Moundsville Residents Hear From City Council Candidates During Forum
Emma Delk Trending
MOUNDSVILLE – Ten of 13 candidates running for four open seats on the Moundsville City Council gave constituents a brief look into their policies and vision for the city during Tuesday night's 2024 City Council Candidate forum.
The Strand Theatre hosted the forum, with candidates running for First Ward, Third Ward and two At-Large council seats taking the stage one at a time to answer three questions regarding their candidacy. Nick Healy was the forum's moderator.
At-Large candidate David Burkle was the first to step up to the microphone. The Moundsville Guest House Bar Manager decided to run after hearing residents "complain about what the city does and how they do it." He wanted to "take a good stab at doing the best" he could in the position.
"So many times, we've seen what businesses have left and what are not coming to Moundsville," Burkle said. "I think it's time to put Moundsville back on the map as far as a thriving municipality."
If elected, Burkle said his "biggest focus" would be keeping the businesses in Moundsville and attracting new businesses to the area. Regarding how he would fit the role of council member into his other commitments, Burkle said he would be a "captive audience four days a week" at the Guest House to answer "any questions" constituents may have.
At-Large candidate Jennifer Hess Norris said she decided to run for the position due to the "major impact" city council has on the community, including setting the city's priorities in the "best interest of everybody."
If elected, Norris said she would like to continue the work the council has "already accomplished" and focus on community connection. She added that she would also make employment attraction and retention in the area one of her primary goals.
"We need to get people working, and we need to retain them in jobs so they can afford a home and other necessities," Norris said. "We also need to focus on housing opportunities as we are an aging community because we don't possess the facilities to take care of this population moving forward."
At-Large candidate Don DeWitt said he decided to run for the position as he wanted to "continue to protect and serve the citizens of Moundsville," as he served as a police officer and police detective in the city.
If elected, DeWitt's "number one concern" would be serving the citizens and providing a voice for them. He would also like to "promote what Moundsville has to offer" and collaborate with other municipalities and Marshall County to better the area.
"I also want to look at economic development, but not in a traditional sense," DeWitt said. "I don't want us to pursue new businesses, but I'd like us to focus on the already established ones. I want to do things to help them thrive and enhance their businesses, which I believe will bring new businesses on their own based on that."
At-Large candidate Eli Rogerson said he was motivated to run as "part of a path of personal growth" he wanted to put towards the community. As a "proud member" of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Rogerson said his decision to run for city council was driven by a desire to see "real, everyday citizens" represented in local government.
If elected, Rogerson said he would bring a "fresh perspective" to the council and ensure that the government "works for everyone, not just a privileged few." He added that he would like to address the drug problem in the area, noting his own experiences with "undesirable neighbors."
"This will be a learning experience for me," Rogerson said. "I'm still pretty green behind the ears, I'm not going to lie. I know there are more obligations that I will have to do, but I'm trying just to take things step-by-step."
At-large candidate Carole Blake Wood said she decided 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.
"The council members who voted against the ballot essentially took away my right to vote," Wood said. "The levy should have been put on the ballot so the people could decide if they wanted it. If the wording was the problem, they should have brought it back to the city council for discussion."
If elected, Wood would strive to create economic growth in the area to sustain public safety standards and ensure proper infrastructure to sustain the population.
"We need to focus on attracting key small-to-medium businesses on Jefferson Avenue, which will help residents work where they live while growing our economy and revitalizing the storefronts on Jefferson Avenue," Wood added.
At-Large candidate Brittany Reilly said she was motivated to run for the position because, as a licensed Realtor, she observed her clients having "a little bit of disdain for and negative ideas" of Moundsville.
"I took those negative ideas personally because Moundsville has been my home for 15 years, and I think it has the potential to rival larger cities while maintaining its small-town charm, Reilly said. "I realized it was time to get proactive and held Moundsville find the balance between preserving our history and fostering growth."
Reilly said she would "keep a realistic approach" to motivating change in the city, adding that population retention is her "primary focus."
"We're losing our youth because of opportunities that are better elsewhere and I want to see that change," Reilly said. "I plan to work towards bringing those opportunities here and fostering local economic growth through actions such as working with our local unions."
Third Ward incumbent Eugene Saunders said he decided to run for council again as he believes he has demonstrated to his constituents he has their best interests at heart over his 16 years on council.
"I have always been able to look into matters that concern our residents," Saunders said. "People from other wards have contacted me for help, and I will tell them who their councilperson is, and they still insist that I help."
Saunders noted his ward was "mostly made up of senior citizens," which he was himself. He said this was another reason he could keep constituents' interests at heart.
"I will do my best, as I have in the past, to address problems early on, whether they're large or small," Saunders said. "If I can't do it, I will find someone that will be able to help."
If re-elected, Saunders said he would strive to get more streets paved in his district and expand recreational opportunities for youth in the city. He added he would also aim to hire more policemen in the city, as "there are times" when there are "only one or two" available officers.
Third Ward Candidate Amanda "Mandy" Weese said she decided to run for the position because she " cares for the community" and believes her ward is ready for a "new perspective."
The number one issue Weese would like to address is addiction in the area, which she noted was "personal" to her as she has lost family members to addiction.
"I personally understand the devastating effects addiction has in this community and the people that live here," Weese said. "With the right resources, support and awareness we can make a difference in our city."
Beyond addressing addiction, Weese said she would like to "bring transparency to the forefront" and ensure council decisions were made "openly" and that residents understood "how and why these decisions are happening."
Third Ward candidate Coty Rogerson said he decided to run because he believes the local government has a "direct impact on the quality of life" of residents and desires to be a "part of the solution" to help Moundsville "reach its full potential."
If elected, Rogerson said he would focus on fostering economic development, improving infrastructure, encouraging community engagement, and enhancing the overall quality of life in the city. He added that economic development is the number one issue he would strive to address.
"My goal is to create a city where residents are proud to live and businesses want to invest," Rogerson noted. "I believe that by creating more job opportunities and supporting local businesses, we can stimulate growth and provide a strong economic foundation for our community."
First Ward incumbent Judy Hunt said she decided to run for re-election as her beliefs "line up" with the city of Moundsville's mission statement, which is to improve the citizens' quality of life in a "positive, productive way" and to help "educate and move the city and its citizens forward into the future."
"I have a strong passion for giving back to the community, and it's a good feeling to be a part of making a positive impact and contributing to the city's success," Hunt said. "I have helped achieve abundant progress throughout the city for the past four years."
Judy noted her accomplishments, including playing a role in the city budgeting $3 million for street paving.
"I believe I bring a wealth of valuable knowledge and wisdom to the table with all my years of experience in city government," Hunt said. "I truly understand the day-to-day operations of the city. I know how to develop a budget, analyze financial statements and be involved in water and sewer projects."
At-Large incumbent Randy Chamberlain and First Ward candidate Dennis Hall were signed up for the forum but could not attend due to scheduling conflicts. First Ward candidate Larry Vucelick declined to participate.