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Clinton Today
By the People, for the People
Former Clinton Mayor Calls for Action on Community Conditions
Wetzel urges city council to address issues like vacant buildings, homelessness, and unsightly properties
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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During a Clinton City Council meeting, former mayor Dr. Gus Wetzel addressed concerns about the condition and appearance of the city, including vacant buildings, homelessness, and unsightly properties. Wetzel said he believes the community has the willingness to address many of these issues and offered to gather up to 200 volunteers to help clean up and improve parts of the city, but urged the council to take action and work alongside volunteers.
Why it matters
The condition and appearance of a community can have a significant impact on its economic development and future growth opportunities. Wetzel's comments highlight the need for the city to address visible signs of decline, which could deter new businesses and residents from investing in Clinton.
The details
Wetzel pointed to several empty buildings on the downtown square that have remained vacant for over a decade, the deteriorating former Jefferson Park School building, and a property west of the north junction entering Clinton that has become a dumping ground for concrete, asphalt, and dirt piles. He also raised concerns about homelessness and encampments in parts of the community, as well as properties with accumulated trash, furniture, abandoned vehicles, and debris.
- Wetzel said he first learned about a potential data center project that could bring new jobs to Clinton roughly a year ago.
The players
Carla Moberly
The current mayor of Clinton.
Gus Wetzel
The former mayor of Clinton who addressed the city council about the community's condition and appearance.
Clinton Main Street
A community organization that was represented at the city council meeting in support of Wetzel's message.
Henry County Museum
A community organization that was represented at the city council meeting in support of Wetzel's message.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
What’s next
The city council will need to consider Wetzel's suggestions and work with community organizations and volunteers to address the issues he raised.
The takeaway
Wetzel's comments highlight the importance of maintaining a community's appearance and condition to support economic development and growth. By addressing visible signs of decline, Clinton can position itself to be more attractive to new businesses and residents, which could lead to greater opportunities for the city's future.
