By Stephen Smoot
As the first quarter of the 21st century has come to a close, cities of all sizes face challenges as never before. Many areas have seen rising crime, much of it fueled by drug use and crumbling properties.
Even as a limited policy of what were once called earmarks return in the form of “Congressionally Directed Spending, ” gaining federal and state funds for improvements remains a competitive dogfight. The cities with the most capable experience, combined with an ability to navigate fast-changing dynamics, will thrive in this environment.
For the City of Shinnston, in steps Tori Drainer as City Manager.
Not all city governments operate in the same format. Most cities across the nation utilize one of two major forms of municipal government. A large number operate under the “strong mayor” system, which sees a council and mayor elected separately. The mayor operates as the chief executive and the council as a legislative branch.
Shinnston, however, follows the “council-manager” system. According to the National League of Cities, these cities have an elected council that “oversees the general administration, makes policy, (and) sets (the) budget.” Council often selects the mayor and appoints “a professional city manager to carry out day-to-day administrative operations.”
The City of Shinnston uses the latter system, which currently serves as “the most common form of government” for municipal areas.
For a city of any size, the manager position makes the individual holding the role the keystone of local government. They run the administration, formulate policy, and answer to council and citizens.
Drainer’s city government experience started with the Town of Lumberport. As city clerk, Drainer assisted in the town’s administration, including handling police citations, working with the budget, and served as the face of the town’s government to its residents. She also helped to represent Lumberport in official discussions with state legislators.
In November 2022, former Shinnston City Manager Chad Edwards created the position of executive assistant to replace the former economic development director position. The new role provided Edwards an assistant who could perform executive tasks and also serve in his stead when he could not be present.
For about a year, Drainer served as executive assistant, with the alternate title of assistant city manager. During that period, Edwards showed that any replacement of his would have big shoes to fill. He joined a number of civic organizations, earning leadership positions in some. Then came his decision to take the same role in East Palestine.
Trained, experienced, and ready, Drainer received approval to take the city manager position on an interim basis.
During her interim period, Drainer helped to tackle two major issues. She worked on implementing the dilapidated structures policy to help make the City safer and more beautiful. Selecting town properties for remediation required a diplomatic touch.
Under Drainer’s administration, the City also merged its election day with that of the state primary, saving money by combining efforts with Harrison County.
Going forward, Drainer seeks to spur the momentum that has driven positive changes in Shinnston recently. The city has forged ahead with expanding arts, music, and events offerings that attract attention and praise. Recently, a major motion film crew took shots in Shinnston while praising the people and the surroundings.
Drainer told WBOY that she wants to place some emphasis on expanding recreational opportunities in the park. She also stated that “I want to see downtown Shinnston grow. I’m really excited about what there is to come with downtown.”
She indicated also that she expects to see both residential and business growth in the area.
One of the things that makes a City Manager also a “citizen of the month” is courage. It takes courage to assume a position where, as the sign on former President Harry S. Truman’s desk read “the buck stops here.” That means that the one who sits behind that desk accepts the responsibility of government, which makes that person also the target of blame if anything goes wrong, no matter who is actually responsible.
The City of Shinnston is fortunate that “the buck” stops at a desk of an experienced and forward-looking city manager in Tori Drainer.