Local News

Two running for Second Ward council seat

Charles Friddle, an incumbent Second Ward representative on Elkins City Council, retired from FirstEnergy, parent of Mon Power, after 33 years of service.

A native of Petersburg, he has lived in Morgantown, Moorefield, Weston, Clarksburg and moved to Elkins in 1984.

He graduated from West Virginia University in 1974 with a degree in Business Administration and a major in Marketing. He has spent the majority of his career specializing in Economic Development.

Currently he is a member of the Randolph County Development Authority, was the director of the Harrison County Development Authority and served on the Development Authority in Hardy County.

He serves on the Board of the Izaak Walton League, the Mountaineer Area Council, Boy Scouts of America and the West Virginia Commission on the Arts.

He is a Past President of the West Virginia Economic Development Council, Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce, and the Elkins Art Center

Friddle is Director Emeritus of the Elkins Rehabilitation and Care Center and an Honorary Lifetime member of the West Virginia Economic Development Council

He was named West Virginia Economic Developer of the Year by the WV Economic Development Council in 1995, and awarded the Distinguished Silver Beaver by Allohak Council, BSA in 2007, and the Tom Williams Award of Distinction in 2015.

Married for 46 years to Penny, he has two children, Chip and Kate, and three grandchildren, all living in Elkins.

1) What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the City of Elkins?

The biggest issue facing our city is our inability to grow geographically. Recently enacted, state law eliminated the opportunity to grow by minor boundary adjustment. We do not have enough available land within the city for houses to be constructed or businesses to locate. Residents and businesses located just outside the city benefit from an Elkins location but are not required to contribute to the funding of the city.

2) Do you agree with the way the funds from the city's 1% sales tax are being spent? What is your suggestion?

As Chairman of the Finance Committee, it is my responsibility to encourage the wise use of limited funds. Although the committee and council may not agree on every use of funds, I believe the funds are being used responsibly.

The city has hired additional police officers and firemen. We have replaced unsafe vehicles with new ones through the lease program. The Phil Gainer Community Center has been totally renovated and the Police Department has undergone a much needed renovation. Our new water plant is fully operational and surplus funds from the project are being used to replace faulty water meters resulting in increased revenue. Also, the engineering is complete for the upgrade of the city's parking lot.

Most of this would not have been possible without the 1% sales tax revenue.

3) Do you support a City Manager position for the City of Elkins?

Yes, the management of city government becomes more complex every day. In addition to the routine work of the administrative officers, they now must deal with technology, complex personnel issues, freedom of information requests among a myriad of other problems.

Elected officials who are not trained in these areas and do not have the expertise to offer assistance with these issues. A mayor who is elected every two years cannot be expected to have the necessary knowledge either. A city manager with Public Administration training is needed to provide the leadership to handle these issues without further burdening the administrative officers.

City Council has been very conservative with spending so the funds are available to budget for this position. The salary would be dependent upon education and experience.

A poll of several recent mayors revealed all were supportive of a City Manager form of government.

4) What do you think the city should do to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The City of Elkins must take no action hampering business activity or limit in any way their ability to operate.

We are prohibited from using government funds to directly assist any business.

5) What should the city do about the abandoned swinging bridge?

The swinging bridge is not owned by the city so any action by the city may be construed as it being city property. I will not support any use of city funds to either repair or replace the swinging bridge. We have too many other priorities.

6) Would you support the effort to annex businesses between the Elkins City limits and Beverly?

Yes, I support efforts to grow the geographic area of the city. Unfortunately, we no longer have the primary tool necessary due recent changes in state law regarding minor boundary adjustments. We have parcels of property within the city limits that are not in the city even though they are totally surrounded by city property. I am amazed other city residents who are paying their fair share are not incensed by this situation.

7) Should Elkins Police Department vehicles remain at City Hall when not in use, or should officers be allowed to drive them home regardless of where they live?

Although I agree it would be preferable if the vehicles would remain at city hall during an officers' off duty, this practice started some time ago as a benefit when funds were not available for raises.

It is very difficult to take away benefits, however going forward council may want to consider a policy change so new hires would not be allowed to drive their vehicles home.

However, it is important to keep in mind, this policy change may result in longer response times.

8) What is your vision for the Elkins Railroad yard?

My vision is a bustling business area featuring shops, eateries and activity venues.

Since the city does not own the Railyard, the city needs to continue to support the Randolph County Development Authority, Elkins Main Street, the Elkins-Randolph County Tourism Bureau and the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce with their efforts to attract new businesses, residents and visitors to Elkins.

9) Is something needed in the Elkins Industrial Park to reduce the level of noise and if so, what would that be?

