CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — Frank Annie is a Republican running for Ward 13 of Charleston City Council.
He is running against Justin Williams, a Democrat, in the general election in November.
* Editor’s Note: If you are a Charleston resident, you can find what ward you live in by clicking here.
Dr. Frank Annie is a Charleston native who grew up in Kanawha City and works as a research scientist specializing in cardiovascular research. He has written 25 scientific research articles, 1 book chapter, 30 published abstracts. Most of his research consists of better public health policies and challenges that focus on Appalachia.
Why have you chosen to run for Charleston City Council?
I am running for City Council because I am concerned about the public health of Charleston. From my work as a research scientist, I know that the city has a significant issue with HIV, hepatitis C, and endocarditis due to a lack of knowledge and resources for citizens of Charleston. I believe that I can help to bring awareness and education to this issue, and I will make a difference in these areas.
What differentiates you from your opponent(s)?
I am not a “typical” politician – I’m a concerned citizen who wants to improve our city first and foremost. I believe that my background as a PhD will help to bring a new viewpoint to City Council that is not typically seen.
Explain what you see as the most important issue facing the city of Charleston.
The biggest issue facing the city is that the citizens are talking but nobody is listening. After speaking with my neighbors, there are so many great ideas and opportunities that the community would love to see improved, but there is hardly any action on the issues that matter the most including public safety, youth involvement, and utilization of public spaces.
How are you uniquely qualified to address that specific issue?
I’m dedicated to listen to the citizens of Charleston because this is where I was born and raised. I know and understand what Charleston could be if we worked together for the improvement of our city.
How would you address the issue of public safety?
I believe that public health is a huge part of public safety. We need specific programs that have verified success, and we need to fund them appropriately. We need to invest in fire, EMS, and police both financially and with additional support resources.
How would you address the issue of population decline?
We need to bring and keep young people here. Events such as FestivALL, The Regatta, and activities at the Clay Center are a great start, but it would be impactful to expand on these events. We need to have affordable housing for young people where they feel safe and want to raise a family or start their professional careers.
How would you address the issue of homelessness?
Addressing the root cause of homelessness in Charleston is the first step. We need to figure out what these citizens need in order to provide them with the resources that they can use to improve their situations. Once we do this, we can help to keep these individuals housed and safe.
What is your opinion on the current size of city council?
Everyone should have adequate representation for the different regions of our city. City Counsel should be held more accountable for attending meetings and appropriately representing their constituents.
How would you address the issue of attracting and retaining businesses?
We need to listen to our small business owners so that these individuals can flourish and not flounder. While attracting larger businesses to the area is important also, we can’t forget about the needs of smaller, locally owned businesses and only looking at the amount of revenue generated for the city as the primary factor.
What are your ideas for further city beautification?
I would like to create more green spaces in the downtown area. I think that we need to be more consistent in our clean-up of the shores in the downtown area to remove litter and keep our rivers clean.
What is your overall vision for Charleston?
I want to see a healthy, thriving, engaged city. Charlestonians should have a sense of pride that we are rebuilding and maintaining the city in the best way that we can that is welcoming to all.
Is there anything you would cut or believe is unnecessary in Charleston’s budget?
First, I think it is difficult for citizens to find the budget to know where their tax dollars are being spent. After looking at the budget, I believe that we could make several small decreases in current spending to help fund new programs with minimal negative impact to the current services.
What can be done to attract and keep younger people in Charleston?
Safe, affordable housing and creating economic opportunities for young people is the first step. Education funding for families with young children is important, and we need to support our educators and childcare services.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.
To learn more about Frank Annie, you can visit his Twitter page.