Projects & Initiatives for 2018

An Open Letter To My City Council

Effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked; Leadership is defined by results not attributes - Peter Drucker

This letter is specifically addressed to the Clarksburg, West Virginia City Council – my council. However, with little imagination, it could apply to your city, and probably does. On Tuesday, January 2, 2017, members of my council outlined what they felt were important projects and initiatives for the upcoming year.

Here is my reaction.

Dear Council Members:
I read, with keen interest, the projects and initiatives you mentioned in the recent article in The Exponent Telegram. I found them expected, yet interesting. As we enter 2018, I hope you will give my thoughts on these matters serious consideration.

One member mentioned the economic importance of the newly renovated multi-million-dollar Robinson Grand Theater. Yes, the economic impact of this theater will be a tremendous boost for our economy – if all the pieces are in place. No doubt the theater will be a magnificent venue. However, as I have previously stated in earlier letters, “Our leading lady deserves a grand supporting cast.”

It is the opinion of some, the needed shops and restaurants will follow the success of the theater. I am of the opposite opinion: We need these, a least many, in place at the opening, along with addressing signage, crime and drugs, and creating an Ambassador program. Click here Clarksburg, West Virginia -My Home Town   to read my original proposal. I ask, “What is your plan?”

Another councilperson identified the need to review our city finances. Absolutely. Years ago, when I taught an economics class, I called the lesson “Pizza Economics” – every slice represents a project or initiative. No one wants to pay for a bigger pizza. So, it is imperative we divide our pizza to reflect what best serves the citizens. I would encourage all of you to visit our many different neighborhoods and organizations and visit ‘with’ the people you serve. Hear what the people want and need. Do not rely solely on those closest to you.

I was especially interested when one member spoke about the opioid problem. I was not surprised to read that he identified the importance of cracking down on offenders, but I was pleased he addressed the need for treatment centers. Getting the crisis under control must be a collaborative effort among law enforcement, pharmacies, doctors, social programs, and the citizens. This is a community problem! And, financing the solution should be high priority. I will look forward to seeing your plan. To this member: I may not always agree with your position on city issues. But, you make me think.

This same member also mentioned creating a more business-friendly community. Bravo! From what I know first-hand and from what I have been told by knowledgeable people, our business climate (from difficult landlords to higher taxes) certainly needs addressing. I am of the opinion: Lower taxes attract more businesses; more businesses will slowly lead to a stronger economy because…we have more businesses! Perhaps you would consider adding a marketing specialist to the city payroll. I know there is opposition and it goes deeper than cost, but in the end the city would benefit. We need quality and diversity downtown. Not just “fill’em up” storefronts.

Ah yes, I see one of you prioritized the ongoing property dispute over an ‘historic’ home on Main Street. I returned to Clarksburg in 2005 and the home looks basically the same today. I know the owner personally and sympathize with his personal connection to the home, but you are right. It’s been going on too long. To the owner: Either begin fixing it up, sell it to someone who will, or tear it down. It is unsightly. No more ‘smoke and mirrors.’

I hope you are successful in organizing a ‘sit-down.’ But, I would encourage you to include very few people, bring in an outside arbitrator, and hold the meeting(s) in a relaxed atmosphere. Good luck!

Glad to see one of you called for continued infrastructure improvements and moving forward with the ongoing demolition program. But, we always return to the economic pizza – what slice and how big! Good infrastructure and clean attractive looking neighborhoods are essential for business growth. Perhaps you can use your extensive economic background and work with your colleague who has targeted business growth. You speak the same language.

To the councilperson who brought up the ongoing dispute over the future of the dilapidated Waldo Hotel. I say the same thing to you as I did to your colleague over the historic home – Good Luck! I can’t put my finger on it, but (to me), there has always been something suspicious about the maneuverings around the Waldo – “Who’s on first, What’s on Second, I don’t know who’s on third.” The ownership is illusive. They only make improvements to keep the wolves at bay. You need to dig deeper to find a solution – renovate or tear it down!

I agree we need to do everything possible to get our police force up to maximum numbers. However, adding three or four police officers over three shifts will do little to combat the drug problem. We need to quit pointing fingers and join hands. Two of you cited this problem. Perhaps you two can work together to formulate a plan.

Regarding your proposal to close part of 4th Street: Curiously enough, as early as 2012, I was working with a revitalization group which submitted a rendering for 4th Street to the city. Unfortunately, it was deemed too expensive. Then in 2014, I submitted a drawing designed by my wife, which would turn this area into a park-like plaza with outdoor dining, a portable stage for weekend entertainment, sidewalk planters with flowers and trees, and much more. The drawing also suggested recruiting niche shops: wine & cheese, book store, an antique shop, a flower shop, and or a tea room. All this at minimal cost. A collaborative effort between the city, property owners, and renters.

I was hopeful that the project would move forward after I met with a council member, an influential businessman, and one of the property owners in 2015. Unfortunately, I was told one or more of the renters objected and we could not get all 4th Street property owners around the table at the same time. As a result, the project stalled.

If you move forward with the idea of a 4th Street Plaza, I would be excited to resurrect our drawings and share our vision. Perhaps you would be able to succeed where I failed, by putting all the pieces together.

I see our mayor has scheduled a strategic planning session for February 3 at the Stonewall Resort, located in Lewis County. As you begin to compile your list of discussion topics, I would ask you to include three items I have previously written about: Direct election of the mayor. Return to a ward system. Term limits. Click here https://michaelslambiotte.com/change-and-progress-for-my-hometown-2/ if you would like to read my original proposal.

Side Bar: I am curious as to why the Stonewall Resort was picked as a location. I realize the allure and amenities of a resort, but I would rather see the money spent in Clarksburg. Surely there is a city-location, public or private, large enough to accommodate your needs. If there is not…perhaps that is something you should include in your agenda. If I remember correctly, just a few years ago, it looked like we would have our own hotel and conference center.

All this being said, background-wise, you are a very diverse group. Each of you bring special and needed qualities to the table. The road ahead is not straight, nor clear. We have real problems and we need real solutions. As Stephen Covey said, “Involve people in the problem and work out the solution together.”

I will anxiously await the results of your strategic planning session. However, I will be even more interested in seeing how you intend to implement your plans.

Regards,
Michael Lambiotte