By Stephen Smoot
When Chad Edwards took on the massive responsibility of helping to pick the disaster-wracked community of East Palestine, Ohio back on its feet, the City of Shinnston wasted no time in finding a capable replacement.
Last week, City Council unanimously approved the hiring of Tori Drainer full time for the position she has held as an interim since last fall.
Said Debra Herndon, who helped to get Drainer up to speed on the numerous details of the position, “Council made a great decision in Tori Drainer.”
“When Tori first came to the City, I had the opportunity to train her in the City’s software system,” Herndon explained, adding that “She was a very fast learner and had a good grasp of the City’s financials early on.”
Drainer grew up in nearby Hepzibah and graduated from Lincoln High School, then attended Fairmont State University. When she married her husband, she moved to Lumberport. She took a position as city clerk there last July, but moved into her role with the City of Shinnston last November
Herndon described Drainer’s Shinnston focus. “Being a local person, she understands the priorities and values held by citizens of a small town.”
Jobs worked prior to local government also contributed to her success as city manager. Herndon noted that “I’ve seen her handle complaints and concerns. She listens, gives due consideration, and comes up with an appropriate action plan.
As Drainer said last fall “I started out in retail with American Eagle for six years,” building her ability to provide solid customer service.
In the past few months, one of Drainer’s priorities has lay in identifying derelict properties in the City of Shinnston that require remediation due to various hazards. Her goal lay in making Shinnston a safer and more beautiful place that continues to attract tourists and new residents.
“Tori has vision and enthusiasm,” Herndon said, going on to say “she will lead the city through many projects that will make a good place even better.”