Note: Earlier in this election cycle, the same questions were provided to each of the candidates to answer. Their responses, in the order they are found on the ballot, are as follows.
Magistrate Division 1 — Non Partisan — Unexpired Term
Trevor McKinney
I can answer the first two questions I was sent but feel that questions 3 through 7 are not applicable to the position I am running for. Thank you for this opportunity.
Question 1: What is my education and work experience? I graduated from Doddridge County High School in 1995. Then went on to attend Fairmont State College where I studied criminal justice before going to work for AtPac telecommunications where I installed equipment and did inspection walk thoughs. I have also worked for the city of Shinnston and the town of West Union. I am currently employed by the Doddridge County Board of Education.
Question 2: Why do I want the position I’m running for? I have always had an interest in the criminal justice system and a desire to serve my community. I feel that I will bring fairness, honesty and impartiality to the position.
Brenda Underwood
Q – What is your education and your work experience?
A – I am a 1989 Graduate of Doddridge County High School. I then attended Berea College in Berea, KY. I acquired a Bachelor of Science degree in 1993 in Business Management. Following college graduation, I was immediately employed by the firm of Buttermore, Turner and Boggs in Harlan KY. While at Buttermore, Turner and Boggs, I worked as an assistant for Johnnie Turner in the practice of criminal law, workers’ compensation, and general litigation for a two-year period. In 1995 I returned to Doddridge County and began my current career at Steptoe & Johnson PLLC. I have been fortunate to have work with a large number of attorneys and legal professionals over the years. I have an extensive knowledge in all phases of civil and criminal case management and court rules, trial procedures and courtroom decorum.
Q – Why do you want the position that you are running for?
A – The easy answer: I love what I do! I am passionate about the law, following the rules and doing the right thing. I have worked my entire career to be comfortable in this position, I have dreamed of this since I started in a law firm in 1993. Magistrates in West Virginia have very important duties in our justice system, which are not to be taken lightly. I would be honored to be part of the Doddridge County judicial team.
Q – What do you believe to be the three top issues of concern in Doddridge County?
A – From the perspective of a candidate for Magistrate I believe the following to be the biggest concerns: 1. Drug abuse and the crimes that come with that. As drug users become desperate, they find multiple ways of getting the drugs they need. That leads to trespassing, theft, assault, and battery, etc. The list of crimes that are generally associated with drug use is virtually never ending. Those issues can only be addressed within the confines of the laws as they are written, sentencing needs to be swift, but within the guidelines established in the law. 2. Infrastructure. Doddridge County is severely lacking in the basic infrastructure needed to grow the County. Our roads are in deplorable conditions. Basic services needed are just not available or up to any modern standard, I know there has been work toward upgrading some services, but this need to be a priority. We need to have the basic services available to ALL residents of the county. 3. Integrity. Our judicial system and other county offices have been riddled with examples of poor judgment and criminal behavior. It is time now to restore integrity and trust in our local government and elected offices.
Q – Do you believe that you can make the difference in moving the County and town forward in development and how?
A – Magistrates have the duty to follow the law and make decisions without pre-conceived notions or biases. Magistrates use their training and judgment to oversee the application and enforcement to the state and municipal laws and court procedures. With my knowledge, experience, and ability to understand the laws and court rules, I believe that, if elected, I will be strong in making decisions, yet fair and non-biased. I have not had the privilege of working in Doddridge County. I do not have the vast personal knowledge as to the history of our citizens nor am I part of the “rumor mill” of the County. I believe this affords me the opportunity to look at cases with fresh eyes and with my knowledge of the law make completely impartial decisions to the benefit of all parties.
Q – Considering the position that you are currently running for, how would you make the housing situation better in the County/Town?
A – I feel like I am repeating myself when I say that the decisions that Magistrates make are extremely important to the lives of those before the Magistrate. As to housing issues, the time when the Magistrate becomes involved are typically evictions of tenants It is important to look at both sides and make a decision based on the facts and the law as it is written. Decisions cannot be made on personal feelings or emotions. That has been one of the hardest lessons I have learned over the years. There have been times when I did not particularly like what a person had done, but I could not let my emotions influence my work. The duty to do the job comes before personal feelings. When it comes right down to making a decision, it is important to put the emotions aside and decide the case based on the facts and the situation at hand.
Q – Will you be available in person for the meetings, limiting your number of “attending by phone” meetings?
