In a recent Sunday paper candidate for city council, Mr. Phillip Heald stated and I quote, “I plan not to be an impediment to job creation.”

This statement came just days after Mr. Heald, as a zoning commission member, made a motion to recommend to city council the removal of a city lot from commercial designation.

This action may be unprecedented; to my knowledge it has never happened in the history of our city.

The lot, located next to the University Mart, has recently been the focus of some very politically influential people in our community and they do not want to see commercial development/job creation on the lot.

My questions are these. If the lot next to the University Mart is not commercially viable, in light of the multi-million dollar investments in our new medical complex and Ohio University Southern, then what lot is?

And, Mr. Heald, is your zoning commission going to investigate and scrutinize all the other commercial activity taking place in residential neighborhoods throughout our city?

Times change; residential neighborhoods change. This is not 1940, when antiquated restrictions were handwritten and added to deeds. Over the past couple of decades, progressive, vibrant and fiscally sound cities have found ways to encourage private investment, not stymie it.

So, Mr. Heald, to get my vote, I need to know, is this the only time you will vote to impede potential development/job creation?

Douglas Philabaun

Ironton

Corporate cuts cost Tri-State another voice

Another familiar voice in Tri-State radio has been silenced. Veteran news reporter Bill Cornwell was dismissed from the Clear Channel family of radio stations after 26 years of faithful service.

Bill’s voice was easily recognized here in the area as he reported news and traffic reports over several local stations. He also gained listener’s interest as he conversed with the DJs of many local morning radio shows. He will be sorely missed by many tri-state radio fans.

Among other areas of Bill’s service to the Tri-State include doing off-air work on Marshall University football and basketball games. He is also a member of the C-K Alumni Band.

Bill Cornwell is another person in a long line of local radio personalities who have found themselves jobless in the last few years.

Hopefully, he will be able to find another job in local media soon. Radio stations need people who are dedicated to the Tri-State.

Perry Staley

Ironton