In no more than 100 words, tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Danielle Stewart. I grew up in Beckley, specifically Ward 4. I graduated from WWHS in 1989, Concord University in 1994, and I completed my MBA at Webster University in 2010. I served as an officer in the U.S. Army for 23 years, earning three bronze stars during two combat tours. Beyond my military life, I am a spouse, a parent to five children, and a grandparent to three. I reside in the same neighborhood where I grew up, close to my mother and sisters. Additionally, I actively participate in St. Stephens Episcopal Church.
In no more than 200 words: In 2018, the city council approved the purchase of Black Knight Country Club and turned it over to city parks and recreation to manage as a city park and an events venue. In 2021, the city council approved the purchase of a downtown building and brought in Fruits of Labor to run its restaurant and addiction recovery program. What are your thoughts about both of these purchases?
I was against the purchase of Black Knight, and that purchase is why I got involved in politics; the purchase was a classic example of good-old-boy nepotism in our community. I was and continue to be vocal against the purchase and city-funded refurbishment of the Zen’s building that now houses the for-profit, masquerading as a nonprofit, Fruits of Labor, Inc. At least $5 million (and counting) taxpayer funds to support both buildings that benefit very few residents in Beckley, and a whole lot of people that don’t live in Beckley.
The public has no idea of the finances involved in Black Knight, and this city administration goes through great efforts to hide it; I believe it loses a great amount of money. If elected, I will call for an external audit of all financial aspects of Black Knight. Our residents will know the truth.
I continue to oppose city-funded welfare to the for-profit Fruits of Labor, Inc. If elected, I will ensure that if Fruits of Labor, Inc. operates there, they will pay full market value for that building. We will not subsidize a for-profit endeavor that has no positive impact on our city.
In no more than 150 words: Recently, the city council voted to change its form of government from strong mayor to city manager. What are your thoughts about this change?
I oppose this change. This is a blatant attempt to continue nepotism in our city by ensuring that our government will work for anyone except our residents.
I am most vocal about our residents not getting a choice in the matter; four people decided our form of government based on a measure passed in 1954. The voice of our residents was stolen, and I will not stand idly by. If elected, I will fight to have the issue of returning to a strong mayor form of government placed on the ballot for the November election. Further, I will be the most dedicated council member to ensuring the city manager works for the city council and the people. In that regard, I have already proposed five ordinances to the city manager search committee that will ensure city council will have firm and final control of the city and city manager.
In no more than 150 words: The Sharon Dempsey Memorial Pool at New River Park has been described by the parks and recreation director as being on “life support.” This comes at a time when it has become increasingly difficult for the city to find a pool manager and enough lifeguards to keep both city pools open, and at a time when fewer people are using the pools. What should the city do?
First, the pool manager and lifeguard problems are a manufactured “crisis”; pay people a fair wage and you never have a problem finding workers. This was shown in both the city police and public works pay raises; the money has always been there, but the will is lacking.
Ensuring the pool remains open and operational is one of my highest priorities. The park was and continues to be the center of summer life for our community. It is also the cornerstone that we can build on as part of the Outdoor Economic Development Plan. I want to create a place where families and youth are always welcome, that focuses on our residents first. This may include the city issuing bonds to refurbish or replace the pool, which is a much more worthwhile endeavor than any other purchase made by the city in the last eight years.
In no more than 100 words: If there is one new initiative you would like to see for the city of Beckley, what would it be?
My campaign slogan says it all: A Beckley for Beckley. This is not one new initiative, but a shift in attitude and focus to ensure the needs of all residents are placed above the needs of the privileged few. Black Knight, Fruits of Labor, and now the proposed change of South Kanawha Street to a one-way. These projects benefit others, not the residents living here, paying taxes, and footing the bill. The initiative is ensuring full transparency and a real focus on improving the quality of life of our residents.
