The City of New Cumberland will elect a Mayor to a four-year term on May 13. This is the only contested race in the Municipal Election with all Council seats uncontested. Councilman Michael Watkins is challenging Mayor Will White for the Mayor’s seat and Hometown News is providing information we think is important when you pick your candidate.
COUNCILMAN MICHAEL J. WATKINS, Sr. is a resident of 105 Madison St. and currently serves on Council. He is 49-years-old and has been a resident of New Cumberland for 25 years.
If New Cumberland gets 1% Racetrack Video Lottery revenue, what are your plans for the funds? ” Street and alley repair. City maintenance.”
Do you feel there is opportunity for economic development in New Cumberland? If so, where? “We are limited due to the flood zone. No one wants to pay the required flood insurance. It would be great to have food establishments come to the City along with other small business.”
If elected, what is your vision for New Cumberland? Do you have a plan to make that vision a reality? “To get more citizen involvement! There are complaints on social media, but no one is willing to come to meetings to offer help or suggestions.”
What is New Cumberland’s worst problem? “Community involvement!”
What made you decide to run for Mayor? “I’m younger so I can bring different ideas. I’ve been on City Council, Ward I for several years”
MAYOR WILL WHITE is a resident of 207 Hogan Alley. He is 67 and has been a resident of New Cumberland for 46 years.
If New Cumberland gets 1/3 of the 1% Racetrack Video Lottery revenue, what are your plans for the funds? “Pave and repair streets, alleys. Major projects related to water and sewer, if approved. Playground for kids, 2nd or 3rd Avenue location. Blighted properties.”
Do you feel there is opportunity for economic development in New Cumberland? If so, where? “I do think there is opportunity for economic development. Some locations are the AIR Building next to me, Jamegy building and land below Little League Field along river (industrial street) old New Cumberland High School, Hydroplant Dam. Brice owns a building at the red light and he has purchased land that has potential. Fuccy’s land is potential, former museum land has potential.
If elected, what is your vision for New Cumberland? Do you have a plan to make that vision a reality? “Continue to work with Council to keep New Cumberland a nice town to live and to call home. Continue to clean up problem homes and buildings. Playground for kids on 2nd or 3rd Avenue location. Safe economic development.”
“The plan is to continue to work with Council, Tammy, City employees, residents of New Cumberland, Commissioners and BHJ to better the City in any way we possibly can.”
What is New Cumberland’s worst problem? “Some of the potential for economic development is negatively impacted due to the location and flooding in downtown New Cumberland. New Cumberland has a problem with blighted properties.”
What made you decide to run for Mayor? “I like the progress we’ve made during the last four years and want to continue to serve and to work as your Mayor. New Cumberland is a nice small city to live in and to call home. The volunteers and workers in New Cumberland and volunteers who support the city and live close to the City make New Cumberland a special place. The “GOOD PEOPLE MAKE A GOOD TOWN.” sums it up.
