The editorial is the opinion of the editorial board of The Daily Eastern News.

Dan Cougill’s campaign slogan is “Bringing quality leadership to Charleston,” and that’s just what he’ll do.

After working as Charleston’s mayor for eight years, Cougill has the experience needed to serve Charleston for another term. He is dedicated to working with the university to create a community where students can learn and also enjoy their four years here.

Cougill supports the External Relations Committee, which works to bring the city and university together on projects. He also said he would like to expand the committee so that it has more power on issues that affect the campus and community. Cougill said if both sides were more dedicated to the agreements reached, the committee would be more useful.

Cougill also supports a landlord inspection program that would require landlords to have their rental properties checked periodically for safety hazards and code violations. This program is almost entirely for students, as they make up the bulk of renters in the city.

Throughout the process of implementing this program, Cougill has worked with students. He has agreed to put the project on hold until students return in the fall, rather than making decisions in their absence this summer.

During Cougill’s tenure as mayor, Charleston has spent a significant amount of time on a comprehensive plan. This plan outlines what the city hopes to do now and into the future. To help Charleston to continue to grow, the city needs a defined plan.

While it is obvious that Cougill’s opponent Clancy Pfeiffer also is dedicated to helping Charleston, the way he wants to go about it will be less successful. Pfeiffer does not agree with the landlord inspection program and said the laws currently in place will serve the purpose of maintaining safe living conditions for students and other renters.

Pfeiffer also said that while he feels a city plan is important for Charleston, he favors more of a “play as you go” approach to governing the city.

Charleston needs a leader with a clear plan in place and the means to carry it out. Cougill is an honest and trustworthy candidate who will work with the residents as well as the university and students to do what is best for Charleston.

The Daily Eastern News endorses Dan Cougill in Charleston’s mayoral election.