On the Campaign Trail

Friday Night in Cameron — Dragons Home Opener

I had a great evening in Cameron for the Dragons’ home opener against Valley High School.

I joined Bruce Whipkey at the entrance, where we greeted fans and handed out Cameron football schedule cards. We also gave fans an opportunity to win a handcrafted Cameron Dragons porch sign made by Patty Bungard. Congratulations to Chuck Clark, who was announced as the winner at halftime.

One of the things I enjoy most about campaigning is having the opportunity to visit with people throughout Marshall County. I enjoyed catching up with old friends and meeting several new ones during the evening.

The enthusiasm Cameron residents show for their football team — and for their community as a whole — is something special. That kind of community pride is one of the things that makes Marshall County such a great place to call home.

Good luck to the Dragons this season!

Visiting Moundsville City Council

I had the opportunity to attend the Moundsville City Council meeting, where I briefly introduced myself and spoke about my campaign for Marshall County Commissioner.

Having been a longtime employee of the City of Moundsville, I have attended many council meetings over the years. It was good to see the current council working together and getting things accomplished for the city.

During the meeting, council passed a resolution recognizing spinal cord injury awareness, with Heather Gillespie, Ms. Wheelchair West Virginia 2026, present for the presentation. Council also recognized McMechen Chief Robert Schilling for his actions that saved the life of a Marshall County Courthouse employee in Moundsville.

I also enjoyed reconnecting with many friends during the evening. Strong working relationships between the County Commission and our municipalities can help us accomplish more for the people we serve.

By working together, let’s see what we CAN do.

Marshall County Senior Center Picnic

I enjoyed visiting the Marshall County Senior Center Picnic at St. Jude Park in Glen Dale.

Although I could only stay for a short time, I had the opportunity to catch up with old friends, meet some new ones, and enjoy the great turnout.

Our seniors have contributed so much to Marshall County, and the programs and services available to them are an important part of our community. Supporting our seniors and the organizations that serve them should remain a priority for Marshall County.

Thank you to everyone who helped put together the picnic. It was great seeing so many people enjoying the afternoon together.

Let’s see what we CAN do.

Encouraging the Next Generation of Firefighters

As a member of the City of Moundsville Fireman's Civil Service Commission, I joined Chairman Colin Simmons and Commissioner Fred Brunner in conducting the physical agility testing and written examination for firefighter candidates.

It was encouraging to see potential new recruits step forward with the enthusiasm and commitment to serve their community.

Our commission is responsible for testing both new applicants and candidates for promotion. Recently, we also had the honor of testing and recommending Kevin Kimple for promotion to Fire Chief.

Serving on the Civil Service Commission is another opportunity to put my experience in public safety and local government to work. Fairness, sound judgment, accountability, and selecting qualified people for positions of public trust are responsibilities I take seriously — and they are the same principles I will bring to the Marshall County Commission.

Marshall County Schools Back to School Fun Fair

I enjoyed spending the morning at the 26th Annual Marshall County Schools Back to School Fun Fair, held this year at the John Marshall High School Field House.

Nearly 50 organizations came together to help Marshall County students and families prepare for the new school year. Students were able to receive backpacks, school supplies, toiletries, snacks and other items while families connected with schools and community organizations.

I especially enjoyed catching up with Susie Baker, who helped start this event 26 years ago, Superintendent Shelby Haines, and Board of Education member John Miller.

Events like this show what can happen when our schools, local organizations, businesses, volunteers and community work together. Building those kinds of partnerships and finding practical ways to get things done is exactly the approach I will bring to the Marshall County Commission.

Welcome to West Virginia at the Moundsville Riverfront

I was pleased to attend the unveiling of the new Welcome to West Virginia monument at Moundsville Riverfront Park.

Governor Patrick Morrisey served as the keynote speaker and officially unveiled the monument. Senator Chris Rose also spoke at the ceremony, and LEDA funding for the project was obtained in part through his request.

Representing the City of Moundsville were City Manager Rick Healey, Mayor Randy Chamberlain, Councilwoman Ginger DeWitt and Councilman David Wood. Marshall County Commissioner John Gruzinskas also took part in the dedication.

Projects like this are about more than appearance. They help create community pride, improve the image visitors see when they come to Marshall County, and highlight the kind of cooperation between local and state government that can help move our communities forward.

Celebrating Independence Day Across Marshall County

I was proud to spend the Fourth of July participating in both the Cameron and Moundsville parades.

The day started with the Cameron parade at 1:00 p.m., where I had the opportunity to visit with friends, neighbors and local leaders. With temperatures around 91 degrees, handing out ice-cold bottles of water turned out to be a popular way to help everyone enjoy the celebration.

Later that afternoon, I took part in the City of Moundsville parade. By then the temperature had climbed to about 93 degrees, so the cold water was appreciated there as well. I was especially grateful to have my wife Penny and daughter Sydney helping me during the parade.

Events like these are one of the best parts of campaigning. They provide a chance to spend time with people throughout Marshall County, listen, reconnect and celebrate the communities that make our county special.

Honoring Cameron’s Veterans at the Field of Flags

I was honored to take part in the Field of Flags flag-placing ceremony at Cameron Park, where 1,604 flags were placed in recognition of the servicemen and women of the Cameron area.

Volunteers included veterans, community members, local officials and Cameron Elementary School students, all working together to create an impressive tribute to those who served our country.

I also had the opportunity to catch up with longtime friend Cameron Police Chief Shawn Allman and others who came out to help.

Events like the Field of Flags show the pride that exists throughout our Marshall County communities and remind us of the importance of honoring the men and women whose service and sacrifice made our freedoms possible.

Cameron High School Earns Jennings Randolph Award

I was honored to attend a special ceremony at Cameron High School recognizing the senior class for achieving 100% voter registration among eligible students.

West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner presented the Jennings Randolph Award to the senior class. Secretary Warner and Delegate Charles Sheedy congratulated the students while reminding them that registering to vote is only the first step. They encouraged the students to learn about the issues and candidates and, most importantly, follow through by casting their ballots.

As Chairman of the Marshall County Republican Executive Committee and a candidate for Marshall County Commission, it was encouraging to see a new generation of voters taking that first important step in participating in our government.