Thursday, February 03, 2000
TV veteran channels energy into serving city
Wants to fine-tune development and 'take care of the people'
BY JANET C. WETZEL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MIDDLETOWN — In the early days of television, Bob Wells was happy to work for $82.50 a week. More than four decades later, he's working as a city commissioner for about the same pay, and he's still happy.
“I just fell in love with the television industry,” said Mr. Wells, who gladly worked for free briefly to learn the business. “When I was campaigning for City Commission, I once thought, "Why am I doing all this work for a lousy $5,000 a year?' But like TV, it's not about the money. It may sound hokey, but I really want to serve my city.”
Mr. Wells, 67, who took office Jan. 1, is just as eager to learn the City Commission job as he was to become a top-notch television producer and director.
“I've got a lot to learn, but I've got the time and the desire to do it,” said Mr. Wells. “I'm really concerned about the people of this town. I'm concerned about how things affect them. The big goal of city commissioners and city staff for 2000 needs to be to take care of the people.”
Ted Karchner, a 20-year acquaintance, helped with Mr. Wells' campaign because he thought he would be an asset to the commission and the city.
“His experience in communications, his willingness to work hard and his love for people make him a great choice for the commission,” said Mr. Karchner, adding that if Mr. Wells has critics, they have been silent.
“He's also a good planner. I'd characterize Bob as a perfectionist. He has very definite ideas on how things should go, and works very hard to make sure they go well.”
Got start in Air Force
Mr. Wells spent nearly 40 years making sure things went well for various TV programs.
His career started about 1953 in the pioneer days of television, while in the Air Force, stationed in Colorado Springs, Colo.
“I worked midnight to 8 a.m., and I got bored in the daytime,” said Mr. Wells, smiling often at the memories.
“I went down to the TV station and said, "I'd like to learn the business, and I'll work for free.' They accepted my offer.”
He was soon caught up in a new world — new jargon and equipment — learning to run cameras, mikes and booms; do lighting and all types of studio work.
“Then they took me up stairs and taught me to direct,” Mr. Wells said. “It was a one-man operation back then. One control panel, two rows of buttons. I started directing local shows, newscasts.”
He worked at TV stations in Dayton and Cincinnati from the late 1950s until 1990.
Retirees become focus
His big break came in 1974 with a promotion to marketing and promotions director at WHIO (Channel 7) in Dayton.
“We did star junkets ... going all over the country to do promotion spots for CBS shows,” he said.
In 1992, he took on a new challenge, marketing and public relations director at Mount Pleasant Retirement Village in Monroe, and now is part-time dietary office manager. On March 31, he'll leave that post to have more time for City Commission work.
A longtime volunteer, Mr. Wells said his interest in public service was piqued when only three candidates were seeking three commission seats.
“The people had no choices. Something just clicked,” and he told his wife of 40 years, Nancy, he was going to run for office.
“She thought I was crazy to take on all this work, the pressure. But she became a strong supporter and helper,” said Mr. Wells.
The couple have two daughters; a son died in Jan uary.
Second in field of 8
When Mr. Wells found himself in an eight-way race, he was undeterred. He came in second.
That strong voter support increased his determination to be an effective public servant.
“We're there to make the people in this town feel secure about their community, to have their infrastructure needs taken care of — things that tax dollars cover,” Mr. Wells said.
Other goals include spurring economic development, especially in the east end, and developing a marketing plan to draw more industry.
“We have tremendous amenities in Middletown — a highway around our entire city, which most cities of this size don't have. We have culture. ... We have a lot to be proud of. I'm glad to be able to help work to make it even better.”
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TV veteran channels energy into serving city
