By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate
The 2020 West Virginia Primary Election was not immune to the effects of COVID-19, which resulted in several changes to the process to ensure everyone’s safety. Not only was the date changed, the number of poll workers was reduced, the number of voters inside the polling places were limited, masks were being recommended, and significant disinfecting took place. Children were asked to not enter the facility when possible, each voter was given a pen to sign the book and vote with and was asked to take it with them, and the ballot sleeves were disinfected after each use. Once the polls were used by a voter, a worker immediately disinfected the area with a sanitizing agent in preparation for the next voter. The Tucker County Clerk and staff worked diligently to meet the requirements and stipulations set forth by the Center of Disease Control (CDC), Governor Jim Justice, and the Tucker County Health Department.
In a typical election year, candidates and their families gather at the Courthouse waiting for the results to trickle in for each precinct and be posted on the wall. This year, the Tucker County Commission agreed it would be in the best interest to close the facility to the public. County Clerk Sherry Simmons explained that a representative from the Secretary of State’s Office would be at the Courthouse to enter the most up to date results online, which could be viewed at www.sos.wv.gov.
Due to the pandemic, Simmons and her office staff encouraged voters to take advantage of voting via absentee ballot or during early voting dates. All ballots received prior to the polls closing at 7:30 p.m., using these options, were counted and included in the unofficial results. Ballot counting began once the polls closed at which time unofficial results were publicized. On June 15, a statewide canvas will be conducted to verify an accurate count and make the results official.
In this election, several positions were only filed by one candidate representing each party, or included those registered as independents who do not appear on the ballot until the General Election. For the position of Prosecuting Attorney, Democratic candidate Savannah Hull Wilkins and Republican candidate Raymond LaMora will both appear on the ballot this fall. Wilkins stated, “I am incredibly grateful for each vote I have received, and I would be honored to be elected as Prosecuting Attorney in November. I am running because Tucker County needs a change, and I am an experienced and effective prosecutor with a high conviction rate following jury trials. I have deep roots in this community and will work hard for Tucker County. For more information visit www.wilkinsforprosecutor.com or find me on Facebook wilkinsforprosecutor.”
LaMora commented, “I am excited to once again be the Republican nominee for the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney. During the past seven years we have maintained an open door policy to allow anyone with legal questions to come in and get legal information to assist them with their troubles. We have assisted all of the law enforcement agencies operating in Tucker County from federal, state, county, task force and municipal officers by providing updates on laws, officer safety information, training opportunities, and assisting in their investigations with new technology and updated tactics. With the money taken from these dealers we have been able to outfit our officers with protective equipment to make them safer, training to make them better officers, and equipment to allow them to better serve our citizens. , As my campaign slogan says Keep Our Prosecutor in November by voting LaMora.
Jerry Flanagan is a republican candidate running for Tucker County Sheriff , was the only name appearing on the ballot. If elected, Flangan stated, “I want to make some changes and add to some things that are already in place. The first thing I’d like to do is put a satellite office on top of the mountain to be in service approximately once a week to allow citizens on that end of the county to conduct their business, such as taxes, title work, and more. I think Sheriff Wilfong has done a good job and I’d like to expand on that by making Tucker County one of the premier law enforcement in the state. I want to utilize training opportunities provided by the FBI, Universities and others as well as ensure the community feels comfortable talking to law enforcement.”
Joining Flanagan on the General Election ballot will be at least two independents, Jacob “Jake” Kopec and William “BJ” Ball.
Kopec stated, “Hello Tucker County,although you may not have seen my name on the ballot “Jake Kopec” for Sheriff this time I’m glad you exercised your right to vote. I’m a registered independent therefore I will be in the general election and hope you choose me as your Sheriff. I have an Associates degree in criminal justice and police science followed by 14 years of law enforcement experience as a certified Police Officer. I’m currently Chief of Police for Parsons and have served four years active duty as a US Marine. Some things I would like to focus on are working towards continued improvement with what is already going in a positive direction. If elected, know that I have an open door policy and we will do everything we can to help resolve what issues may arise with respect and dignity. In November please vote Kopec because “experience matters.””
Ball said, “My name is William (BJ) Ball and I am running for Tucker County Sheriff. I have lived in Tucker County my whole life and would like to see improvements. There needs to be police available at all times and be more involved. I would love to see more resources in the county to help addicts seek help and to get our county back on track. If Elected Sheriff, I will work with all law enforcement from surrounding counties to get ahead of the drug and theft problems..”
One representative from the democratic and republican party is vying for the Tucker County Commission vacancy, both of which will move on to the general election representing their affiliation. Attempts were made to contact incumbent Jon Bush, but were unsuccessful.
