election. Two members of council, Gloria Delbrugge and Robert “Herk” Henry, chose to retire. Three others, Vice Mayor Gene Fahey and Councilmen Don Atkinson and David Miller, were defeated at the polls May 10. Incumbent Councilman Ken Imer won re-election.

A variety of good things have occurred under the current administration. City finances are in much better condition, thanks to steps such as “right-sizing” municipal government, entering the state’s home rule program and resolving the longstanding challenge of underfunded pensions for police and firefighters.

There has been progress in other facets of government, too. New development is occurring downtown. A new water treatment plant has opened. Dilapidated buildings are being dealt with more effectively.

Those are just some of the current administration’s accomplishments.

Have we and others in Wheeling always agreed with steps taken by city government? Of course not. But by and large, they have done well. They are to be commended for their service to the people of the Friendly City.

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