A – Yes. In my work I have several phone meetings and meetings via electronic means such as Zoom or Teams. I prefer in person meeting. Meeting via electronic means tend to be difficult to hear, have times when it gets “stuck” or other interruptions that make it hard to tell what the other party is saying. In person is easier to hear, exchange documents and be more productive.
Q – Do you believe in following the Open Meeting laws, Limiting the discussion concerning upcoming meeting issues prior to meeting as a quorum?
A – Yes, we have these laws to prohibit talking amongst ourselves and making decisions without the benefit of all members. In a small setting those laws can see cumbersome and unnecessary, but they are a requirement of our state. The laws should be followed to the best of the ability of all involved in government leadership
Deedee Nicholson
Q – What is your education and your work experience?
A- I am a DCHS Graduate and have worked in customer Service all of my life. I owned and operated “The Flower Connection” Florist in my early 20’s and currently am a licensed Beautician and have owned and operated Tease Me Hair Salon for the past 20 years.
I also have training in banking and office training.
Q – Why do you want the position that you are running for?
A – I am running for Doddridge County Magistrate because I want to work for the people of our county to make a difference.
Q – What do you believe to be the three top issues of concern in Doddridge County?
A — 1.) Keeping businesses in Doddridge County and our Town of West Union and bringing in new ones.
2.) Keeping down drugs in our town and county .
3.) Cleaning up our Town and County (old houses and roads)
Q – Do you believe that you can make the difference in moving the County and town forward in development and how?
A. — Keeping down the crime and drugs. Working with our Law Enforcement.
Q — Considering the position that you are currently running for, how would you make the housing situation better in the County/Town?
A. — Keeping down the crime and drugs. Tearing down old houses and businesses to make room for new ones.
Q — Will you be available in person for the meetings, limiting your number of “attending by phone” meetings?
A — Yes ,in person, is what I feel is best.
Q – Do you believe in following the Open Meeting laws, Limiting the discussion concerning upcoming meeting issues prior to meeting as a quorum?
A — Yes, it ensures that the public is informed of all actions and agenda.
Circuit Clerk
Michelle Britton — Running Unopposed
Q – What is your education and your work experience?
A—I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College.
I was elected Doddridge County Circuit Clerk and began the position in January 2017. I have been the Circuit Clerk for the past five (5) years. The Circuit Clerk is elected to a six (6) year term.
I have extensive work experience in the judicial system prior to becoming Circuit Clerk. From 1999 through November 2004, I worked in the Doddridge County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office as a legal secretary. From November 2004 through December 2010, I worked as a legal secretary for the Third Judicial Circuit. From January 2011 through December 2016, I worked as an Administrative Assistant to the Doddridge County Prosecuting Attorney.
Q – Why do you want the position that you are running for?
A – I am asking to be re-elected to the Circuit Clerk position to complete the projects that have been started in the fast five (5) years. We are presently in the process of having our Court files scanned digitally, which will make said files more easily accessible. The office is also relocation paper Court files to a different area of the Courthouse to secure additional space for record keeping in our office. The West Virginia Supreme Court has also implemented a new computer system for filing records and recording documents, which is a continuing learning process.
Q – What do you believe to be the three top issues of concern in Doddridge County?
A – I believe the top concerns include bringing businesses into the County and road conditions. My position as Circuit Clerk does not give me the ability to work toward formulation a resolution to these concerns. I believe all citizens of Doddridge County must work together with the individuals that can make a difference to resolve all concerns of the citizen of Doddridge County.
Q – Will you be available in person for all the meetings, limiting your number of “attending by phone” meetings?
A – I will be available for in person meetings.
Q – Do you believe in the Open Meeting Laws, limiting the discussion concerning upcoming meeting issues prior to meeting as a quorum?
A – Yes I do believe in the Open Meeting Laws.
County Commission
(R) Shawn Glaspell
1. 1992 Doddridge County graduate, 1996 Fairmont State college graduate in Mechanical Engineering.
2. To continue working with the other commissioners improving our counties infrastructure, available housing and diversification to our tax base.
3. Roads, Drug Abuse, Lack of quality broadband throughout the county. With this being said, all 3 issues are being addressed. We work with the state road, law enforcement and all communication services to help improve these issues.
