Seven contenders are in the running for two at-large Moundsville City council seats. The top two finishers among incumbent Randy Chamberlain, David Burkle, Don DeWitt, Jennifer Hess Norris, Brittany Reilly, Eli D. Rogerson and Carole Blake Wood will earn a spot on council.

Chamberlain, 78, said his 14 years as a councilman and two terms as mayor allow him to bring “years of valuable experience” to the position.

Chamberlain wants to continue his work on the council by renewing the city’s infrastructure and expanding tourism. Chamberlain intends to address what he believes is the city’s main challenge: a declining population.

“While our population has declined by half since 1960, our city is geographically the same size,” Chamberlain noted. “We still have the same miles of streets to maintain and provide all the same services. This is a huge challenge. The council, city manager and citizens must chart a careful, well-thought-out course to address this.”

Burkle, 55, tossed his hat in the ring to “help improve the overall condition of the city.” Burkle, the Guest House Lounge bar manager, wants to attract new businesses and industry and help existing businesses “remain strong.”

“I feel that my experience in both retail and community affairs and social services will allow me to be an asset to the organization,” Burkle said. “My biggest challenge, if elected, will be to learn the existing policies and rules of order and try to assist in improving them.”

DeWitt, 56, decided to run to “continue serving the citizens” as a retired Moundsville police officer and former McMechen police chief.

“I patrolled the city streets and alleys of Moundsville and have gone into numerous homes and businesses and spoken with the citizens about their problems and concerns for 20 years,” said DeWitt. “I have worked for the city of Moundsville as an employee, which also gives me a different perspective on how the city operates and should operate.”

DeWitt believes there are multiple challenges facing the community he would like to address if elected, including dilapidated houses, population decline, housing shortages and a lack of public transportation.

Norris, 52, entered the council race to “work hard on behalf” of her neighbors and community and address residents’ concerns “quickly and effectively.”

Norris, a Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 83 member, aims to give every resident a seat at the Moundsville City Council’s table through her representation. She also wants to focus on improving affordable, safe housing for residents.

“The honesty in my actions and my intellectually honest approach to issues sets me apart from other candidates,” Norris said. “I am committed to doing the job right and dedicating my time and energy to serve the public’s best interest and improve quality of life.”

Reilly, 37, decided to run for council to bring back to Moundsville the “close-knit feeling” and “sense of involvement” she felt growing up in a small town.

Reilly, a licensed realtor, said her top two properties for the area are population retention and community engagement. Reilly noted that the council needs to “create opportunities that keep young people in Moundsville” while ensuring residents “have a voice in the decisions that impact them.”

“I’ve already begun researching ways to bring programs and funding to help achieve that,” Reilly said. “I’m committed to supporting local jobs and ensuring families can thrive here with steady employment opportunities.”

Rogerson, 35, decided to run for council because he wanted to turn his “journey of self-improvement” outward to the city. Roger, an electric motor winder and coil maker, intends to improve the community by targeting the drug problem, which he noted “does not just harm Moundsville.”

“Drug abuse is everywhere, and I see it daily,” Rogerson said. ” I have also lost many close friends to this, which I feel strongly about.”

Rogerson believes that by doing what he believes and feels “is right,” he would bring a “fresh perspective” to the city.

“I’m not out here trying to make a name for myself,” Rogerson said. “I’m just trying to do what is right for me and Moundsville. I’m really just an everyday genuine person.”

Wood, 72, was motivated to run for council after council members shot down a proposed ordinance that would have placed a bus tax levy on the general election ballot this year. She said she was “very passionate” about letting residents decide whether they wanted to pass the busy levy.

Wood, a nurse manager, identified the city’s lack of affordable housing and public transportation as two “critical issues” for Moundsville. She added that the city also needed economic growth to “sustain public safety goals” and ensure proper infrastructure to support the population.

“We need to focus on attracting key small to medium-sized businesses that can help our residents work where they live while growing our economy,” Wood noted. “I would be honored to represent the residents of Moundsville. I value public participation and open communication throughout the community.”