Top Priorities
01.
Small Business
02.
Economic Development
03.
Homelessness
04.
Housing
05.
Youth Retention
01
Small Business
Our small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. Representing Ward 3, I have worked one-on-one with many business owners to support their expansion and development. As a city, we need to continue supporting these businesses in new and innovative ways, including:
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Creating a small business portal for easy access to permits, documents, and deadlines.
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Strengthening our partnership with the Chamber of Commerce.
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Reducing unnecessary tax burdens.
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Holding regular meetings with Ohio County Commissioners.
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Actively recruiting businesses to our city by offering opportunities, networking, information, and incentives to prospective small businesses.
02
Economic Development
Encouraging a comprehensive economic development policy and approach is crucial to maintaining our momentum as a growing city. This entails fostering strong relationships with developers, corporate industries, manufacturing, and our recreation and cultural sectors. I will bolster local economic development by equipping our Community and Economic Development department with the necessary tools to not only retain but also attract these industries. I will advocate for:
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Collaborating with local and state partners to identify and convene critical regional stakeholders.
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Addressing the "stigma issue" through investment in bold marketing and branding strategies.
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Working closely with our county on industry recruitment initiatives.
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Conducting audits of our internal practices to ensure a seamless and accessible business experience with the City of Wheeling
03
Homelessness
Addressing homelessness through an evidence-based and community-focused wrap-around approach will help alleviate the current challenges we face. I will advocate for:
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Implementing a low-barrier shelter.
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Providing additional public safety support.
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Allocating funding for housing assistance.
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Expanding public transit options.
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Supporting Substance Use Disorder (SUD) resources and rehabilitation, while coordinating with elected partners in the tri-state area to encourage a broader strategic approach to housing individuals.
04
Housing
Quality and affordable housing represent perhaps the most critical challenge and opportunity for Wheeling. I am committed to continuing support for:
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Implementing single-family-friendly zoning changes.
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Promoting affordable housing apartments and single-family residences through programs like the WHA.
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Establishing policies to fund home improvements for our elderly and income-qualified residents.
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Encouraging Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and duplex zoning.
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Supporting mixed-use developments
05
Youth retention
In 2020, West Virginia experienced the sharpest population decline in America. This decline reflects a range of demographics, but one particularly concerning group is the number of young people who do not envision themselves living in West Virginia. As a social, cultural, and economic hub, Wheeling can retain and attract young people in several key ways:
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Supporting our Youth City Council.
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Creating retention incentives for individuals aged 18-35.
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Investing in greater arts and cultural events, resources, and activities.
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Funding essential parks and recreation improvements.
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Attracting appropriately sized employers to our neighborhoods
ON THE RECORD
Putting My Experience to Work for Wheeling
The voters sent me to city council with a mandate: focus on the issues that matter. With that mission, I have used my professional and personal experience to tackle some of the most complicated issues facing Wheeling today.
Housing, Homelessness, Vacant Property, Public Transit, and Parks and Recreation are just a few of the areas where we have made significant progress. In our first term, I am proud to say we rolled up our sleeves and accomplished even more than we set out to.
In 2023, it's clear that Wheeling is quickly emerging as an economic leader not only in the panhandle but also in the state. Yet, despite this historic growth and investment, we realize how much work remains.
As your Mayor, I will be committed to revitalizing our small business landscape, reducing our homeless population, addressing blight, streamlining city services, and ensuring that more young families can make Wheeling their forever home.
That is why I am asking for your support and your vote for Mayor of the great city of Wheeling.
Sincerely,
Rosemary
Liz Prather of Woodsdale
“Rosemary Ketchum is exactly the sort of leadership Wheeling needs to move forward and grow.
She has done a great job garnering investment in her district and I would like to see that spirit expand to the whole of the city under her leadership."
Kasie Chastain
Business Owner
"I believe a motivated Individual with a growth mindset is what our city needs most. Rosemary will deliver just that!"
Ellen Brafford McCroskey of Warwood
“As a new grandparent, I want leadership with a plan to keep our youth in Wheeling long-term. I believe Rosemary has the vision and the skill to do just that.“
Photos by Mikaya Green & Madolyn McGregor
Paid for by Rosemary For Mayor