Editor’s note: This post was submitted by the candidate. To introduce local candidates to My Buckhannon readers, all were invited to email us one free candidacy announcement/biography for publication by March 31, 2026. Read our full election guidelines by clicking here.
As a father-to-be, I feel more motivated than ever to make a difference in our town and its long-term success. I am running for Buckhannon City Council to strengthen our community through continued investments in infrastructure, keeping our water clean and our streets safe, while protecting our city’s affordability.
I grew up in French Creek, where my parents instilled in me a strong work ethic and respect for myself and others. I graduated near the top of my class from Buckhannon-Upshur High School, where I lettered in football and track and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by the Senior Class of 2013. The Buckhannon-Upshur community has always given me a sense of pride. Win or lose, we always had support, and I want to strengthen that support system for the next generation.
My career started with a five-year electrical apprenticeship. Upon graduation, I was named “Outstanding Apprentice of the Year” and soon became a foreman. I was tasked with overseeing parts of the construction of a large gas plant in Doddridge County and later the WVU Children’s Hospital in Morgantown.
From there, I was asked to work directly for the union, growing membership and market share and strengthening relationships with business leaders and elected officials. After succeeding in this role, I was elected to my current position as President of IBEW Local 596, where I proudly represent approximately 400 electrical workers throughout North Central WV.
I serve as a trustee overseeing the administration of an earn-while-you-learn electrical training program that leads directly to a solid career with zero student debt. I’m actively involved with technical schools across North Central WV through participation on advisory boards and administering SkillsUSA competitions.
I’m also a trustee on a pension fund valued at more than $100,000,000, where no decision is taken lightly. I have experience running organizational meetings, negotiating contracts, litigating disputes, managing finances, and assisting elected officials from both major parties in implementing policies that protect workers. With this experience, a non-partisan position is exactly where I belong. My union consists of workers from various backgrounds and political ideologies, all united for our common good. The City of Buckhannon is no different. As a councilman, I will keep what’s best for our town at the forefront of every decision.
Almost every issue we face can be improved by a stronger economy. I will do my best to help our local entrepreneurs thrive and grow their businesses to provide long-term, sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their employees. I will listen to our community partners who do critical work providing housing essentials and career resources for those struggling with poverty. Affordability is a major concern everywhere, and we need to empower anyone willing and able to put in hard work to succeed, while protecting our most vulnerable.
My father-in-law has worked in law enforcement for nearly four decades, and I have relatives currently serving with the Buckhannon Police Department. If elected, I will listen closely to the needs of our first responders and insist we provide them with the funding to do their jobs safely and effectively. Keeping our city safe starts with the people on the forefront of that mission, and I want them to know I have their backs.
Some of the best people I know work for the City of Buckhannon, and we need to invest directly in them. Our city should offer the most competitive wages and benefits it can afford to retain our current employees and attract more of the best as positions become available. Anyone who works for our city should continue to be able to afford to live and support a family here, and their compensation must keep pace with inflation.
Everything our city needs costs money, and our tax dollars cannot be spent irresponsibly. Lord willing, I will live in Buckhannon for decades to come and will handle our funds with a long-term mindset. In recent years, unprecedented sums of federal dollars have become available for infrastructure improvements, and we should capitalize on every opportunity to invest in the functionality of our city while we have the chance.
I live on West Lincoln Street with my wife, Cari, and our two dogs and two cats. We have a baby boy on the way, who is the final motivation I needed to enter this race. I’m blown away by the support for my campaign, and I hope to have your vote on May 12th! Thank you for your consideration, and best of luck to the others running for council.
