Some may remember Lloyd Adams as West Virginia Division of Highways maintenance engineer for the Northern Panhandle until his retirement in December.
Others may recall his 12-year run with the Wheeling Park Commission as director of maintenance and construction. He could also be remembered for his decade serving at Wheeling's Public Works director starting in December 1979, a position now held by Russell Jebbia.
Now Adams seeks to bring those 32 years of public sector experience to Wheeling City Council's 5th Ward.
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ADAMS
"There's still fire in the furnace," he said of his drive to keep working into retirement.
Many of Adams' concerns in the city are related to infrastructure.
Being familiar with the city's water system, he said he would be able to provide insight into the ongoing sewer separation project, as mandated by the state Department of Environmental Protection. He noted the city, however, is doing a great job with alterations to the wastewater system.
Recognizing Wheeling's water system is one of the nation's oldest, he said as councilman he would consider a long-term plan for a total system replacement paid for by grants or other funding. He added he would also push to devise a "five- to six-year plan" to fund all other public works improvements, such as parks, utilities and roads.
Adams addressed the move to purchase a new $36 million water filtration plant, which will require up to an 80 percent water rate increase for customers to pay for it as well as interest for the bonds needed to build it. He said the water is much cleaner than it was 30 years ago, but there is still a need for a new plant.
"Sometimes I just don't understand the (West Virginia Public Service Commission)," he said, noting he does not agree with the commission's rule that allows wholesale customers to delay a water rate increase based on "discrimination."
"The city has handled it well, but the PSC has messy rules," he said.
In other matters, he referred to the Business and Occupation Tax as "a necessary evil" due to it being a major revenue source for the city, but he said it needs to be replaced with new taxes that can be applied successfully.
Adams also said a marketing package needs to be applied to the downtown, noting it could be a good place for strip malls. He added the downtown needs an "anchor store" like Cabela's at The Highlands. that acts as a draw for more businesses to build in proximity.
Adams was born and raised in Wellsburg and graduated from Wellsburg High School in 1963. He earned a degree in civil engineering from West Virginia University in 1968. He is also a registered professional civil engineer and land surveyor.
