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WHEELING -- Wanting to utilize his many years of service to the community and hoping to give something back to residents, Wheeling native and life-long resident Joe Key is seeking the 2nd Ward seat on Wheeling City Council.
"I'm running for city council for the first time because I want to utilize my many years of service to the community and personally give something back to the city and residents of the 2nd Ward," Key said. "The top priority of city government is providing the best community services possible. My goal as a new councilman is to ensure that the city has the ability to deliver the highest quality services to our residents in a timely and efficient manner using sound decision making and prudent fiscal responsibility."
Key said primary issues and concerns are the current aging infrastructure, including roads and bridges along with severely deteriorating private properties.
He said these issues are limiting growth in our local neighborhoods and can't be ignored. Key said the problems are difficult and complicated, but the city needs to streamline the process or the problems will continue to compound.
Key lists the following work history and experiences: veteran of the U.S. Air Force; retired Wheeling area U.S. Postal Service letter carrier; former women's basketball coach at Wheeling Jesuit University for 23 years; basketball and tennis coach at Mt. DeChantal Visitation Academy; former board member of the North Wheeling Boosters; former member of the board of directors of the Wheeling Housing Authority and former president of Wheeling Neighborhood Ventures.
"Whether it was my time during the planning and construction of the HOPE VI Housing Projects in North Wheeling and Wheeling Heights, or working closely with other community leaders to improve community services, I'm confident I can bring a fresh perspective to city council, one that emphasizes transparency, accessibility, and responsiveness," Key said. "We know that healthy communities and neighborhoods with quality facilities and infrastructure are a sound building block for any thriving city. I look forward to working closely with the city manager and other council members for the betterment of not just the 2nd Ward but for the entire city."
Key added he looks forward to campaigning and sharing his vision and goals with other Wheeling residents in the coming months. He is married to Beth Voellinger Key and they have a son, Jacob.