Then why hasn't it worked for Huntington? Why are we referred to as Americas recovery house? Look, I appreciate you as a poster and your history with our school and town. I just don't see where all the so called steps the city has supposedly taken over the last 3-4 years has helped. Obviously, we need to try something else or we'll continue to lose population. I would hate to see Brad Smith's and Marshall efforts to be lost in a city that can't correct a huge issue that keeps people from moving here. jmho.
Huntington is no longer on those "lists" of overdose capitals in the US. Its been highlighted on national news as a leader in treatment, first responder efficacy, and first responder support. Do you not remember when there were regular reports of needles in downtown? At Harris Riverfront park? Of encampments along the river? Today? Not so much.
Listen -- I get your frustrations. There are real problems in Huntington and every other single city in the state, region and country. It has an aging population, a declining tax base, and an oft-broken infrastructure that needs replaced but for which there is little $. The housing market is limited, and homes over $200k are few/far between.
That said, Huntington has a thriving downtown. Its food scene is the best in WV, bar none. Property values are rising faster than most of the rest of the state. Marshall is in the beginning of a huge upswing and enrollment is up significantly (as opposed to that other state institution up north). Employment is up. Wages are up. Health care in the area is the best between Lexington and Pittsburgh. The arts is thriving, with the best (by far) museum in the state. We have a secret gem in Heritage Farm, and a not-so-secret gem in Ritter Park.
As Monty Python said... "Just Look on the Bright Side of Life" - be optimistic. There's lots of reasons to be.