Michael “Mike” Rosenau offered this statement. “What I hope to accomplish is, if a fee is imposed upon the tax paper, it goes to the ballot and the people have a say. I want to work on broadband throughout the county to help current residents and businesses and attract potential new businesses. With retirement upcoming, I can dedicate 100% to serving our county. I commend the primary voters of Tucker County and the future voters in the general election. I ask for your vote and continued support to become your next county commissioner for all of Tucker County.”
Of the positions that were determined in the primary election were two board of education members, and that of the Conservation District Supervisor. Returning to the ballot for the board of education were current President Tim Turner and Vice President Daniel “Chopper” Evans. Turner commented, “I respect all the voters who cast a ballot during this difficult time and to those who gave me their support. I enjoy being on the school board and helping guide the education of the children of Tucker County. Several new positions have been added to the schools since beginning my tenure on the board, but we also know that we have a lot of work to do in the area of academic achievement and we are working to address that. I encourage you to reach out to any of the three schools and ask what you could do to help.”
Evans stated, “It’s been a pleasure to serve on the Board of Education over the previous four years and I’m excited for the next four. We as a board want the best possible for our staff and students.”
Assessor Chris Michael ran unopposed on the ballot, earning him another term in office. “I started in this business in 1994 and it’s been a long journey,” said Michael. “I worked in the tax department and as a commercial appraiser before I came back home.” He continued, “I’m winding down my career and I’m wanting to finish it at home.” Currently, the Assessor’s Office has a contract in place to digitize the county maps and update the system. Michael stated the process has been slightly delayed due to COVID-19 but anticipates the project to finish next month. “I respect the people of Tucker County for putting their faith in me,” concluded Michael.
Three candidates were on the ticket for District One Magistrate; incumbent Riley H. Barb, Mark Myers, and Sheila DeVilder. As the precinct results were posted, the final tally favored Barb who received 1,464 or 55.37% of the votes with Myers earning 181 or 6.85% and DeVilder with 992, equivalent to 37.52%. Barb was at the annex as the final results were posted, stating, “I look forward to working with Magistrate Elect Wilfong.” “This will be my sixth term,” he continued. “This is something I’ve trained very hard for and am very confident in.” Barb added, “I think it’s best to have experience with this position but think Brian will catch on quickly and things will run smoothly.” He concluded, “I love my job and the people in the county; it’s an honor to serve.” There were seven write in candidates accounting for the final .26%. Neither Myers nor DeVilder were available for comments.
Vying for District Two Magistrate was current Tucker County Sheriff Brian Wilfong and Christopher Phares. The votes fell in favor of Wilfong, who received 2,085 votes, or 81.76%, with Phares earning 463, or 18.16%. Two write-ins were cast which contributed .08%. Wilfong commented pertaining to why he ran for magistrate, “It’s always been a goal of mine with being in court and watching the judges and magistrates.” He continued, “I am indebeted to everybody from the bottom of my heart for their support and their vote. I will continue to serve Tucker County 100%.”
Phares offered a comment on his recent campaign, saying, “It’s a good experience to put yourself out there and everyone should do it at least once in their lifetime.” He added, “Congratulations to Brian Wilfong and if there’s anything I can do for him, let me know, and I owe him a beer!”
The final position of the night votes were tallied for was that of Conservation District Supervisor. In a tight race, incumbent James B. Nester Sr. came out victorious receiving 1,254 votes, equal to 52.58% with Heather Freeman-Clower earning 1,123, or 47.09%. Eight names appeared as a write-in candidate accommodating for the remaining .34%. Nester commented on his recent victory, “The only thing I can say is I am proud of the citizens for coming out.” “I will continue to do for the county and state what I have for the last eight years,” he concluded.
Clower stated, “I’m proud of the close race that resulted from my first campaign. It was a great experience and I wish the best for Jim and look forward to returning to the ballot in the future,” she concluded.
Once the count was finalized and the halls cleared, County Clerk Sherry Simmons and her staff had a moment to relax after a very long process. Simmons admitted, “I think this was the smoothest election we’ve ever had, it couldn’t have gone better. All employees, staff members, and volunteers did a fantastic job keeping the polls in great shape,” she said. “This has been a lot of work,” Simmons admitted, “but it couldn’t have been better.” Only approximately 70 absentee ballots are still out that will be evaluated on the canvass date to determine whether they meet the criteria to be counted. “Our citizens did an excellent job getting their absentee ballots in as well,” Simmons stated. “Our Postal Workers went above and beyond the call of duty,” she added. “They did a fantastic job, every postal worker in the county was great.”
Those candidates whose positions were determined with the Primary Election will soon be taking office while others will continue down the campaign road in preparation for the General Elecrtion.
