The Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce, West Virginia Wesleyan College Student Senate and My Buckhannon recently sponsored a candidate forum featuring several local races in the upcoming May 12 Primary Election.
It was the fourth time the three organizations have partnered on a candidate forum, following events in 2020, 2022 and 2024. Held at the WVWC Performing Arts Center, candidates running for Upshur County Commission, Board of Education and Buckhannon City Council fielded questions from moderator Jamie O’Brien on a range of topics. Questions were submitted by members of the public in advance and selected at random during the forum.
Channel 3 was on hand to livestream the event. Candidates were also asked to submit short biographies, which were distributed to attendees.
Forum Video
Candidate Bios
Upshur County Commission (1 seat)
Board of Education (3 seats)
Buckhannon City Council (2 seats)
- Jerry Cochran Sr.
- Joshua Hinchman
- Greg Kelley
- Matthew Kerner
- Robert Osburn
- Scott Preston
- Scott Randall (Incumbent)
- Keith Rowan
- BJ Teets
- Jim Valenson
- Abigail Wiernik
- Shawn Young
City Recorder
County Commission
Doug Bush
I have never been someone who set out to seek public office. However, I have always believed in the importance of voting and participating in the decisions that shape our community. Asking for your support is a humbling experience after a lifetime built on hard work, responsibility, and independence.
In 2022, following the passing of Terry Cutright, I was encouraged to apply for the open seat on the Upshur County Commission. At that time, I had retired from a 30-year career in education and coaching, working full-time as a farmer and serving as an elected supervisor or the Tygart Valley Conservation District. Students, parents, coworkers, and community members can speak to my work ethic, values, and dedication to family and children. Throughout my life, I have been committed to serving others. Being a commissioner has allowed me to continue to serve.
The role of a county commissioner is first and foremost that of a fiduciary for our county. We are entrusted with overseeing resources, services, and many of the entities that support our citizens. That responsibility requires careful decision-making, accountability, and respect for taxpayer dollars. Decisions should never be rushed or taken lightly. As a commission, we work to fully understand the issues before us, budget responsibly, and plan for the long-term stability of Upshur County. Putting the citizens first, we remain available and approachable. While we support economic development alongside the Development Authority, our primary focus remains on responsible governance and stewardship.
During my time in office, we have supported initiatives such as Corridor H and Community Care expansion, while strengthening partnerships with West Virginia Wesleyan College, WVU Medicine (St. Joseph’s Hospital), the Upshur County Senior Center, the City of Buckhannon, local businesses, the Chamber of Commerce, fellow commissioners, and our state legislators. Our goal is simple: to improve the quality of life for our citizens while protecting the resources entrusted to us.
I humbly ask for your support and your vote in May.
Doug Bush could not attend the forum due to a prior commitment.
Patrick Lane
Patrick Kyle Lane was born in 1974 and is a lifelong resident of Upshur County, West Virginia. Raised by his parents, Kyle Wright Lane and Judith Ann (Archer) Lane, he learned the values of hard work, responsibility, and integrity. Patrick graduated from Buckhannon-Upshur High School in 1992 and earned a Business Management degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1996, where he also worked during his studies.
Patrick has been involved in his family’s business for more than 35 years. The Lane family’s business roots in Upshur County go back to 1954 and 1962, with the opening of Triple “L” Mart in 1990. Patrick has played a central role in the development and long-term management of Triple L Mart, gaining extensive experience in business operations, leadership, and day-to-day management.
Patrick has spent 23 years with his life partner, Paula. Their family includes his bonus daughter, Chelsea, son-in-law Ryan, and four granddaughters: Hailey, Hanna, Harper, and Hazeley.
A devoted Christian, Patrick draws strength and guidance from his faith. He is active in the community and involved with several organizations, including Franklin Lodge #7, the Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce, the Kesling Mill Lions Club, the United States Bowling Congress, the West Virginia Farm Bureau, and the West Virginia Bear Hunters’ Association.
Throughout his life, Patrick has valued fairness, transparency, and dedication, principles that guide his interactions and his strong connection to the people and traditions of Upshur County.
Scott Williams
Scott Williams is a proven leader and a strong choice for Upshur County Commissioner. A graduate of Fairmont State University, Scott and his wife, Robin, have proudly called Upshur County home for 39 years, where they raised their four children.
Scott brings 43 years of private-sector experience across oil and gas, timber and wood products, and construction and property management. Throughout his career, he has led teams of up to 100 employees and managed complex operations with a focus on results.
