The Times West Virginian

Local News

February 8, 2010

Citizens seeking charter change

Transparency sought in city government

By J. Miles Layton

FAIRMONT — Stephen Atkinson is waging war against City Hall.

“This is a fight I think the citizens of Fairmont can win — we want a new charter and transparency in government,” he said.

A key organizer of Citizens Against Irresponsible Government, Atkinson is spearheading a petition drive that seeks to change the city’s charter so that the mayor will lead the show instead of serving in a ceremonial role. While the mayor presides over city council, City Hall does the heavy lifting required to manage the city’s affairs based on the wishes of council.

Atkinson said he wants to change this system to a “strong mayor” form of government so City Hall would be more accountable to the people. He wants to see a referendum placed on the ballot for the general election in November.

“We are trying to get enough signatures to create a new charter to form a strong mayor-type of government,” he said. “The people in Fairmont have no say over their government.”

But at the heart of this dispute lies another matter.

A couple of months ago, Atkinson claimed City Hall unfairly singled out his businesses to collect about $31,000 in long overdue Business and Occupation (B&O;) taxes. Atkinson owns the Poky Dot restaurant, a car wash and apartments. He accuses the city of selective enforcement.

City Hall repeatedly denied Atkinson’s claims and asserted that it has tried many times during the past several years to make payment arrangements with him.



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