City Council Candidates On Economic Development

Three candidates running for two open Cumberland City Council seats joined WCBC news this week for a question and answer forum. One question had to do with how they see economic development progress. Current council member Jimmy Furstenberg said the city’s economic development office is busier than ever…

“We have a lot of things being brought to us from outside the area from people being interested in the area. Instead of us chasing them, they’re coming to us. And I believe you’ll start hearing about this in the next couple weeks.”

Candidate Joe George wants more regional cooperation…

Candidate William Valois would consider a consolidation of resources…

GEORGE: “Both in terms of Allegany County, our partners in Mineral County and Bedford County and other municipalities within the region. What’s good for the region is certainly good for the city of Cumberland.”

VALOIS: “Companies come into the area, trying to understand who they have to go to whether it’s the city, the county, or CEDC. Having those combined because there’s a duplication of a lot of the same responsibilities.”