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Stanley looks to unseat Rockhold

PARKERSBURG — District 8 City Councilman John Rockhold, a Democrat, said he’s proven he can get council members to work together in difficult times, but Republican challenger Zachary Stanley said that’s not what’s happening.

Council has made more progress this year, with him as president, Rockhold said, than in 2015, when they battled over issues of financial management.

“I try to look at two principles: Do what’s best. And do what’s right,” Rockhold said.

Stanley said he doesn’t feel citizens’ concerns are being listened to by council. He also said he does not believe council works together, citing 5-4 votes on multiple issues this year and disagreements that appear based on personal differences.

“A divided council is not going to get anything done,” Stanley said.

Stanley said he supports cutting the user fee and possibly getting rid of the floodwall fee, but council must determine if that is feasible.

“To me, they (council) don’t look for ways to cut back spending enough,” he said. “We have to be able to cut expenses” before lowering fees.

Rockhold noted that when the 1 percent municipal sales tax was passed, the business and occupation tax on utilities was eliminated, lowering costs for citizens. When considering further cuts, the city must be fiscally responsible, he said.

“To do it to the detriment of this city, it shows me that somebody’s more interested in getting elected than doing the job,” he said.

Stanley said his experience in the U.S. Army Reserve and business would be assets to council. He also said he’s the only candidate in the District 8 race “that lives in my district.”

Rockhold’s residency was questioned in 2011 after he married a St. Marys resident. While he said he spends time out of the city for family obligations, Rockhold said he meets residency requirements, is accessible to citizens and has not missed a meeting this term.

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