Editorials

Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down

UP: To news that the Mid-Ohio Valley Easter Parade has been rescheduled for 2 p.m. April 15, after having been postposted due to forecasted high wind gusts on the original date. Organizer Kiki Angelos said she had received many calls and emails from those who hoped the event would be rescheduled, and it is no wonder. The parade has become a springtime fixture for residents who enjoy seeing local businesses and organizations celebrate the Easter season. Parade organizers and city officials are to be commended for working to ensure the parade will go on.

UP: To the City of Parkersburg receiving a clean audit with an unmodified opinion and no findings, for the fourth year in a row. We agree with Mayor Tom Joyce, who said, "I must again applaud the efforts of our Finance Director Eric Jiles and his team for their continued dedication and steadfast commitment in the execution of fiduciary duties in both a professional and compliant manner." It is encouraging to know city officials take their responsibility to citizens so seriously and work to achieve clean audits year after year.

UP: To progress being made in tackling the slum and blight problem our community faces. "Slum and blighted properties have been a problem for Parkersburg for a number of years," said Mayor Tom Joyce. "I am proud to announce as of this morning, since I've been mayor we've torn down 178 slum and blighted properties in the city limits of Parkersburg but it doesn't come without a process and a price." It is difficult and costly work, but necessary. City officials must not let up on the effort.