As a city we will capitalize on our potential to provide new opportunity, as residents we will see the future we want and act to create it. 

The future we hope to build together will require an investment of time and faith from the citizens of Beckley.  I will begin by rebuilding trust with Beckley's residents through a more effective, open and accessible municipal government.  

     Tony O. Martin, Independent Candidate for Mayor of Beckley WV

A Growing Economy

As a city we will capitalize on our potential to create new opportunities for ourselves and better ones for our children.  The strategy is to encourage our creative class to discover and develop their talents, then use that talent to begin building a more dynamic and vibrant Beckley providing entertainment alongside opportunity.

To create new opportunities and grow our economy, I will:

• Expand on our technology and use it to engage residents and promote Beckley around the world;
• Support more creativity and innovation amongst our entrepreneurs, artists and young people;
• Work collaboratively with citizens to identify and tackle tough issues to develop real solutions; and
• Make our city safe for all.

Creative Capital for a Thriving Economy

Communities committed to the arts attract students and workers who are innovative and creative, the same characteristics employers value and attract new business.  More and more cities are beginning to realize the arts and the economy are more closely linked than ever before.  Together we will work to make Beckley the creative capital of West Virginia.

To invest in arts and artists, I will:

Establish Beckley Arts Council.  With a mandate to nurture creative and cultural development to support the artistic community in Beckley and surrounding areas, this new cultural institution will: promote local artists in and around the city; engage private and public donors to support the arts in Beckley through fundraising; and provide guidance and support to help smaller arts and cultural organizations thrive.

Support and maintain our community and cultural facilities.  I will work to provide the necessary resources to support and maintain our community-based arts and culture facilities and make city facilities more affordable for local productions.

Everyone In Beckley Should Feel Safe On Our Streets

Having an effective people climate is essential to attracting and retaining talented people, stimulating our local economy and attracting new jobs.  Leading Beckley forward begins with listening to its residents and making sure that our neighborhoods remain the center of a modern and vibrant city.  It means fighting to build a responsive city government based on performance, not politics and making sure everyone feels safe on our streets.  I will work to increase accountability, transparency and improve access to City Hall while providing new opportunities for community engagement.

To make our city brighter and safer, I will:

• Promote initiatives that help residents take back their streets.   I will encourage and support public events, neighborhood festivals, and opportunities for community groups and organizations to take advantage of our public spaces.
• Strengthening where we live.  Beginning in our most neglected neighborhoods, I will work to provide the resources necessary to improve parks, provide more activities and create a sense of place for area youth.
• Provide youth programs that go beyond sports. I will develop partnerships with the community, our schools, colleges and universities in order to expand our youth programs beyond sports to include technology and the arts.
• Develop a Mayor's Advisory Panel on critical city issues.  Composed of citizens, advocates, and city councilors, the Mayor's Advisory Panel will provide advice on critical issues such as the economy and public safety.

A New Look

The key to revitalizing downtown is bringing life to downtown.  While showcasing our city's unique identity, we can leverage the interests and assets of the merchant and arts communities on each other, allowing us to create a more compelling downtown experience with a higher level of civic pride and participation.

To bring new life to downtown, I will:

Transform Downtown into a "Business/Arts and Culture District".  I will work to develop strategic partnerships with businesses, schools and arts organizations to begin transforming downtown from an unappealing business district to a lively Business/Arts & Culture District offering variety of weekly public events and festivals.

Establish the Downtown Beckley Partnership (DBP).  The DBP is a community based organization made up of downtown property owners, business owners and residents with the full support and resources of the City of Beckley that works to creatively plan, manage and develop Downtown Beckley as the unique, diverse, vibrant and economically healthy urban core of Southern West Virginia.

Use the Community Channel more effectively.  Downtown TV - I will build on the full potential this channel provides our community and community-based organizations. I will utilize this channel as an educational tool for youth, a showcase for local talent and to aggressively market downtown our city and its cultural offerings to residents of Beckley and visitors alike.