Issue date: 2/16/09 Section: News

Charleston Mayor John Inyart at the Feb. 3 City Council meeting in City Hall. Inyart was originally running unopposed for the position of mayor, but Troy Richey has announced he will run as well. (Eric Hiltner / The Daily Eastern News)

Charleston voters will have two choices in the April 7 mayoral race — incumbent John Inyart or write-in candidate Troy Richey.

Richey, of 238 West Vine Ave., said the city focuses too much on select areas like Lincoln Avenue and ignores others.

"It just seems like the north side gets neglected," Richey said, adding that many streets there are in poor shape. "They should concentrate on the city as a whole."

He said, if elected, he would also work to improve the city's economy. "I want to use the position as mayor to clean up the city, bring more businesses, bring more jobs," Richey said.

He said the city should do more to entice new businesses. "I honestly think they should offer tax breaks for businesses to come in, and help them find the proper place for their business," he said.

As a write-in candidate, Richey's name will not appear on the ballot, something he admits could hurt his campaign.

"It's definitely going to be a challenge," Richey said.

Richey is holding a "meet-the-candidate" party at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1821 20th St., on Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. He also said he plans to begin campaigning door-to-door soon.

Inyart, who is at the end of his first term, said that, under his watch, the city has worked to remove run-down properties and bring more attractive housing for students.

"The city has stepped up its efforts to eliminate run-down properties, forcing the owners of properties … to make improvements or tear down dilapidated structures," said Inyart in a December news release.

Inyart pointed to Melrose Place Apartments on Fourth Street, a $3 million development that he said replaced four old homes.

In the same news release, Inyart said the city has worked to encourage new businesses along Lincoln Avenue.

"Several high profile commercial properties have been re-developed, improving the overall appearance of the main business corridor," he said.

Aside from development in the city, Inyart said he has made city government more accessible by installing the first-ever computer in the mayor's office.

"It allows me to give a response to a citizen and pass along the issue to more than one staff member," Inyart said. "I just can't imagine doing it without it."

Inyart said he is not planning for any large campaign events, instead favoring personal discussions with his constituents.

"I will continue to attend community events and try to stay out in front of people," Inyart said. "Much of my contact with folks is one-on-one conversations at these events."


Joe Astrouski can be reached at 581-7945 or at jmastrouski@eiu.edu.

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