No, every business in the Industrial Park is in compliance with every ordinance in the city. A noisy city is a Vibrant city!

10) Would you support creating a public swimming pool within the city limits of Elkins?

There are already two swimming pools in the city. One at Davis & Elkins College and one at the YMCA. Also, the County Commission is planning a pool and splash pad at the Elks Club.

A city our size cannot support several swimming pools.

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Carman Pennington

My name is Carman Pennington and I am running for Second Ward Councilman.

I am a life-long resident of Elkins. I went through grade school here, was fortunate enough to be in the Junior High and Middle School, and graduated from Elkins High in 1998. Directly following high school I joined the US Army as Combat Field Medic. My education continued when I went to Gainesville, Florida for massage therapy and later the teaching program at the same school, where I learned vital communication and listening skills as well the workings of the human body.

I coached the Elkins High School wrestling team for 10 years and was fortunate enough to help revitalize the Elkins Mat Club. I currently work with Dr. William Myers, an oral surgeon, as his surgical tech.

My immediate and extended family still lives here in Randolph County. I am also very blessed as I started my own family with Paige Rutter, having a little girl last year, Amelia.

I was asked to run for council by a business owner, which became multiple owners and community members, as they wanted me to help give them a representative more than an experienced politician. With that being said I love my city but believe that a change is something that is not coming but is here. New leaders will be carrying the torch to give Elkins direction with new ideas. I wanted to help that process as an established leader and local lifer. Not only for my daughter's future but for the community as a whole for generations to come.

I thank my supporters and family for the continued love and advice. I also ask for your vote of confidence in change not only in the Second Ward but our city also.

1) What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the city of Elkins?

The biggest issue I see in Elkins could easily be drugs as is most people's opinion. Which is the easiest answer with hardest most costly solutions on all parts of the system. As the war on drugs has never been won anywhere. More attention and monetary commitment should be placed on our youth programs outside of the park and recreation and Phil Gainer Center. Let groups apply for assistance through city council using part of the 1% tax. This will ensure our athletes have the bleachers to host home games or uniforms needed instilling a sense of pride in themselves and their city. Doing so in hope to change the Drug epidemic organically.

2) Do you agree with the way the funds from the city's 1% sales tax are being spent? What is your suggestion?

The use of the 1% tax being spent correctly is a matter of what you think correctly is. As I understand it some was used toward law enforcement, paving, creating city jobs and small raises for city workers. Hard to argue over those. Bonuses and lack of a better bidding system on jobs is something some would consider as the part of spending that wasn't necessary or wasteful in use. With a million dollars of annual revenue give or take coming in its hard to know exactly what else was done not being on the budget committee

3) Do you support the creation of a city manager position for the City of Elkins?

I DO NOT support a city manager at a estimated 55k-85k a year. I believe with a strong mayor and council, goals can be achieved with our current system.

4) What do you think the city should do to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic?

If anything can be done it's relaxing restrictions. Adults can make decisions for themselves if they feel they are in danger of catching COVID they can act accordingly. It's a tough topic as the goal post is always moving and new facts or theories are different everyday

5) What should the city do about the abandoned swinging bridge?

As sad as it may be that the swinging bridge is no longer usable as I enjoyed it as long as I have memory. It serves little function past it being fun. It's only two to three blocks to the next bridge.

6) Would you support the effort to annex businesses between the Elkins city limits and Beverly?

As much as the extra tax revenue would help Elkins meet goals on spending we have nothing to offer but tax to those businesses. Crystal clear info on how the money would be spent annually to ensure trust would be a vital part of the deal which most still wouldn't buy into. For that reason I would be for making a plan to annex under conditions agreed on by the majority of the small businesses not by any other way.

7) Should Elkins Police Department vehicles remain at City Hall when not in use, or should officers be allowed to drive them home regardless of where they live?

I am OK with the officers taking their cruisers home. I'm sure we don't have individuals living far enough that the milage or gas twice a day can possibly be that big of a problem. It also helps keep their own neighborhood safer by having a presence visually.

8) What is your vision for the Elkins Railyard?

For as long as I can remember it's been a lot of nothingness. I am not sure of the conditions of the ground itself, having the past that it has. In a "let's have a vision" scenario an indoor venue would be built to bring in musical groups and entertainment to Elkins. Bringing in people that normally wouldn't come through Elkins, spending cash at our establishments while visiting.

9) Is something needed in the Elkins Industrial Park to reduce the level of noise and, if so, what would that be?

No as they are within zone and compliance.

10) Would you support creating a public swimming pool within the city limits of Elkins?

As I understand the county commission is in the process of renovating the Elks pool. So as of this moment I am not.