BECKLEY, W.Va. — Mayor-elect Rob Rappold’s ultimate goal is to turn Beckley into a cool college town, a destination for the arts, dining and culture in southern West Virginia.
In order to make that happen, Rappold will focus, starting when he takes office July 1, on three important facets — making the city safe, beautiful and prosperous.
All city departments, from police to code enforcement, will play a role in that process, Rappold said.
“I think we need to look at Beckley through a set of eyes like Dr. Gee’s and recognize the attributes we have here and the things we can build on.”
West Virginia University President Dr. E. Gordon Gee’s words actually inspired Rappold to run for mayor…