VOTERS'
GUIDE: Wellsville mayoral and council candidates state
positions
By Angel Larsen
November 4, 2005 | WELLSVILLE -- Community
growth is on the minds of Wellsville mayoral and city
council candidates as elections draw near.
Mayor Ruth P. Maughan and opponent Kent Bankhead compete
for the part-time mayoral position. LeRoy Parkinson,
Michael Whiteley, Marcene Parker and Ronald Case compete
for two four-year city council positions. Both Parker
and Case are on the council now.
If re-elected mayor, Ruth Maughan's goal is to "maintain
the quality of life we have in Wellsville." To help
maintain that quality, she believes the beauty of the
town needs to be preserved. Her greatest concern is
the growth and development of the city.
"We're seeing a lot [of growth]," Maughan said. "We
are moving along. We have a lot of good ordinances in
the books to continue growth."
As mayor, Maughan spends at least two hours a day
working in the city office and said her experience makes
her different than her opponent. "Being a mayor takes
a lot of time," Maughan said. "It's not just a status
position."
Maughan's opponent, Kent Bankhead, desires to be mayor
for two reasons. "The first is to do some community
service," Bankhead said. "Second, I think I can bring
a new voice to the office. A city government the people
feel is more accessible and that they can come to."
Bankhead said he was also concerned with current and
future growth. He says planned and controlled growth
will "keep a community people will want to come to."
"To this point, Wellsville has done a good job," Bankhead
said, but change is needed continually. "I would like
the chance. [It will be] a challenge but I am up for
it."
City council candidate and Wellsville native LeRoy
Parkinson, is concerned with a "lack of government by
the people and for the people." Having extra time on
his hands, Parkinson decided it was "time to do something
about it."
He said waiting for a building permit for eight months
that costs $8,000 before digging the hole plus a $900
lawyer fee, "borders on asinine -- and shouldn't be."
While handing out campaign fliers, Parkinson had people
tell him, what difference does it make to who is elected
or not. Parkinson said, "I hope to make a difference."
Also desiring to bring change is candidate Michael
Whiteley. He said being on city council is the "best
way to impact the community I live in."
Whiteley is also concerned with community services
like power, gas and Internet being capable of supporting
development rates in Wellsville. "I don't think [the
council] is handling this," Whiteley said. "Every time
Mother Nature sneezes, my power goes out."
With the development, Whiteley said the "current master
plan is not able to fulfill the current country feel
of Wellsville."
For council member Marcene Parker, re-election would
give her a chance to stay involved with the development,
water and sewer projects the council has organized over
the past 10 years she has been on the council. Parker
said "growth is inevitable" but keeping up with that
development will help people appreciate Wellsville.
Parker said the council just completed a water study
on the south end of town. This will help determine if
there is enough water for new and current homes. "I
want to keep working with all of it," Parker said.
Also seeking re-election is Ronald Case, who was unavailable
for comment despite multiple attempts to contact him.
Elections will be Nov. 8 at the Wellsville city office,
75 East Main St. and the fire station at 73 East Main
St.
NW
MS |