His oil and gas background includes underground storage, pipelines, tank farms, drilling, and fracking. In the timber and wood products industry, he worked with sawmills, hardwood dry kilns, and international exports, including 15 years with Weyerhaeuser. There, he managed log and veneer operations and later served as Capital Projects Manager, overseeing contractors and multimillion-dollar budgets for plant expansions, new construction, and safety improvements. All projects were completed on time and under budget.
A long-time small business owner in Upshur County, Scott has spent more than 14 years supporting the local economy, including owning and operating a local restaurant. As Director of Procurement and Supply Chain for an oil field services company, he worked across major energy regions—Texas, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Colorado, helping expand operations and identify what businesses need to invest and grow.
Scott understands how to create opportunities, manage taxpayer dollars responsibly, and support local businesses. His real-world experience, leadership, and commitment to the community make him exceptionally qualified to serve as Upshur County Commissioner.
Board of Education
Jan Craig
I love being outdoors. My farm is my favorite place to be. I own three horses and one donkey that keep me more than busy. It provides me with a place to ponder the problems of our schools that are so numerous. Both my mother and husband were educators with over 30 years each in our schools. We are a proud teaching family.
As a 34-year veteran of the Upshur County Schools, I have seen both the best and the worst. My education includes: a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, three master’s degrees were earned respectively in Gifted Education, Specific Learning Disabilities, and Educational Leadership (Administration) along with numerous certifications.
During my time working, I taught everything from Kindergarten to Special Education at BUHS and college education courses at Salem University. My last 15 years of work were spent serving as an Upshur County Special Education Coordinator and the Upshur County 504 Coordinator.
In my opinion, my greatest assets are my previous educational experiences. I am specifically trained in special education and school law. Additionally, I pride myself in upholding the ethics instilled in me by my parents. I believe in hard work and everyone working together to make any situation better. I am certainly not afraid to continue to work with the state to earn the standards required to regain local control for our schools, which is one of my top priorities.
Your vote is needed to help me continue working for our schools.
Sherry Dean
I am Sherry Dean, and I am running for re-election to the Upshur County Board of Education. I am the mother of four and a proud grandmother of seven. Three of my children graduated from Buckhannon-Upshur High School, and my stepson graduated from Lewis County. I currently have grandchildren attending schools in our county, as well as a grandson enrolled at West Virginia Wesleyan College. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from West Virginia Wesleyan College, and I am deeply invested in both our school system and the future of Upshur County.
I retired from the Upshur County school system in 2013 after 37 years of dedicated service. During that time, I drove a school bus for 22 years while also serving as a substitute teacher for 7 of those years. I then served as Supervisor of Transportation for 15 years. After retiring, I worked for RESA 1 for approximately three years. I currently serve on the Upshur County Library Board and remain active in my church, where I teach a Women’s Bible Study.
Wayne Mills
Wayne Mills is a long time Upshur County resident and a proud graduate of BUHS class of 2003. After spending more than a decade in the private sector managing projects and budgets, he gained practical experience in accountability, planning, and making sure resources are used wisely.
As a father of three children currently in our public school system, Wayne sees every day what’s working and what needs attention. That firsthand perspective drives his commitment to strengthening both the academic experience and the overall wellbeing of students across Upshur County.
Wayne is running for the Upshur County Board of Education because he believes that local voices matter. He wants to restore trust, ensure responsible use of resources, and keep our county as a whole at the center of the decision-making process. He’s known for asking thoughtful questions, looking for practical solutions and bringing a fresh perspective to tough issues.
From school events to helping with youth sports in Buckhannon, he stays connected to our youth. He believes that helping our youth grow into confident, capable adults is a priority for Upshur County.
Roy Wager
My name is Roy Wager, candidate for Upshur County Board of Education. I have extensive experience working for the school system. I started my career in Upshur County as a third and fourth grade teacher at Main Street School then became Principal at Hodgesville Elementary, East Main and finally Union Elementary Schools. I was promoted to the board of education as federal programs director.
I retired in 2012, then six months later I was asked to come back as Superintendent of schools. I served as Superintendent for five years and retired again in 2018. I have been involved with the children of Upshur County for years as president of Pop Warner youth football and for many years have been a volunteer coach for BU high school boys track team. I also serve as a member of the Fred Eberle Technical Center administrative council.
