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I was raised on a small family farm near Hodgesville by wonderful parents, Roy (2020) and Judy Bush. My father worked as a well tender, and my mother stayed home to raise five children — and she still does, in many ways. That kind of upbringing teaches you values you carry for a lifetime. Money was tight, and we were all expected to do our part to support our large family. After high school, I wanted to go to college, but expecting my parents to pay wasn’t an option. I borrowed money for tuition and worked summers in the oil and gas field to cover housing, food, and clothing expenses.
I began my teaching career in 1984 in rural West Virginia. As a first-year teacher with no experience, I was among the lowest paid in the nation — but I was grateful for the opportunity. Within a few years, my wife Ann and I purchased an old farmhouse on a neglected farm, raised our two daughters, and began building a strong life together. I took on extra coaching jobs, earned my master’s degree, and we built a family farming operation that has lasted now over 33 years.
We endured challenging times. Our mortgage equaled my monthly take-home pay. We lived simply — on deer meat and what we could grow — but it was a rewarding time of life that has shaped who we are today.
I retired from teaching after 30 years in 2015. I’ve been blessed with a wonderful wife of over 40 years, and a family I’m deeply proud of. We have two successful daughters, Katherine “Katie” (Joshua) Henzler and Karoline (Tyler) Sturm, and four amazing grandchildren (Virginia, Beau, John and Daniel).
Three and a half years ago, I was honored to be selected by the sitting commissioners from a group of applicants to serve as commissioner following the passing of the Honorable Terry Cutright. Then, 17 months ago, the citizens of Upshur County elected me to continue serving as your Upshur County commissioner. I believe the number of campaign signs, giveaways, or promises should not change those outcomes. I simply ask that you judge this commission by our work.
Our county departments — including addressing and mapping, emergency management, E-911, maintenance, and parks and recreation — are well managed and properly funded. We have been an active commission, focused on bringing real value to Upshur County through grant writing, investment outreach, and strong partnerships.
Recent accomplishments include improvements to courthouse elevators, HVAC systems, and windows; cybersecurity and software upgrades; enhancements to community buildings; park improvements like the Pringle Tree canopy work; and facility upgrades at the Humane Society and other county properties plus many more.
Looking ahead this year, several exciting projects are planned or currently underway through successful grant funding and partnerships. These include continued progress with the HUB development, downtown lane extension, infrastructure improvements, completion of the Selbyville bridge, upgrades to recreational facilities like tennis and pickleball courts, downtown beautification efforts, Pringle Tree playground improvements, and expanded community projects.
We will continue to further strengthen relationships and cooperation with the City of Buckhannon, West Virginia Wesleyan College, emergency services, local businesses, state legislators, senior services, the Department of Highways, neighboring county commissioners. These partnerships are essential to moving our county forward.
There is a learning curve in serving as a commissioner — and it starts small and never stops growing. The Upshur County voters have selected quality elected officials. They all do a great job administrating their individual departments. Their staff are extremely competent as well. The county administrator, the assistant county administrator, and my fellow commissioners are more than colleagues — they are family. Together, we work hard every day for the people of Upshur County.
I humbly ask for your continued support so we can keep moving Upshur County forward — together.
Doug Bush
Upshur County Commissioner
