……..I must admit I was really surprised to find housing was going to be a big issue in the coming years. Everytime I drive through New Cumberland there’s rehab or tear down work being done. I was really happy to hear that the new owner has agreed to let the clothes closet, food closet and New Cumberland museum remain in the building. I still linger in the halls at every Council meeting and find a new picture I hadn’t seen before.
……..The prospect of losing workers to nearby states is not only a loss of tax dollars. People do their shopping, send their kids to school and spend their money where they live. It’s important we capture that revenue.
…….When I was running for office I always assumed that most people that worked at Weirton Steel were West Virginians. I was wrong. I used to stand outside the plant gates in the morning to greet workers and give them my brochure. A steward or executive committee member always came with me to introduce me to the workers. They were aware the brochures were expensive so would always tell me when an approaching worker was from Ohio or PA so I wouldn’t waste my brochure or my pitch on them. They also would whisper “convicted felon can’t vote” in my ear. I’ll always remember the time the executive committee member whispered “killed his wife, but got off so he still can vote.” I don’t think I recovered in time to hand the worker a brochure.
………Jack Redline was the last Weirton Steel president to live in Weirton. Workers resented that when new presidents came in they didn’t think Weirton offered what they needed for their families. I think Elish drew the most criticism. Think about it, they didn’t buy groceries or shop in Weirton. At one time my late husband, Bill Kiefer, was the only vice president living in Weirton. Later David Robertson and Craig Costello would. The vice presidents didn’t like going into the grocery stores where people would complain or ask questions. Bill was the opposite. He could spend an hour in Krogers talking to people.
…..It’s election time and for those who think the dirty campaign tricks and illegal activities are worse of late, I can remember back to some outrageous campaign stories. I think I’ll recount a few in coming weeks in this column. Question? Does anyone remember one about a missing or stolen precinct can which held the votes?