Buckhannon City Council
Jerry Cochran Sr.
I am running for a seat on the city council of Buckhannon as a lifelong resident of Buckhannon and Upshur County. I am married to Rita Cochran, and we have 2 sons and 3 grandchildren. I am a previous business owner, little league baseball coach, Babe Ruth baseball coach and pop warner football coach.
My focus will be on more transparency of city spending and planning that the citizens of Buckhannon will be better informed as to the workings of the city. The city is not made of buildings or property but the people that live within the area of the city. I would work to ensure a safe city that the residents can enjoy by supporting both the city police and fire department.
I feel the current city government has accomplished several good things for the community and I would work to continue the good work and hopefully add some new ideas. I have over 20 years of experience working with Federal, City and State government contracting for services that helped them reduce costs and be more efficient. This experience should be a benefit to the city. I also hold certification for base AI which could be a benefit.
I am asking for your vote to help move the city forward and make it more open to the citizens. Thank you in advance for any support.
Joshua Hinchman
Joshua Hinchman is a lifelong Buckhannon resident and current Director of Lewis County Park, a position he has held since 2019. He has spent his career working in parks, recreation, and public service across West Virginia.
Hinchman began with West Virginia State Parks as Assistant Superintendent at Holly River State Park, where he helped oversee the daily operations of an 8,000-acre park, including infrastructure systems such as electrical distribution, water treatment, and wastewater facilities. He later served as Assistant Director for the Elkins Parks and Recreation Commission, where he helped manage multiple city parks, a recreation center, community programs, and capital improvement projects.
As Director of Lewis County Park, Hinchman oversees approximately 60 seasonal employees and has led several major improvements, including lighting upgrades, pool renovations, the installation of a splash pad, and the development of the Extreme Adventures mini golf and ropes course. Under his leadership, park attendance and programming have grown each year.
He currently serves on the Buckhannon-Upshur Recreation Advisory Board and previously served as its president. He also led the development of a community orchard through local fundraising and volunteer efforts.
Hinchman is running for Buckhannon City Council to bring a practical, common-sense approach to local government. His priorities include addressing infrastructure challenges, improving transparency, and ensuring that major projects are carefully planned and financially responsible so they do not place unnecessary burdens on residents.
Joshua Hinchman could not attend the forum due to a work commitment.
Greg Kelley
My name is Gregory Kelley, and I am a life-long resident of Upshur County. I have lived in the city of Buckhannon for 25 years. I am currently disabled after working over 20 years at Corhart Refractories. My wife is Jill Kelley, and I have two sons, Dakota, and Logan and a three ½ year old grandson named Tanner.
I have served as a trustee for my local union (Local 477), coached tee-ball and youth soccer, and served as Vice President of the high school lacrosse team boosters. I started getting involved with Buckhannon city government when I went before the city council to suggest blinking LED stop signs be installed at the corner of Marion Street and Camden Avenue due to all the car accidents that occur there. I also suggested lowering the speed limit on Marion Street to twenty-five miles per hour, due to people using excessive speed down that street.
As a result of these experiences, I have decided that I would like to continue to serve my city by running for city council with the hope of making more changes to Buckhannon that would benefit the people that live and work there.
Scott Preston
I am one of 13 candidates running for one of two open city council seats. My reason for entering the election is simple, I want to make sure we are making sound financial decisions while investing in and upgrading our city’s infrastructure. I am an active listener and will develop my position on issues only after rigorous investigation and discussion.
For those who do not know me, I purchased my Buckhannon home in 1995 and moved here in 1997. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in construction technology and a Master of Science degree in management. I am married to Renee and have four adult children and eight grandchildren.
In my 29 years in Buckhannon, I have been an active supporter of many worthwhile events, organizations and programs in our city and county.
- I am currently a special needs bus driver for Upshur County schools. I love my kids and they have great parents.
- I was a member of the Buckhannon Volunteer Fire Department for 13 years, retiring as an honorary member in 2019 after volunteering in six departments in four states beginning in May of 1969.
- I am the Buckhannon Fire Department mentor for the Cadet program where interested high school students have the opportunity train and work toward their credentials to become active fire fighters on their 18 th birthday.
- I was the facilitator for Buckhannon’s Nar-Anon program helping families and individuals deal with the addiction of a loved one.
- I attended and graduated from the first Police Academy.
- I am a charter member of Create Buckhannon and Festival Fridays.
