In January 2000, a young political science student at Marshall University decided to get some real political science experience when he filed to run for Huntington mayor.
David Felinton, a 25-year-old Baltimore native who came to Huntington to attend Marshall, was the only Democrat to file for the post. He faced two-term Republican Mayor Jean Dean who was seeking a third term. Had Felinton not filed, it appears Dean would have coasted to her third term without opposition.
With no experience, no campaign cash and no political connections, Felinton knew he was facing an uphill battle. So he set about knocking on doors to introduce himself to voters and ask their thoughts. His shoe leather campaign worked and, to the surprise of many, he ousted Dean from the mayor’s office.
What followed was one of the most turbulent periods in Huntington’s recent political history, with the city teetering on the edge of bankruptcy as Felinton and City Council squared off in one bitter controversy after another. Council’s members couldn’t seem to agree on anything other than their distaste for the mayor and whatever he proposed.
In 2004, Felinton sought a second term as mayor and, given the continuing turmoil at City Hall, again the odds seemed against him.
This time his Republican opponent was former Huntington Police Chief Gordon Ramey II, whom Felinton had fired when the two couldn’t see eye to eye on police layoffs that Felinton insisted had to be made.
And again, Felinton beat the odds. When the votes were counted, he had bested Ramey.
His second victory, Felinton said, showed that the voters were willing to show some patience as the city worked its way through budget cuts and layoffs. “We’ve been through some tough times, but they’re beginning to see the city’s finances and the downtown both improve dramatically,” he said.
Felinton was unsuccessful when he tried for a third term.
