This letter comes to us from Eve Faulkes of the Greater Morgantown Interfaith Association. If you’d like to share an opinion or letter, visit our Submit page for more information and guidelines.
The Morgantown City Council has seven members, one from each of the seven wards into which the city is divided, elected for two-year terms. This year, all seven seats are contested, i.e. there is a choice for every ward.
Although the City Charter requires one council member from each ward, the council member does not just represent their own ward. Each council member is elected by the whole city. If you live in Morgantown, you can vote for seven city council members: one from each ward. Please familiarize yourself with the records and programs of all city council candidates. That’s the best way to make your voice heard.
Which issues count the most? That’s up to you, of course. But we respectfully suggest that you pay particular attention to the following.
- Health. Management of roads and traffic, lands and waterways affects the physical well-being of our family, friends, and neighbors. Combating drug abuse is critical to our quality of life. Our children need a wholesome environment to grow up in.
- Safety. The Second Amendment invokes a “well regulated Militia.” Our country’s founders never imagined that lawless or untrained persons should have access to firearms. The new philosophy of guns for all is dangerous and unhistorical.
- Coexistence. It is fashionable to scoff at political correctness, but political correctness is just another name for the Golden Rule. You wouldn’t want to be blamed for everyone who shares your race and religion. Other races and religions feel the same way.
The election is Tuesday, April 25. Early voting: City Hall & North Side Fire Station, April 12-22 (except Sunday), 8 am – 5 pm. Last day to register: Tuesday, April 4. Contact Voter Registration Office, Monongalia County Courthouse, 243 High St., 304-291-7230.
Wards and candidates are as follows. (* denotes incumbent.)
First Ward: Dorsey – Green Bag
* Ron Bane (lacrosse2011@comcast.net)
Rachel Fetty (ralfetty@yahoo.com)
Second Ward: South Park – Greenmont
* Bill Kawecki (electbillkawecki@gmail.com)
Al Bannon (genesplace4ever@yahoo.com)
Third Ward: Downtown – Wiles Hill
* Wes Nugent (wes@wnugent.com)
Ryan Wallace (ryanwallaceformorgantown@gmail.com)
Fourth Ward: Suncrest – Evansdale
* Jenny Selin (jselin@hotmail.com)
Eldon Callen (eldonc@msn.com)
Fifth Ward: Woodburn – Stewartstown
Ron Dulaney, Jr. (red@redulaney.com)
Kyle McAvoy (kyle@markaoneal.com)
Sixth Ward: South Hills – Sabraton
Mark Brazaitis (MarkBraz@yahoo.com)
* Jay Redmond (theredmonds@comcast.net)
Seventh Ward: Collins Ferry
Barry Lee Wendell (rebnermwv@gmail.com)
Bill Graham (wmgraham2017@gmail.com)
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Submitted by Eve Faulkes of the Greater Morgantown Interfaith Association which includes Christians, Muslims, Jews, atheists and all who believe in the golden rule as contributing to bettering society. We rotate meetings at churches, the synagogue, and the mosque, educating one another on our various traditions and seeking ways to connect and create action that combats discrimination and apathy. Join us at 4pm first Sundays of the month. Check Facebook for meeting places.