Editor, News-Register:

I have known Charlie Ballouz for many, many years. We have taken a number of trips together in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. During those travels, Charlie always talked about how much he loved Wheeling.

He actually taught me about the history of the “Friendly City.” Charlie was caring and loved to be around people. He never had a bad word to say about anyone.

Charlie Ballouz was truly a man of integrity and was highly respected by those who knew him.

Forever smiling, Charlie was always there to help anyone who needed to hear some words of wisdom.

Charlie Ballouz was not a politician by today’s standards. He was a “statesman” who sincerely wanted to make the City of Wheeling a better place in which to live.

Charlie Ballouz was one of a kind and I will always treasure the many conservations we had over the decades. I have watched political figures come and go in Wheeling, but not Charlie.

He was steadfast, persistent and enduring in his devotion to the city he loved. If I had a vote, Charlie Ballouz would be on the top my list to be enshrined into the “Wheeling Hall of Fame”.

God bless Charlie Ballouz.

William Welker

Wheeling