Marshal faculty studies city business woes

As explained in a story in The Herald-Dispatch today, some faculty at Marshall University have begun a study of city finances. After examing the situation here and comparing with what's happening in similar cities, they expect to issue a report in late summer or early fall.

Will it do any good? We won't really know the answer to that question until this time next year. The good part is that Huntington will be able to compare itself with cities of similar size and geography. And the whole situation will be laid out in black and white for all to see and argue over.

The bad part comes from the way city politics has worked lately. One one side, the mayor and his allies on the City Council have refused to consider meaningful changes in the way the city does business. Until a few days ago, the mayor resisted the idea of even considering privatizing some nonessential government operations and selling city property that could be operated better by the private sector. He also vetoed an ordinance allowing voters to decide if they want to go back to the council-manager form of government. In effect, he saved his job by not allowing people the opportunity to choose their form of government.

The other side of the divide will have to be watched, too. Some members of City Council might be planning to run for mayor themselves in 2008, and they could have their own agendas in either praising the report or panning once it is released.

In other words, any response to the report will have to be watched with a wary eye. But at least the study is being done.