Thread by @JusticeHudson97

THREAD: Wheeling City Council Holds Contentious Meeting— Resolution Re-Affirming the Civil Rights of Wheeling Residents rejected 3-3. Here are the highlights.

If you like my reporting check out the full article here: open.substack.com/pub/thehudsone…

1/15

I WILL BE GOING OUT OF CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER. Spiciest stuff first. Before we start- 1) security checks were held, 2) @MayorWheeling was absent, 3) out of the three meetings I’ve reported on not ONE has had full attendance of the #citycouncil. Roughly 20 citizens in attendance
2/15

A Resolution to Re-Affirm the civil rights of Wheeling residents was offered. This is in response to the WV Leg passing HB 3042, RFRA. Councilor @benseidler spoke in opposition, upset that the resolution was “dropped in our laps” 24 hours ago.

3/15

Councilor @benseidler also claimed this was a “political stunt” by “far-left” members of the council. The Wheeling city council is non-partisan. Seidler went on to excoriate the “far-right” and “republicans” who he said “spread their hate more than the other side.”

4/15

*personal note* I want to commend Councilor @benseidler for this. Speaking truth to the “misinformation and hate” (his words) from some who support him is great. Seidler disavowed these individuals in no uncertain terms.

5/15

Councilor Palmer opposed saying the Council should “stay in their lane” and not buck the State Leg. Councilor @RosemaryKetchum and Vice Mayor @ViceMayorWhg spoke in support. Councilor Ketchum said cities like Wheeling should offer hope to those who feel not welcome in WV

6/15

At the end of the meeting citizens were heard. Who I call “C” is a known agitator in Wheeling. She went on a stream of consciousness style rant full of attacks and social media drama. She attacked the dine-in protest at Primati’s after a cancelled drag show

7/15

She then attacked Councilor @RosemaryKetchum referring to her as “you people” and “little girl.” It was nasty. It was painful to witness, and I can only imagine painful for Councilor Ketchum to receive.

8/15

“C” went on to talk about threats she received after speaking out against the Primanti Bros Drag Queen event. She read posts she claims she received including “C, your Jesus was a drag Queen,” and one saying they should have a drag Queen event in her yard.

9/15

Worth nothing as well, “C” claimed she feared for her life while attending City Council meetings. At the end of the meeting she got within inches of a resident’s face, screaming at her. Stark contrast to how she spoke about the “fear” she felt.

10/15

The resolution to re-affirm the civil rights of Wheeling residents failed on a vote of 3-3, Palmer, Sklavounakis, and @benseidler voting in the negative. It is important to note this was symbolic— non discrimination ordinances were NOT affected

11/15

March was announced in honor of social service providers and workers. It was also noted a college basketball tournament held this weekend saw Grenville State Women’s and West Liberty Men’s teams winning.

12/15

The council also adopted resolutions 1) creating a no-parking zone in North Wheeling, 2) transferring land of OVMC from the city to WVU Medicine, and 3) $35,000 in additional funding to the new Wheeling Police Department.

13/15

New resolutions offered and voted on include 1) a 78-acre lease to SWN productions for oil, gas, and mineral extraction— no debate was held, 2) exempting businesses in downtown from licensing fees due to the impact of the Streetscape project

14/15

And that’s the main highlights! For more local Wheeling issues please check out the full article! More covered include recent demolitions and Ward Meeting times! If you like my reporting consider subscribing to my Substack and following me here on Twitter open.substack.com/pub/thehudsone…

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