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WHEELING -- Ohio County Commission President Randy Wharton said he has accomplished much during nearly 23 years in office, and that there's still more to learn and achieve.
Wharton has announced he is seeking a fifth six-year term on the commission. In addition to serving as commission president, Wharton also is president of the Ohio County Development Authority, chairman of the County Public Service District, and a member of the County Fire Board and the West Virginia University Extension Service Board of Directors.
"It's a lot of work, and I still think I have a lot to contribute," Wharton said. "I work hard at it, and make myself involved with every aspect we do. … I really enjoy the job. I hope I did a good enough job over the years for people to know how serious I am about it."
Wharton was raised in Wheeling, and is a Marine Corps veteran.He started out as an officer with the Wheeling Police Department, but later went on to take over the family's business, Wharton Auto Center. He has operated the business for 46 years.
Wharton is a graduate of the former West Liberty State College, and holds an MBA from the former Wheeling College.
He also served two terms on Wheeling City Council.
"Having a family business works out for me," Wharton said. "I do have the time to give back to my county work. Sometimes it's a 50-50 split."
He said his favorite thing about being commissioner is that he has "learned so much about so many things" along the way.
"I've learned so much about business, finance and development," he said. "I've learned how a sewer system works, how a volunteer fire department operates, and about taxation, finance and marketing.
"I've learned to work with other people, and other branches of government to accomplish things. And I have a lot of experience."
Since Wharton became commissioner, the county has established the Ohio County Development Authority and The Highlands Development, taken over operations of the County 911 system, and continued operations of the county animal shelter and airport.
Ohio County also is the only West Virginia county where the commissioners oversee elections.
The county-owned development at The Highlands continues to post good sales numbers despite the pandemic, according to Wharton.
"I hope things get better, but things are really good," he said. "Before the pandemic we were on track for really great numbers there."
He said The Highlands Sports Complex was completed just as COVID-19 concerns were taking hold across the nation..
"Nobody really knows yet what the full potential is there," Wharton said. "They will do better once they can put all this behind them, get up and market and really push that thing."
The City-County Building is slated for heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades in the coming month, as well as a facade improvement.
There also is the possibility of county EMS services expanding to a 24-hour a day offering.
"We have a great staff to see that all gets done," Wharton said.
He also commended his fellow commissioners, Don Nickerson and Zach Abraham, for working with him to guide the county.
"It's a nice diversified group," Wharton said. "We work well together."
He and wife Christine have five children and seven grandchildren, and live in Elm Grove.