Andrew Banko: Candidate for Clarksburg City Council

— Biography: “I am a special education teacher, coach, business owner, and homeowner in our community. I believe Clarksburg has extensive potential, and I want to see us tap into it through innovative methods. I also believe we need to pair new ideas with a common-sense approach to spending. I would like to see our city government lead through capitalizing on our greatest asset — our people and bringing everyone to the table to improve our city. As a teacher, coach and business owner, I believe I have the leadership ability and business sense to help facilitate this approach and usher in a new era of success for Clarksburg. I am proud to be from Clarksburg, and I want to help make our city a place where everyone can share in that pride.”

— What do you see as the most important issue currently facing Clarksburg and what would you do to address it if you are elected?:

”My top priority is the exodus of people in my age range leaving our city due to lack of opportunities.”

— What are your expectations for the newly hired city manager and what do you hope they will accomplish in their first year on the job?:

“I would like to see the new city manager be able to jump in with department heads, and facilitate communication with citizens to find our most common concerns. Through door-to-door campaigning, code enforcement has been a top concern that has been expressed to me.”

— What should the city be doing to promote economic development in the downtown business area — should the B&O tax credit program be expanded?:

“I believe that economic development is paramount and the recent hiring of a director of economic development is a huge step in a positive direction. I believe investment in our neighborhoods through community ambassador programs and other initiatives I have in mind will help to change the culture in our city, which will in turn spur investment in our downtown.”

— How should Clarksburg work to forge stronger ties with decision makers in Charleston?:

“I believe it is important to create relationships with legislators that are beneficial to our city. However, we must make sure we are facilitating relationships that will prioritize our citizens. I believe one issue that has brought Clarksburg to where we are today is that politicians and people in leadership roles have been more concerned with personal benefit as opposed to looking out for the well-being of Clarksburg.”