- I am on the Pit Crew for the BBQ Chicken dinners served at Festival Fridays and other local charities.
- I have volunteered to assist the medical missions to South America, first to Guatemala with Faith in Practice and to Belize with Hands and Hearts for Christ.
- I volunteered for several 24-hour Relay for Life events.
- As Santa Claus, I donate my time in support of the Upshur County Library and the Salvation Army.
I look forward to continuing to serve Buckhannon on City Council, my home among the hills.
Scott Preston could not attend the forum due to a prior commitment.
Scott Randall
I was born and raised here, and my wife and two children plan to be lifelong residents of Buckhannon. I have a BS in business management from WVU and 14+ years of mitigating issues with landowners in the oil and gas field. My career is communicating with people to reach a common goal. I take pride in my ability to weigh all sides of an issue with patience and compassion; as well as the ability to say no.
I currently serve on Buckhannon’s City Council and water board since November 2024, on the revenue review committee and Upshur County solid waste authority since 2022. I am proud to serve as a voice for the citizens of Buckhannon, as well as help oversee the operations of our city.
I am running to remain on city council to oversee the following I feel are most important:
- Voicing citizens’ concerns while also being transparent with city issues
- Employee retention and well-being
- Infrastructure upkeep, development, and expansion when needed
- Quality waste, water, and sewer facilities
- Fire and police protection
- More funding for our city fire department to meet staffing standards
- Programs that incentivize new business or property development, both residential and commercial
- Programs that incentivize skill training or education for employees and local professionals
I am a proponent of our parks, libraries, and youth centers, as well as city support to our festivals and events. When these get proper focus, Buckhannon will continue to be a place where folks are heard, respected, feel safe, and proud to call home.
Keith Rowan
I am a veteran of the United States Navy and served in the Buckhannon detachment of the National Guard. I am a retired police officer of the Buckhannon Police Department. While serving, I earned the Medal of Valor and Purple Heart. I was formally an instructor, certified in the following fields: D.U.I. Detection Instructor, Domestic Violence Instructor, Seizing Electronic Evidence, Pursuit Policy, and a trained Crisis Negotiator. I also had Administrative and Financial Officers Training. In 1990 I was honored to be named Citizen of the Year by the Jaycees. And in 1993 I was honored to receive the Outstanding Citizen Award by the VFW.
I have volunteered for the following organizations: Little League Baseball Coach, Babe Ruth Baseball Coach, Youth Basketball League Coach, Basketball Coach Youth Church League, Flag Football Coach Youth Church League. Referee – Little League Football, Scout Leader for the Boy Scouts of America Pack 100, Pack 128, and Troop 128.
My campaign will focus on infrastructure and all city services. I know the importance of keeping good quality employees. Pay must be competitive with surrounding counties, and our workers must have good working conditions. I will be committed to a balanced budget and transparent spending while prioritizing essential services of discretionary projects. Having lived on a fixed income for several years I understand how costs affect our citizens.
If I were to sum up my campaign in two words I ask you to vote for me on May 12 because “I care.”
BJ Teets
Hello, I would like to introduce myself as a candidate for City Council for the City of Buckhannon. I am BJ Teets, a lifelong resident of Buckhannon and a long-time employee of the city. You may recognize me from the Transfer Station or as one of the “guys” who pick up your garbage or recycling.
I am running for City Council because my wife Alice and I have raised my two children, Delana and Brady, in this town, we now have a beautiful granddaughter, and I want to be sure that Buckhannon remains the wonderful town it has been. I believe we need to listen to all our citizens, to encourage growth without losing sight of what has always been loved, and to be fair and consistent with our rules and ordinances.
We need to ensure the safety and comfort of all our residents, to spend wisely in ways that benefit the greater need, and to steward that which we have been given responsibility for. Special projects have their place and do benefit the city, but we need to also be sure to maintain our streets, parks, and utilities for our residents.
I hope that my experience as a resident, as an employee, and as a volunteer with Boy Scouts of America and other youth organizations in the community will give me insight into what we can do to have Buckhannon continue to grow and flourish. Thank you for your consideration.
Jim Valenson
I believe that the City’s primary obligation is to master the fundamentals.
Without reliable water, efficient trash and sewer services, safe parks, and robust FIRE and POLICE protection, a community cannot thrive. I am running to ensure our tax dollars are focused on these essential services – the backbone of our daily lives.
