Scatterday Endorses Sklavounakis For 4th Ward Seat
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WHEELING -- Wheeling Councilwoman Wendy Scatterday has endorsed attorney Jerry Sklavounakis to succeed her in the May 12 municipal election.
Scatterday made the announcement during a candidate forum Tuesday night featuring the candidates seeking to take the Ward 4 seat she occupies. Those in the race are Sklavounakis, former reporter Crissy Clutter and businessman Jeff Knierim.
The candidates answered questions submitted by the public, one of which was, "Has Councilwoman Scatterday endorsed any of you?"
Sklavounakis suggested Scatterday -- sitting in the crowd -- stand and answer that question herself.
"I'm endorsing Jerry," Scatterday said.
She attributed her support largely to Sklavounakis' staunch opposition to development of the hilltop above Woodsdale.
"What I've learned during my time serving, is it is truly about service. And Jerry has 20 years of experience working on behalf of others," Scatterday said. "That's his career.
"He is an advocate. He knows how to be an advocate. That's the core of his work and who he is.
"Advocacy is the number one thing I've learned is important in serving the residents of Wheeling."
Rabbi Joshua Lief of the Temple Shalom moderated the event, which lasted just over an hour.
The public submitted questions on-line, and in writing prior to the event. Lief said many of the questions were similar, and he presented those most prolific.
He said the public most wanted to know the candidates' thoughts on the proposed development of the hillside above Woodsdale by GC&P Development.
"I am in support of responsible development, however I haven't seen it as something that can be done responsibly as of yet," Clutter said. "I have a lot of concerns about my neighbors and friends who live below where the development is, and if it can be developed without destroying their homes and having mudslides or landslides.
"It is happening. I have friends and family members who live there. What is going to be done to fix that?"
She also suggested the company -- before any work is approved by council -- post an assurance bond assuring completion of the project.
"My main objective, if elected to council, would be to protect my neighbors and be their voice," Clutter said. "I have heard a lot of people want development, and I heard a lot of people are absolutely against it.
"Right now I'm at the learning process where I am learning whether the project can happen without disturbing the land or the environment."
She said she has a lot of learning to do about the project.
"I can't be for it right now -- absolutely not," Clutter said.
Knierim termed the project "complex, to say the least." He said it is one that will affect the whole area.
"I don't envy the members of the planning commission who ultimately have to decide this project," he said. "The process the developers have gone through I have studied, and they seem to have dotted their 'i's' and crossed their 't's.' There is so much yet that has to be discussed."
GC&P Development currently has a request before the Wheeling Planning Commission to change Wheeling's comprehensive plan in order to request a zoning change to develop the hillside.
The hearing before the commission is on May 11, and the election is on May 12, Knierim said.
"It is not very good timing to come out with a decision, and there is more information to garner," he said. "I see it as a possible economic development issue for sure. On the other hand, there will be some heartburn in the application of making this happen."
Sklavounakis said it is no secret he is against the development.
"I agree it is a complex issue," he said. "I have read a lot of information the property owners have provided the city, and done my research.
"I think allowing the change to the comprehensive plan… will be legislative malpractice. I really do. There is no bond that is going to assure the satisfactory completion of this. There is major problems with that hill."
Sklavounakis said his opposition to the project is what inspired him to seek a council seat.
"If you vote for me, I will oppose it," he told those present.