4. We have paved the streets in West Union in hopes to improve development. We have secured several properties over the past 6 years throughout the county for development. We are currently working with different companies that are willing to come into our county. We have upgraded our courthouse records and designed a brand new website that connects all county agencies together. Even though we are to exclude water projects I feel they are to large not to mention. We have the park loop and Rt 18 almost done. We also have the Tarklin Rd project funded and ready to start. We also have considerable funding for the Oxford Stage 1 project.
5. We are diligently working on housing, we plan to tear down the old high school and replace with nice condominiums, this will be a good start in a positive direction for potential home buyers.
6. I have always been available either by phone or in person.
7. The commission has always followed the open meeting laws.
(R) Jerry Braun
#1. I have an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Marshall University
#2. I am running for the position of County Commissioner because I want to lead by passing legislation and administrating services to our local county government.
I like the idea of working to approve our budget in a positive way, taking us into the next six years.
#3. 1. Job opportunity for the citizens of Doddridge County.
2. Bringing businesses into Doddridge County.
3. Propose to take down dilapidated dwellings and homes to improve those areas around our County.
#4. Yes, I can make a difference to move forward in Doddridge County as well as West Union, and manage the budget in a way to make it grow even more.
#5. I will try hard to improve and create affordable housing. Due to our current economy it maybe difficult to do but I will give it my best effort.
#6. I will be available for meetings 24/7 for the citizens of Doddridge County.
#7. Absolutely without a doubt, the citizens of Doddridge County should know what’s going on in their County.
I would like to ask the citizens of Doddridge County for their vote on May 10th for the office of Doddridge County Commissioner.
(D) Cindy Welch — Running Unopposed — Will Answer for the General Election
County Clerk
Lorena “Catee” Slater — Running Unopposed — Did not return answers.
Board of Education — Non Partisan — Vote Not More Than 3
Chad Evans
What is your education and work experience?
I was born, raised and educated in Doddridge County and was fortunate to attend two of the smaller community schools (Carr and Sedalia Grade School). I graduated from Doddridge County High School and received my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Environmental Science from Salem International University. I have served on the Doddridge County Board of Education for the past 12 years. I have a great relationship with the support and professional staff, superintendent, Board of Education members and most importantly our students. I just recently celebrated 25 years of employment with the Department of Justice. I have been fortunate to work for the Department of Justice as their Community Outreach Specialist. It is there that I served the North Central area of West Virginia coordinating community related programs and promoting cooperation with local representatives of national, state, and local civic groups, government entities, private and non-profit organizations, coalitions, partnerships, school systems, and social services. My daily duties included: preparing young West Virginia students positive education experiences and offering drug free prevention programs, writing and planning educational curriculum, developing and maintaining a library of resource materials for distribution to the public, maintaining currency with the latest theories and techniques, briefing school and community groups concerning the functions and operations of the Department of Justice programs, preparing written communications and oral presentations/briefings regarding the program, and teaching character education and Internet Safety classes. My Community Outreach Program experience also allowed me to partnership with several area schools to include Doddridge County Elementary School, Salem Elementary School, Alum Bridge Elementary School, and Farmington Elementary School. My Community Outreach passion was to provide crime prevention information to the public; explain the overall goals and objectives to the program; provide educational instruction to the children and promote cooperation with local school representatives. I was recently selected as a recipient of the ‘Leadership and Support of Youth in the Community’ Award by the Department of Justice. I currently serve as the Deputy Bureau Designated Environmental, Safety and Health Manager. Both, the school system and the Department of Justice, allow me to enjoy challenging projects and continue to develop positive working relationships.
Why do you want the Board of Education position?
I would like the Board of Education position again to continue to collaborate with our support and professional staff, superintendent, and board members to preserve and continue to improve our quality of education in Doddridge County Schools. Doddridge County and our school system have blessed both me and my family, therefore I am excited about the opportunity to continue to give back to our community. I want to assure that the community has a voice in our education system. We must continue to partner and create strong ties between all local stakeholders. I want to assure we are being financially responsible, continue to monitor the fiscal health of the school’s budget, and assure our taxpayer monies focus is on our children. I want to preserve the quality of public education for our current and future students. I want to ensure Doddridge County schools avoid promoting standardized solutions and instead, design solutions that fit the unique need of our county/school and based only on data evidence. I want to continue to focus on our student’s futures and give them every opportunity to be successful in the workforce, trades or college. In conclusion, my goal is to prepare our students for the future by improving their quality of education, raising our expectations for each student and provide them the tools necessary to ensure the Doddridge County students and staff consistently exceed state requirements.
