Sheila Redling is a full-time writer, part-time instructor and the bonafide “visitor liaison” for the Huntington Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Sitting behind the counter at Heritage Station, Redling is one of the first faces a visitor to Huntington might see if they’re looking for a sight to see, a restaurant to munch at or a show to take in.
On Tuesday’s Primary Day, Redling said one issue that’s near and dear to her heart is the Cabell County School levy. She voted early.
Since Heritage Station gets its funding through the Greater Huntington Parks and Recreation District, which could face funding cuts if the levy passes, this fight is important to her.
“I really hope the Cabell County Board of Education starts paying attention to the will of the people and the good of the community instead of fighting over such a stupid little bit of money,” she said.
Mountain State Spotlight reporters are traveling around the state, asking West Virginians what’s on their mind this primary election day. To read other stories from this series, click here.
Redling, 58, is a life-long resident of the city – her parents moved there when she was only six months old. She said over the last 10 years, an explosion in the city’s arts scene has raised Huntington’s profile.
Outgoing mayor Steve Williams, who is making a run for governor, played a part by supporting arts councils in the city to help facilitate that, Redling said.
“I’m really going to miss Steve Williams,” Redling said. “I’m worried about who our next mayor is going to be – I hope we have somebody who understands you can’t just fight the bad, you have to support the good too.”