Editor, News-Register:
About seven years ago, I was compelled to leave Wheeling when my job was eliminated and attempts to find other suitable employment in the area proved to be unsuccessful. I was born and raised in Wheeling and spent a large portion of my life working and living in the City. When I left (reluctantly), it was my hope that I would be able to return to The Friendly City in my retirement.
While working out of town (and out of state), I kept up with current and civic affairs in my hometown and was especially pleased when positive projects were announced. Being out of town provided an external perspective for me when evaluating civic and city projects and activities.
The public safety building project was an endeavor that baffled me from its inception. My first introduction to the project was the unveiling of this brand new expensive looking building with a potential site selected. It seemed to be a done deal yet provided little background on how the project planning involved members of the Wheeling community.
This type of project screamed for inclusive citizen participation (perhaps in task forces?) that identified the need, reviewed potential solutions, and should have resulted in a citizen-led public presentation.
Such an approach would have been more inclusive and offered Wheelingites more opportunities to participate rather than react to plans. The net result seemed to be a lot of post-introduction follow-up activities (tours, interviews, etc.) that smacked of meting out bits of information for justification of a done deal. Citizens who lack the opportunity to be involved in major public works projects are less likely to be supportive of them.
Some obvious questions came to mind:
n City leadership had been stable for nearly two decades -- why was this project not previously pursued?
n In the City's Envision Wheeling: 2014 Comprehensive Plan -- whose purpose is "to serve as a long-term planning tool that identifies the city's policies and strategies related to the physical, economic, and social development of Wheeling," there is no mention of the need for a new public safety building as a critical strategic initiative.
n When local school board and other public levy initiatives fail at the ballot box (particularly when approval margins are relatively close), it's not uncommon to place the initiative back on the ballot (usually after more buy-in/information sharing is achieved). Wouldn't this approach have enabled the city leadership to find ways for more inclusive community buy-in for this project? Why was it not pursued?
As an external observer, it appeared to me that there were many missed opportunities for city leaders to involve citizens in the need for this project. There have been other situations where it seems to be a modus operandi to proffer detailed explanations or conversations related to municipal projects after they are announced. The end result is that citizens do not feel engaged in these opportunities and frequently oppose what could potentially be worthwhile projects.
And, too frequently, the excuse provided by local leaders is that other places are doing this -- like other West Virginia cities charge city service fees (doesn't inspire confidence -- just aggravates citizens).
So, regardless of whether or not you favor a particular project or initiative, I hope that as citizens of Wheeling, in future we will all compel our city leaders to:
1) more directly involve all citizens in the planning of strategic initiatives;
2) find more inclusive ways throughout project/initiative implementation to listen and act upon citizen suggestions; and
3) proactively and interactively communicate with all citizens (not just as a reaction to poorly planned and executed activities).
In mid-September (2019), I purchased a house in Warwood and returned to Wheeling I am excited to reside once again in my hometown where it is a joy to live!
Charles A. Julian
Wheeling