What do you believe the top 3 three issues of concerns in Doddridge County? (Please exclude water and internet)
I believe the top three issues of concern in Doddridge County are as follows:
1. We need to continue to create and support extracurricular positive community activities/events for our students and their families.
Doddridge County Schools must continue to work with parents and students to find solid and productive after school activities to keep our children engaged. The school system partners with the Doddridge County Extension office annually to create summer school tutoring/mentoring programs for our students, we work with the Mountaineer Creative Arts Council to bring the creative arts to our community, the BOE has created an after school running club for our elementary school to promote exercise, we work annually with local food banks/organizations, and the BOE partners with parents to create a diverse number of clubs and volunteer opportunities. The Doddridge County School system must continue to partner and have a good and reliable working relationship with our county officials, business leaders, teachers, school personnel, Veteran organizations, men and women groups, and churches to continue to support a healthy community. Partnering with the community will bring positive, measurable changes to both the school system and the communities in which we operate and do business.
2. We need to continue to work together to promote mental health awareness for the community to include our students.
Statistics show that nearly 1 billion people live with a mental disorder and 75 percent of the people do not receive treatment. The World Health Organization also states that 20 percent of our children and adolescents have a mental health condition. Unaddressed mental health problems can have negative influence on homelessness, poverty, employment, safety and effect the local Doddridge economy. Mental health impacts the productivity of local businesses and health care organizations and impede the ability of our children and youth to succeed in school. I believe in partnerships, and we need to continue to work with the local, and state organizations to continue to educate our community on mental health awareness to include media information, local sponsored events, and mental health screenings to assure our community and our students are safe. We are fortunate to have a solid group of counselors and mental health professionals in our schools to help treat our students.
3. Monitoring the US/Doddridge labor shortage, evaluating how it affects our school system and assure we are preparing our students to be workforce, trade skilled and college prepared.
The Doddridge Board of Education has been proactive in evaluating our support and professional vacancies and working to find avenues to retain our workforce. As support staff and teacher shortages increases, we must continue to find ways to promote Doddridge County and find ways to retain our experienced staff. Last year, Doddridge County added three workforce programs to our trade curriculum to prepare students for work after school. Students now have the option to attend our traditional partnership trade school (United Technical Center) or attend our new Doddridge County Career and Technical Education Center, which will prepare our students for the engineering, diesel mechanic or HVAC/plumbing fields. Doddridge County schools must continue to be innovative, find new ways to improve our quality of education, assure we are raising our expectations, for every child, and making sure we provide the tools necessary to ensure each and every child has a chance to succeed in the trades, college or work force. Doddridge County Schools play a vital role in assuring that we retain highly qualified staff to ensure we have a productive graduate ready to succeed in their profession.
Do you believe you can make a difference in moving the County and town forward in development and how?
I absolutely love our county, the town and our beautiful community. Every evening and every weekend for the last 4 months, I have walked the streets in West Union and drove the back roads (hollows) and up and down the hills throughout the county to meet with taxpayers. This was a great way for me to reconnect with the citizens and gain ideas from a different perspective.
Even though there are different governing bodies overseeing the great state of West Virginia, the town of West Union, County Commission and Board of Education; we must unite and find ways for Doddridge County to grow. I have a great and reliable working relationship with our town and county officials, business leaders, and citizens as well as many volunteers who are serving in Doddridge County. The school system continues to promote county development: by opening our doors for after school and weekend community events, encouraging and supporting our productive employees to volunteer on the county commission subcommittees, continuing to partner with the Doddridge County Sheriff Department to constantly find ways to protect our employees and our students, donating two pieces of land (West Union Grade School and the Middle Island School) back to our taxpayers (county commission) for potential development, provide funding to partner with the County Commission and internet advancements, creating two walking trails for our community, working with local emergency services for mock drills, developing a relationship with the Doddridge County Park for formals, cross country meets and band/sports weekly training facilities, and sponsoring events for community forums.
I think we can continue to make a difference in moving our County and our town forward in development through a motivated and focused community team.
I promise the voters that I will continue to be passionate about my duties and responsibilities as a Board Member, while continuing to provide innovative ideas that will benefit the development and prosperity of our entire county.
Considering the position, you are running for, how would you make the housing situation better in the town or county?
