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Michael "Mike" Blair is seeking election to the Wetzel County Commission.
A lifelong Wetzel County resident and a 1977 graduate of Magnolia High School, Blair has lived in Green Acres for the past 46 years. He and his wife, Charlene (Yoho) Blair, have three children and nine grandchildren. He is an active member of New Martinsville United Methodist Church.
"I am seeking a seat on the commission because I believe we must begin planning and investing in the future of our county. Wetzel County has abundant oil and gas resources, which will continue to provide opportunities for the foreseeable future. If elected, I will focus on managing these funds responsibly, with a long-term vision that meets the needs of our citizens and helps build a better Wetzel County for our children and grandchildren."
Blair brings 16 years of service on the Wetzel County Board of Education, where he served as a director of the Grandview-Doolin Public Service District and has management experience in the private sector. These roles have strengthened his leadership, budgeting and strategic planning skills--qualities he believes are essential to serving on the commission. His goal is to use taxpayer funds responsibly, investing in equipment and services that benefit county residents.
Below is where Blair falls on several topics:
Rural Water -- We need to begin the long-term process of expanding access to safe, reliable public water for rural county residents. Too many families must haul water to meet their household needs. It is time to begin working toward broader access to public water throughout the county.
EMS, Fire and Law Enforcement -- Our emergency responders are the people we turn to in times of need. We must ensure that emergency medical services, fire departments, and law enforcement have the funding and resources necessary to serve and protect our communities.
Animal Shelter -- County animal shelters serve an important public safety and animal welfare function. I am committed to supporting the Wetzel County Animal Shelter and ensuring that animals are treated fairly and humanely.
Senior Citizens -- We must continue supporting our senior citizens by furnishing gathering locations and programs that help them stay active, connected and engaged. These services provide valuable opportunities for social interaction and community involvement.
Fair Taxation -- The county commission plays a role in setting general property tax levy rates for Classes I through 4. I would support reducing the current rate where fiscally responsible and permitted by law.
Economic Development -- We need to take a proactive approach to promoting Wetzel County as a place to do business. By working with local and state chambers of commerce and West Virginia economic development organizations, we can help attract investment and encourage business growth.
"If elected, I will serve as a full-time commissioner who is open, honest, and accessible. I will work to manage taxpayer funds responsibly, control costs, improve services, and listen and respond to the people of Wetzel County. I believe in common-sense decision-making, transparency, and doing what is right. I want to move our county forward and help create a future in which our children and grandchildren can choose to stay, live, and work here. I am committed to serving every citizen and every community, and I respectfully ask for your support to become your next full-time county commissioner."