Huntington, West Virginia's Drug Problem at Issue in Election

Huntington, West Virginia, saw vast economic success in the early and mid 20th century. The city grew to 100,000 citizens by the 1950s thanks to a strong coal and natural gas industry. As coal has become less and less important to the United States economy, people have left West Virginia by the thousands. Huntington's population is now around 50,000, half of what it was 60 years ago.

Despite not technically being a part of the Rust Belt, Huntington faces many of the same issues as cities like Youngstown, Ohio and Detroit, Michigan. As the population has decreased, buildings have been vacated and left in disrepair. Squatters, prostitutes, and drug addicts have moved into the vacant buildings and crime has risen.

In 2002, Mayor David Fellington fired 16 Huntington Police Department officers because of budget issues. The police department is not large enough for the population of the city, and because of this crime has prospered in Huntington. It has become a popular place for Detroit drug dealers to sell their goods, and has even earned the nickname of "Monington."

David Fellington does not have a good relationship with the Huntington Police Department. In 2004, he defeated former police chief Gordon Ramey in a close race. Now in 2008, he is facing Sheriff Kim Wolfe, who is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of the Police. Fellington has made strives in trying to bring the police force back up to par, but it is still 16 short of Police Chief Skip Holbrook's request for 106 officers.

If Mayor David Fellington is reelected in 2008 it will be his last four year term. Mayors are restricted to three terms, and this would be his last chance to correct some of the mistakes he made earlier in his career. The city of Huntington seems to be about through with him, as he defeated Cabell County Commissioner Bob Bailey in the Democratic Primaries by only 177 votes. With the backing of many organizations around Huntington, it is likely that Kim Wolfe might be able to defeat David Fellington.

The first step to fixing the Huntington drug problem would be an adequately staffed police force. Sheriff Kim Wolfe was a member of the Huntington Police Department and understands what needs to be done to fix its problems. He does not hold any grudges against the police department, and would be able to do what needs to be done to help the city. David Fellington has shown on several occasions that he is willing to do things to spite the police force. He ruled with the fire department to allow them to investigate arson charges, a traditionally police run investigation.

Next, the Mayor needs to be able to gather funds to tear down vacant houses around the city. They are a detriment to the neighborhoods around them and only cause Huntington property values to decrease, further hurting the city. David Fellington has already had two terms to fix these problems. He has not.

In conclusion, Huntington has been in a sorry state for too long now. It is time for the city to stray away from the career politicians that have done it little good over the years. It is time for fresh new faces to govern the city. Kim Wolfe grew up in Huntington and has lived there his entire life. He loves the city and is willing to swallow his pride to do what is right for it.

Sheriff Kim Wolfe represents change in 2008 in a city that needs it more than ever.