I have been fortunate to serve on the Board of Education for the past 12 years. We were ranked 53rd in the state in 2009 and now we are ranked 3rd. Doddridge County has consistently moved forward in academic excellence in the past 10 plus years. Research shows that families choose the next location of their home by where their children will go to school. As focus on school performance has become more astute due to rising emphasis on test scores and our completion rate, home shoppers have become more cautious in their school selections. Doddridge County Schools facilities, top ranked graduation rate, and overall academic success will impact the current housing market. The schools are also conveniently centralized located on Route 50 to better accommodate access for our students and communities. The new Early Academic Academy is also a focal point for the town of West Union and should elevate exciting interest in housing and new business’ in West Union. Both the Wall Street Journal and the National Bureau of Economic Research states that there is a definite correlation between the school system success and home values.
Will you be available for in person meetings, limiting your number of “attending by phone” meetings?
Yes, in person meetings are always most productive way to stay engaged. Telephone/electronic attendance is acceptable per WV School Board and Doddridge County Board of Education policy, but current members only utilize it for emergencies, medical recovery, road/weather conditions or availability when they are on vacation.
Do you believe in following the Open Meeting Laws, limiting the discussion concerning upcoming meeting issues prior to meeting at quorum?
Yes, I believe in following the Open Meeting Act. As a board of education member, we participate in several trainings, many of which relate to the Open Meetings Act. The Act, among other things, prevents the board from acting on issues behind the scenes, but instead, requires all actions of the board to occur in properly announced meetings that are open to the public.
Bonnie L Davis
Q –What is your education and your work experience?
A – 1. Associate Degree in Child Development from Fairmont State University, 2. Paraprofessional Certification from WV Department of Education, 3. Autism Mentor Certification from Marshall University, 4. Employed by Doddridge County Board of Education for 34 years.
Q – Why do you want the position that you are running for?
A – Our school system plays a big role in the county, as it provides education for our children and is a major source of employment. I have a strong drive to make a difference in this important position Given the opportunity I will work for everyone in the county.
Q – What do you believe to be the three top issues of concerns in Doddridge County?
A – I would like to forge a strong working relationship between the board teachers, and staff, keep a close eye on the budget, and develop trust with the broader community.
Q – Do you believe that you can make the difference in moving the County and town forward in development and how?
A – If elected to the Board of Education, I have the experience, knowledge, and concern to make a difference. Our schools are the foundation upon which our community stands!
Q — Considering the position that you are currently running for, how would you make the housing situation better in the County/Town?
A – The Board of Education does affect the housing market! Young families will consider the quality of schools when purchasing a home. Good schools increase property values.
Q – Will you be available in person for the meetings, limiting y our number of “attending y phone” meetings?
A – I will attend meetings in person
Q – Do you believe in following the Open Meeting laws, limiting the discussion concerning upcoming meeting issues prior t meeting as a quorum?
A – I am for transparency in all actions taken and all decisions made by the Board of Education.
Laura M Cottrill
My name is Laura Cottrill running as an incumbent of the Doddridge County Board of Education. Currently I am employed by the Doddridge County EMS, which I truly enjoy. The reason why I am running for my third term is because I want to continue to be a voice for the students, staff and community.
In this county, as where as many counties, bullying, vaping and drugs are top major issues we face. As far as the open meeting laws, I absolutely believe that should be followed. Discussions concerning any meeting should not be discussed prior to a meeting.
Denver L Burnside
Q – What is your education and your work experience?
A I graduated Doddridge County Hight School in 1978. I received an honorary Doctorate from Mountaineer Baptist College in May of 2011. I have been in the ministry for 40 years and have Pastored Crimson River Baptist Church for over 28 years.
Q – Why do you want the position that you are running for?
A – I have served on the school board for 20 years and have some great board members. We have seen our school system come a long way as far as facilities and education. I would like an opportunity to continue serving to accomplish some more goals to further the education of our children and grandchildren.
Q – What do you believe to be the three top issues of concerns in Doddridge County?
A – 1Drugs and Alcohol 2Infrastructure 3Housing
Q – Do you believe that you can make the difference in moving the County and town forward in development and how? (Please exclude Water and internet issues)
A – N/A
Q – Considering the position that you are currently running for, how would you make housing situation better in the County/Town
A – N/A
Q — Will you be available in person for the meetings, limiting your number of “attending by phone” meetings?
A – Yes
Q – Do you believe in following the Open Meeting Laws, limiting the discussion concerning upcoming meeting issues prior t meeting as a quorum?
A – Yes. There are times when things arise that you have to address before your next meeting but those are limited.