Further, there also operates in the City of Fairmont a private organization called the Maple Avenue Community Center, a neighborhood group which owns its own building and offers a number of programs, such as a learning center, social support services, summer day camps, and various recreational programs, in attempts to deter crime. Fairmont City Government Chief Ted Offutt and the Fairmont City Police Department have had a receptive environment in which to improve and expand programs, having received support from both the city s elected officials and City Manager. The current City Manager, Bruce McDaniels, has served in this capacity for only one year, but has sixteen years of experience as Utility Manager of the city. There are nine political districts and nine City Council members. The City Council elects the mayor, who serves a term of two years.
Council members serve a four-year term and there are no term limits.
It appears that this political structure is serving the best interests of the residents. There have been no controversial political issues in Fairmont, except for occasional racial issues raised by a small faction of the city s residents. It appears that Chief Offutt and City Manager McDaniels enjoy a cooperative working relationship with little political interference from elected officials. A casual observation illustrates that the Police Chief and the City Manager provide the city s elected officials with sufficient information to prevent any inordinate amount of political involvement in their positions. The Police Department is housed in a 100-year old brick building next door to the city fire station.