Thread by @JusticeHudson97

The Wheeling City Council held its first meeting of May on Tuesday, May 2. It has received statewide attention after a known bigot had their six-minute tirade turned into a full-length story by a legacy paper.

Here are the stories you missed:

#folkreporters

(1/15)

A potential $500,000 loan-financing program to assist in the repair of sidewalks was discussed, offered by @ViceMayorWhg Thalman, Ward 1. Currently, it is the property owner's responsibility to maintain sidewalks. Councilors Sklavounakis and Palmer spoke in opposition.

(2/15)

@MayorWheeling said "We see people pushing baby strollers in the middle of the street...doing nothing is not constructive." City Manager Herron, citing a study for Wheeling Island, Woodsdale, and Warwood, said 231,000 sq ft of sidewalks need repaired, nearly $7 million.
(3/15)

May 2 was proclaimed "Day of Outstanding Achievement in Competitive Robotics" by @MayorWheeling in recognition of area-schools participating in Vex Robotics World Championship in April. 14 slots were set aside for WV, with 9 from Ohio County. #folkreporters

(4/15)

May 6 was proclaimed "Wheeling Dog Day" by @MayorWheeling, and members of @WhgHeritage were there to accept. Wheeling Heritage is hosting "FIDOfest" on Saturday, May 6, at Fitzsimmons Dog Park. #folkreporters

(5/15)

.@MayorWheeling continued his report, commenting on @thetournament coming to Wheeling WesBanco Arena July 25, calling it a "grand slam for the city." Speaking about the Streetscape project, City Manager Herron said the @WVDOT will ensure disruptions are minimal.

(6/15)

Time was yielded to Mary Clark, who remembered her daughter who passed away in 2022 from a drug overdose. Clark said, "Too many people are struggling alone–they don’t have to." Visit amandasangelsforhope.org for more information. #folkreporters

(7/15)

Nine proposals from the Council's last April meeting were approved 7-0, totaling more than $1.2 million. Sewer repairs, @WheelingFD station and ladder repairs, and duplicative street names changed, spearheaded by @RosemaryKetchum #folkreporters

(8/15)

Only one proposal received debate-a contract with @CENTURY21 of Wheeling to represent the @CityofWheeling for the retail space in the 11th St Parking Garage. @MayorWheeling offered amendment to add 1107 Main St. The amendment and proposal were approved. #folkreporters

(9/15)

Eight new proposals were offered, totaling more than $2.2 million. Nine more demolitions were a part of the proposals, as well as $1.7 million improvement of the Stone Center-housing private company @williamsleatag, @WVUMedicine Urgent Care, and expensive apartments.

(10/15)

Councilor Dave Palmer, Ward 6, used his time to comment on a recent @WVcourts siding with @CityofWheeling against the @wv_psc and @benwood. At issue were procedural questions about PSC's timeline in halting a proposed sewer rate hike. A full length story is pending

(11/15)

Councilor @RosemaryKetchum, Ward 3, used her time to recognize @WhgHeritage and the Wheeling Public Art Trail. Councilor Ketchum also recognized the OCSWA for their Earth Day event (article coming soon). #folkreporters

(12/15)

A known agitator-and chair of the Ohio County GOP-in Wheeling spoke, denouncing the upcoming June 10 Pride on the Plaza event, hosted by the Friendlier City Project. Councilor @benseidler walked out of the meeting while she spoke. #folkreporters

(13/15

Councilor @benseidler later spoke with a legacy newspaper, saying "hate has no home here," and that if this is what the GOP has become he will gladly turn in his Republican voter registration. His comments have received overwhelming support from @CityofWheeling.

(14/15

You can read the full story on Substack, the Hudson Household Editorial. I will not share the legacy newspaper who chose to feature a bigot's speech in a full-length article. Support the work I do by subscribing. Support @BlackByGodWV @FolkReporters for inspiring me!

(15/15)

One correction—in tweet 14 I tag the City of Wheeling when I mention support for councilor Seidler’s comments. It may be misconstrued that the City government approves, but I mean the residents of Wheeling.

Oh, and I forgot to add the story link lol. Here it is: open.substack.com/pub/thehudsone…