The date for the town of Rainelle municipal election is quickly approaching. We at The West Virginia Daily News wanted to give each mayoral candidate the chance to introduce themselves and let the residents of Rainelle become better informed on where the candidates stand on various issues.
Mike Rogers, Robin Williams and John Wyatt are the three mayoral candidates.
We sent each mayoral candidate the exact same questions. Robin Williams did not respond. Here are their answers:
In a few sentences, please introduce yourself.
Mike Rogers: Approximately a year-and-a-half ago, I began the complete restoration/build-out of a new coffee shop on Main St., in Rainelle. On March 29th, I opened the West End Coffee House. My name is Mike Rogers and I’m running for Mayor of Rainelle.
John Wyatt: My name is John Wyatt. I was born and raised in this area, with 70 years of life in and around Rainelle. I am a full time pastor and preacher at two local churches, administrator of a ministry called Appalachian Ministry. I was formerly chaplain at Denmar State Prison and the Greenbrier county jail. I am currently president of the Western Greenbrier Historical Society, have been a member of the Rainelle Town Council for the past two years, and a member of the Greenbrier executive committee for 12 years. I have also operated a small business in Rainelle in the past.
The town of Rainelle has a growing issue in terms of residents suffering with drug addiction. What will you do as mayor to help these residents, yet see to the needs of those who no longer feel safe in town?
Mike Rogers: Fortunately, God’s Way Home is aggressive in offering help to those Rainelle residents suffering with drug addiction/homelessness [most of which, take full advantage of the services offered]. As Mayor of Rainelle, my fiduciary duty is to the law abiding residents of Rainelle.
John Wyatt: Rainelle, along with a number of larger and smaller communities throughout most of Appalachia, are experiencing much of the same problems that we are. Deaths by overdose have increased by 37%, a substantial rise, in addition to an increasing number of babies born addicted to drugs. Teen pregnancy is increasing and illiteracy is on the rise. All of these are part of a larger problem such as moral decay, lack of community involvement, and feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. More police protection and stiffer penalties for individuals involved in illicit drugs and crime is a start, but we need more than that on this end of Greenbrier county. Seneca Mental health needs an office here and not just one 40 miles away. We also need magistrates, a county health department, licensed addictions counselors, and women’s shelters, etc. in Rainelle. We also need a senior center and activities for our youth
What is your plan for getting businesses and jobs back into Rainelle?
Mike Rogers: The opening of my West End Coffee House has created five [5] part-time jobs. With the expansion of our outdoor Courtyard Cafe, that will create an additional five [5] part-time jobs. Within the next few years, I will acquire additional commercial real estate, renovating/building a coal-fired pizza shop [which will create, approximately, an additional seven [7] part-time jobs]. Niche businesses, like these, spark small town revitalization and will attract new Investors [i.e, create additional jobs].
John Wyatt: Many of the businesses in Rainelle cannot find adequate staff and employees for their restaurants, shops, and stores. My daddy said, “Why put chicks under a dead hen”. This region of our state and county needs job training centers, and classes in our schools teaching trades such as welding, plumbing, electrical, auto mechanics and so on. However, more than these, we need, as a community, to change our attitude about our town, and see the positive things, the wonderful people, and the opportunities, not the negative about this place where we live, as a gift from our maker to cherish and improve on and then, maybe others will see that too
How will you increase community involvement and bring vibrancy to the town?
Mike Rogers: Already, our West End Coffee House Open Mic Night has been a huge success. Anywhere from 25-35 people attend on a weekly basis! From the beginning, my intent was to create a community gathering place. It’s already working! Future plans include a nightly activity [for different age groups/interests].
John Wyatt: Community involvement begins with one person at a time. We need to go back to that positive attitude and begin to develop our culture, the arts, civic pride, and see ourselves for what we can be, a vibrant and thriving community of potential, and not what we need to be, but what we can be.
Why should you be mayor? What sets you apart from the other candidates?
Mike Rogers: As an extremely active resident of Rainelle, with personal and commercial interests in the town, I have an excellent working relationship with both County and Local law enforcement. My late night neighborhood walks/observations/information gathering activities have led to multiple arrests within the Town of Rainelle. Under WV State Municipal Code, the Mayor is granted law enforcement authority. I will use it, aggressively, to make Rainelle a safer place to raise a family and operate a small business.
John Wyatt: I have nothing to gain. I am not running to enrich my own coffers nor to make a name for myself. I do have a vision for our town, and as a matter of fact, I have a five and ten year plan, the good lord permitting. I have experience, to some degree, in local, county, and state government, so I am not a novice. I have a passion to see Rainelle overcome it’s present problems and become what I think our citizens want; a good place to live and make a living, raise our families, attend church, and live our lives in peace and safety.
What do you consider to be the biggest issue facing the town of Rainelle and what will you do to solve it?
Mike Rogers: The town of Rainelle is overrun with individuals who don’t have a legal Rainelle address, aren’t employed in Rainelle, etc. These individuals are causing the majority of ‘issues’. Aggressive law enforcement action [i.e. Consensual Encounter stops] will send a powerful message throughout ‘their’ community, and hopefully, make its way back to Charleston — to stop sending these individuals to Rainelle [which is the rumor I hear, at least half-a-dozen times per week, if not more].
John Wyatt: I know the problems we are experiencing with homelessness, drugs, and crime, as well as lack of good paying jobs. Honestly, negativity and apathy are more destructive than anything. When I was attending Mountain State University I went to a town council meeting and asked what we were doing to attract tourism. The mayor said, “Who the hell would want to come to Rainelle”? That statement from the mayor stunned me. The memory of it still does and we must change the attitude within us before we can change the situations around us.
The election for the town of Rainelle will be held on Tuesday, June 8. Those who wish to cast their vote may do so at Rainelle Town Hall from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Early voting will take place until June 5.
Candidates for town recorder are Bill Bell and Brian Day.
Candidates for town council are Ron Fleshman, David Spitzer and Jimmy Matheney.
Write-in candidates for town council are David Sweet, Melissa Manning and Rick McCall.
There are five open council positions.
All elected persons will serve a two-year term.
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