By Michelle James
Register-Herald Reporter
May 18, 2007 11:02 pm
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Cedric Robertson says he’s been encouraged by the community feedback he’s received while campaigning for one of two council at-large seats in Beckley’s municipal election.
“I’ve been talking to a lot of people, and the citizens I’ve talked to have been very supportive and vocal about wanting a fresh, new voice,” Robertson said.
Should voters select Robertson in Tuesday’s election, the retired Beckley police officer and chief of detectives will step back into into the public eye less than a year and a half after retiring.
Since his retirement, Robertson has worked as a private security guard at the federal building.
Although some have raised concerns that Robertson should not be allowed to run for public office because of his position, he says it is not a problem because he is employed by a private firm, as opposed to the federal government.
“I’m employed by AKAL Security, which is under contract with the U.S. Marshals Service,” he explained. “I am a contract employee and don’t work for the federal government.”
Despite a 30-year career in public service, Robertson says he is not ready to completely step aside.
“As a police officer, I was able to assist and help the citizens of Beckley, and I just feel my work isn’t done yet,” Robertson said. “I want to continue to assist citizens and to continue to work in public service.”
A graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Robertson, who has one son with wife Drema, to whom he has been married nearly 34 years, says his love for his hometown and his desire to see it improve continue to grow.
“I was born and raised here in Beckley,” he said. “I went to school here and played ball here. I go to church here. This is my home.”
In addition to lowering the crime rate, which is a natural part of Robertson’s agenda, he says one important thing on his to-do list, should he be elected, is to improve the visual appeal of all areas of town.
“I don’t feel new businesses will relocate in blighted areas,” he said. “We need to demolish abandoned houses and rehab old structures. We need to continue the beautification process in the entire city of Beckley.
Though Robertson says all areas of town have their own problems, he adds East Beckley and East Park in particular have a large number of abandoned or dilapidated structures.
Sprucing up those areas, he said, would improve participation among residents.
“Beckley is a collection of neighborhoods,” he said. “Some are more affluent than others, and I want to make sure the less affluent get a fair share of projects to make them (residents) feel proud and encourage citizens to get more involved.”
Like many, Robertson says traffic in town is a major concern.
Although he says he is not certain what needs to be done to alleviate traffic congestion, he says he plans to explore whatever avenues necessary.
“Traffic is horrendous,” he said. “I don’t know what the answer is, but I’m willing to work with anyone to see what we can do.”
During his tenure at the police department, Robertson prided himself on his availability to the public, something he says would not change if elected.
“As a police officer, detective and chief of detectives, I was always accessible, and I want to continue to be in that position for citizens,” he said. “If they have a concern, they know where I live and where I work, and I’ll do whatever I can to help.”
Robertson says he was pleased with the results of March Democratic primary and hopes to see a good turnout Tuesday.
“I appreciate the citizens’ support, and I just hope people will come out and vote in the general election and let their voices be heard,” he said. “If elected, I think I can be that fresh, new voice on council, and with the other new members, I think we can bring some good ideas.”
— E-mail:
mjames@register-herald.com
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