About David Felinton

Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, David Felinton first came to Huntington as a student at Marshall University where he completed his BA in Political Science with honors. David felt very connected to the community and wanted to stay in the area after graduation. Despite an economic recession and the loss of jobs and businesses, he believed that the Huntington’s strengths far outweighed the challenges. He entered the Mayoral race in 2000 and was elected – the youngest Mayor ever in the City of Huntington.

The first term was a difficult period of change. Mayor Felinton’s insistence on fiscal responsibility meant changes in city services and the adjustment period was difficult. By 2002, the budget was balanced and it has been balanced ever since.

The second term was a time to lay the foundation for the future. With an eye on the conceptual economy, Mayor Felinton worked with creative and innovative thinkers in the community as well as Marshall University to develop a vision for future economic growth. Pullman Square opened, and combined with new streetscaping projects the downtown area began to flourish once again.

Mayor Felinton shares the credit for Huntington’s turnaround with the citizens and public servants who have worked together to create positive change. “No one person, no one Mayor can do this alone,” he says. “This is about a community knowing who it wants to be and then working together to make it happen. My job as Mayor is to give them the tools and support they need and work beside them to get it done.”

Mayor Felinton lives in the south side of Huntington with his wife Bethany and children Samuel, 3, and Elizabeth, 2.