2018 All-American City Award

Every citizen of Huntington and Cabell County has an opinion as to what our area's needs are, if we are to prosper and grow as we move deeper into the 21st-century. We talk ourselves silly about it! Personally, we are of the opinion that "talk is cheap"! It is time to develop an action plan, and we would like to discuss the formation of an "All-American City Task Force" to develop a strategic plan to attain the 2018 All-American City Award. It is bestowed yearly by the National Civic League. Huntington won the honor in 1958. The application for the designation can be made as a neighborhood, town, city or area. We propose that the "task force" set as its goal to work to gain this prestigious designation as an "area", which would include the city of Huntington and Cabell County.

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We have given some thought as to which actions could be considered and accomplished during the next decade. Our area "task force" would make application for the All-American City designation for the year 2018. Other issues may be added, as the "task force" begins its work. Here is our contribution to the list:

1. Initially, the consolidation of city and county services.



2. Complete the consolidation of the governments of the City of Huntington and the government of Cabell County. The new government would be called "The Consolidated Government of Huntington and Cabell County".



3. Establish a well-funded consolidated law enforcement agency with sufficient manpower and equipment and a strong presence in all neighborhoods.



4. Establishment of Historic Neighborhood designations for distinctive residential neighborhoods to protect the architectural "signature" of each and to ensure the historic preservation of Huntington's various neighborhoods. Modify state law related to the sale of delinquent tax liens on properties, the disposition of dilapidated and fire-damaged structures and the development of affordable housing, leading to the elimination of concentrated public housing "projects".



5. State legislative action to establish Home Rule allowing local taxation that will support well-delivered governmental services that will lead to our areas image and an attractive and progressive place to do business and raise families.



6. Recovery of the areas reputation for orderliness and beauty by modernizing infrastructure. Finalize the closing of the current landfill and estabish a new one that will focus on recycling of solid waste. Replacement of the antiquated combined sanitation/storm sewer and all other infrasturcture elements, including the recovery of paved-over residential-area brick streets, the repair/replacement of curbs, gutters streets and trees and the placement of litter receptacles and cigarette waste disposal units in all business and residential neighborhoods.



7. Establish an area-wide task force of citizens and professionals to end homelessness, vagrancy and the demand for illegal drugs. Innovative planning to create affordable housing and the elemination of the demand for illegal drugs.



8. A marketing and educational campaign to foster a dynamic citizen involvement and a new "sense of community. A decade of continued beautification of our business districts, neighborhoods and riverfront.

How about adding your ideas. Click on "Post Comments" at the end of this posting. (you can make comments "anonymously". After clicking on "Post Comments", click on "Anonymous". Then, give us your ideas for the "task force's" consideration.)

Together we will accomplish anything we can imagine!