Gigi Riley
~ Candidate for Mayor of Seat Pleasant, Maryland ~
PART ONE

By Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa Style Magazine Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Copa; Have you ever been involved in politics or community service?
Gigi: I really didn't get involved in city government until I started working for the City of Seat Pleasant.
Gigi: I really didn't get involved in city government until I started working for the City of Seat Pleasant.
Copa: So, Seat Pleasant is very close to your heart as a resident and the people who live with you in the community?
Gigi: Yes indeed.
Gigi: Yes indeed.
Copa: Was there a specific situation that led you into making the decision to become a candidate to run for the Mayor of Seat Pleasant, Maryland?
Gigi: I had some serious issues about how some of the tax dollars were being spent. For instance, we have a 'State of the City' for Seat Pleasant. The purpose of this event is supposed to give the community insight on where where we stand as a government and community, the full status. For the last State of the City event, the present Mayor reported an expenditure of over $100,000 for 1 hour's worth of information. In my opinion, I feel that those dollars could have been better spent for the community. There's so much blight within our city that requires our attention.
There are seniors who's roofs are caving in, there's no help from anyone, or any programs in place for quite some time. There are a number of people who have experienced some hard times and this needs to end. If these people are paying taxes you would think they would get some much better help.
Gigi: I had some serious issues about how some of the tax dollars were being spent. For instance, we have a 'State of the City' for Seat Pleasant. The purpose of this event is supposed to give the community insight on where where we stand as a government and community, the full status. For the last State of the City event, the present Mayor reported an expenditure of over $100,000 for 1 hour's worth of information. In my opinion, I feel that those dollars could have been better spent for the community. There's so much blight within our city that requires our attention.
There are seniors who's roofs are caving in, there's no help from anyone, or any programs in place for quite some time. There are a number of people who have experienced some hard times and this needs to end. If these people are paying taxes you would think they would get some much better help.
Copa: Who is the current Mayor of Seat Pleasant?
Gigi: The current Mayor is Eugene W. Grant. Copa: How much is the city's budget for 2019?
Gigi? I'm not sure but Economic Development is around $6,000,000. Copa: What was your responsibly when you were working for the city of Seat Pleasant?
GiGi: I was responsible for putting in purchase orders for anything we needed for economic development like a house, paper, just about everything. I was in a position where I could see where money was being spent on a daily basis. |
Copa: We take it that you are suggesting that funds could have been spent more wisely in other areas. Please give us a few examples.
Gigi: For instance, many commercial areas could use some major improvement in appearance, when you walk down the street you see excessive paper, garbage, and litter that should be cleaned up. When you think about the amount of money that's being spent for temporary office space while a new City Hall area is being built. So far it's been used for over a year now. It takes $100,000 for 6 months. In every Director's office there are large flat screens for them, now we must remember that these are temporary spaces. There a lavish offices with carpet. Mayor Grant even has his own personal Gazebo where he can hold his meetings outside.
Gigi: For instance, many commercial areas could use some major improvement in appearance, when you walk down the street you see excessive paper, garbage, and litter that should be cleaned up. When you think about the amount of money that's being spent for temporary office space while a new City Hall area is being built. So far it's been used for over a year now. It takes $100,000 for 6 months. In every Director's office there are large flat screens for them, now we must remember that these are temporary spaces. There a lavish offices with carpet. Mayor Grant even has his own personal Gazebo where he can hold his meetings outside.
Part 2 of this revealing interview will be posted later this week.