BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Attorney and City Councilman Robert Dunlap has announced intentions to throw his hat in the ring for the upcoming race for Mayor of the City of Beckley.
Dunlap, who has served as a member of the Beckley City Council and several other city commissions for years, has been considering a mayoral campaign for nearly a decade. It was at this point that the time felt right to engage in the process, the Councilman tells LOOTPRESS.
“The reason why, at this point, a city mayoral run makes sense is because we’re changing everything and we need a dynamic leader. Beckley’s next mayor needs to be approachable, informed and caring for all our constituents.”
Pointing out the likelihood of the City of Beckley shifting to a “City Manager” form of government in the near future, Dunlap asserts that a new leadership style will be necessary in order to navigate coming changes and to facilitate a local government that works for all citizens.
“We’ve done a lot to improve things over the last three years, but it wasn’t the collective vision of City Council that drove the direction of the city. That is going to change,” he says. “We also have seen where there’s lots of areas we can improve and that is why this is such an opportunity.”
Praising the commitment of current Mayor of Beckley Rob Rappold, Dunlap believes that the way forward with regard to city representation will entail a direct change in leadership.
“Our current mayor has had decades of experience in city governance to his credit. But the methods of leadership and the way things always have been may not have necessarily reflected the levels of transparency and innovation that are inherent with a candidate like myself,” he explains.
“Don’t get me wrong. I have an immense respect for any public servant who can serve for so long. However, it is time for a changing of the guard, and for our leaders to reflect the diversity I represent and revere.”
Reiterating the notions of transparency upon which the impending campaign appear to be heavily informed, the City Councilman assures that his own door is always open for constituents who wish to share their thoughts and perspectives regarding the direction of the city.
“If any person wants to know where I stand on any specific item or in a larger agenda item that could improve our city, from supporting our law-enforcement officers, to addressing the issues of vagrancy/crime in our city, to encouraging investment of business in our uptown area, please simply call my office and let’s sit down and discuss a collective vision that represents everyone and makes our great city, better.”
More information on the governmental structure of the City or Beckley can be found at the City of Beckley website.