We must advocate for proactive approach to infrastructure. For too long, we have managed by “failure” – waiting for parts of our infrastructure or other equipment to fail or break before acting. I believe in implementing a “Maintenance First” policy prioritizing lifespans of our assets and replacing them strategically. Proper upkeep is not just a logistical necessity; it is a fiscal one. Constant emergency repairs are a drain on our resources that could be avoided with sound, “Long Term Planning” example replacement of a multi dollar water plant.
Local government should not gamble with the citizen’s money, I believe we need to hold a firm line, and the city should not enter business ventures without a transparent data driven business plan that proves out its investment of money and city labor. If a project cannot prove its viability to the citizens, the taxpayers should not be asked to absorb the cost and risk.
With my background in managing cost control, safety and maintenance of multi million dollars facilities, bringing scrutiny and discipline from the private sector to city hall.
Abigail Wiernik
Abigail Wiernik, a city resident is running for Buckhannon City Council. She has skills and work experience related to finance analysis and program operations. She has been working in roles directly related to navigating complex systems that assist people. Today, she manages federally funded programs that provide services to our community members. Wiernik uses a practical approach to problem solving while focusing on helping others.
She volunteers with the Buckhannon River Watershed Association as Treasurer, managing the finances and supporting projects that protect the Buckhannon River. She is also working with the Appalachian Mutual Aid Collective Free Meals Appalachia program preparing meals for about 200 people twice a month. This year, she agreed to be a co-treasurer for the group. Through both her professional and community work, Wiernik has come to have a very real understanding of the problems facing the folks in Buckhannon.
Abigail wants to bring a solutions-oriented approach to City Council that helps strengthen infrastructure, provide realistic budgeting, and reliable public services to keep Buckhannon strong.
Shawn Young
Shawn Young grew up in French Creek and now happily resides in Buckhannon. Shawn graduated from Buckhannon-Upshur High School, where he lettered in football and track and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by his peers in the Class of 2013.
Mr. Young then quickly worked his way up from apprentice to supervisory roles in electrical construction. Once again earning the respect of his peers, Shawn was elected President of IBEW Local 596, where he proudly represents approximately 400 electrical workers. Shawn also serves as Secretary of the WV AFL-CIO North Central Labor Council, a true testament to the faith workers across various industries have in his ability to lead.
Although he is career-focused, Shawn has set aside time to volunteer with various organizations over the years. Some of his most rewarding experiences in life have been coaching youth football in Buckhannon, collecting and distributing presents with Toys for Tots, running SkillsUSA Electrical Construction state competitions, and regularly donating blood.
When he is not focusing on others, Mr. Young enjoys watching football and baseball and spending time with friends and family. A motivated and goal-oriented person, Shawn can often be found grinding through miles of marathon training at the Buckhannon Riverwalk.
Shawn lives on W Lincoln Street with his wife Cari, an experienced hospice nurse and current WVWC nurse practitioner student. Their first child is due in July, furthering Shawn’s determination to keep Buckhannon great and only make it better.
Buckhannon City Recorder
Randy Sanders
A native of Upshur County, Randy Sanders grew up in Rock Cave and moved to Buckhannon after graduating with the Buckhannon-Upshur High School Class of 1976.
His early involvement with the West Virginia Strawberry Festival sparked a lasting interest in producing live events, particularly pageantry. Sanders went on to build a decades-long career in the pageant industry, producing Miss USA and Miss Teen USA state preliminary pageants under license from The Miss Universe Organization. After more than 40 years in the field, he retired from pageantry in 2023 to focus fully on his work in public service.
Sanders was appointed City Recorder for Buckhannon in June 2019 and won a special election on June 9, 2020, to fill the remainder of the unexpired term. In 2022, he was elected to a full four-year term. In this role, Sanders serves as a voting member of City Council and the Stockert Youth & Community Center Board, and as the Ex Officio Secretary for the Consolidated Public Works Board, Sanitary Board, Water Board, and Waste Collection Board. He is also a non-voting member and serves as recording secretary for numerous city commissions.
In addition to his Recorder duties, Sanders serves as the City’s Information Coordinator and the Manager of The Event Center at Brushy Fork, overseeing operations, scheduling, community partnerships, and event logistics for one of the region’s most active public venues.
An engaged community member, Sanders is active in the Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur and Create Buckhannon, continuing a lifelong commitment to service and civic stewardship.
Please note that because the race is unopposed, the City Recorder position was not included in the forum questioning.
