Former Huntington mayor, Terry Abbett, wants his old job back. In an interview with a local television station http://www.indianasnewscenter.com/news/local/95361894.html Mr. Abbett said that he has looked at the city's finances and knows where to make cuts without layoffs. He also said that during his last year of a two term stint, the unemployment rate was at 4.8 percent. Looking at economic stats from Indiana, it was actually 4.7 percent. But since his term ended and Steve Updike took the post, Huntington has been hit hard by the economic meltdown. Huntington has lost at least 3 factories and various retail outlets including mom and pop places, restaurants, etc.
But if one looks deeper, here is what Mr. Abbett left the current mayor with. A federal mandate (unfunded) to repair and replace the water flow systems in town, water towers that needed repair, streets that needed repaired, etc. There comes a point where a mayor must make hard, unpopular decisions and stop trying to be everybody's best friend.
The citizens of Huntington voted Mr. Abbett out of office and are currently ready to ride Mayor Updike out on a rail. Should a third party choose to place his hat in the ring, it is possible that Mr. Abbett will still find himself on the outside looking in.
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