District 11
State Senate
Robert Karnes
State Senator Robert L. Karnes is a West Virginia native with a family history in Upshur, Randolph and Pocahontas counties, beginning about the year 1800. Karnes has been a key participant in the state’s legislative process as a member of the Republican Party.
Robert and his wife Amy will be celebrating 30 years of marriage in June 2024. They have eight children. Robert and Amy are active in the Civil Air Patrol.
Karnes initially entered the political arena by defeating incumbent Democrat Senator Greg Tucker in 2014, marking a significant victory as it was part of the first election cycle in over 80 years where West Virginia Republicans gained control in either the state House or Senate. He continued his political career by winning re-election in the 2020 general election.
Before his tenure in the Senate, Karnes’ career was diverse, spanning over 30 years in the IT industry where he worked as an IT contractor across all 50 states at thousands of sites for federal and state agencies, Fortune 500 companies and small businesses. He has also owned and operated several businesses, including IT services, retail sales, and self-storage. Robert currently operates a real estate investment company with significant real estate investments in Randolph, Upshur, and other counties throughout West Virginia. His focus includes both short-term and long-term rentals, real estate development and self-storage.
In the West Virginia Senate, Karnes has been actively involved in various committees. He has chaired the Committees on Tax Reform, Natural Resources, Agriculture & Rural Development, Interstate Cooperation and Pensions, and was the Vice Chair of the Education Committee. He has served on Judiciary, Energy, Industry & Mining, Transportation, and Health.
His legislative efforts are marked by a focus on pro-business and educational reform agendas, emphasizing economic development. advancing tax and regulatory reforms and advocating for local communities. For instance, he played a role in preventing the governor from using state park logging proceeds for general budget needs, advocating instead for the funds to be reinvested into park improvements.
Karnes’ legislative highlights include staunch support for conservative principles such as Second Amendment rights, Religious Freedom, Christian values, Health Freedom and various fiscal reforms aimed at reducing and eventually eliminating the state income tax. His efforts culminated in the beginning of income tax cuts in 2023. He wrote the first draft of WV’s Pro-Life Amendment 1 in 2018. Additionally, he has been instrumental in legal system reforms and improvements to the state’s education system.
Robert Karnes’ time in the West Virginia Senate is characterized by his conservative values and dedication to both state-level reforms and local community improvement initiatives. His work has not only influenced legislative outcomes but also aimed at shaping a sustainable future for his constituents in the 11th district.
Robbie Morris
My name is Robbie Morris and I am a Republican candidate for the West Virginia State Senate, District 11, which includes Braxton, Webster, Upshur, Barbour, Randolph, Pendleton, and Pocahontas counties. I am married to my wife, Whitney, and have two daughters, Elin and Tinley. I am the economic development director for Randolph County. I graduated from Elkins High School and West Virginia Wesleyan College with a Masters Degree in Business Administration.
I am a lifelong conservative, led by my Christian faith, who is Pro-Life, Pro-Guns, and Pro-Jobs. I believe in smaller government, lower taxes, fiscal responsibility, and that our children deserve an education that prepares them for success. We must stop the trend of our young people leaving the state to find opportunities and we must end the drug epidemic in our state. We can accomplish these goals through a strong education system, a strong economy, proper resources for law enforcement, and efficient and effective use of drug settlement proceeds.
I have dedicated my career to improving economies and communities throughout West Virginia. I believe in a team approach, working collaboratively with other organizations, and all levels of government, to ensure our citizens and communities have every opportunity for success.
As Chairman of the West Virginia Broadband Enhancement Council, I work with the West Virginia Office of Broadband to expand high speed internet to all corners of West Virginia. As Vice-Chairman of the Region VII Planing and Development Council I work with public and private sector representatives to improve and expand our local infrastructure such as water and sewer services, receive grants for public services, and so much more. As Chairman of the Corridor H Highway Authority, I work with seven counties to complete this long-awaited highway project.
I have been very active in community organizations my entire life. A few of these include the Mountain State Forest Festival, Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce, Elkins Main Street, Woodlands Development & Lending, and Leadership Randolph. I have worked tirelessly to ensure our communities success.
I am not a polished politician, but a simple public servant. I am known for bringing people together to solve the issues of the day, by building consensus, and taking a teamwork approach. West Virginia has taken great steps forward in the past several years, but there is much more work to be done. We need leaders dedicated to our communities and the people of this State to take us to the next level. I am that leader.
I respectfully request your vote on May 14. I look forward to working with you, and for you, as your next State Senator.
Mandy Smith
Weirich
Mandy Smith Weirich is the Democratic candidate for WV State Senate District 11.
I have lived a life of service for my entire adult life; from my first career as a police officer in my twenties to my career as a social worker in West Virginia for the last 15-plus years. As a military spouse, service and sacrifice have always been facts of our daily life.
I am running because women are capable of making their own medical decisions, including IVF treatments, birth control, and abortion care, without politicians interfering.
Our children deserve a public education that prepares them for the modern workforce. Public education should prepare them to pursue technical jobs as well as higher education. If our kids want to someday work at the neuroscience institute or have their own electrical or plumbing business, they should know it is possible through education.
As an Adult Protective Services worker, I learned how many state agencies and programs operate on the front lines. I saw how important it is to have access to health insurance and to plan financially for the future. I also saw the need for affordable housing, transportation, and food security for our seniors and people with disabilities. I worked closely with agencies and service providers to get vulnerable adults the resources they needed. Unfortunately, there are far too few resources for older adults and their families. I remain committed to working toward improving the lives of seniors and vulnerable adults in West Virginia. My experiences will inform my policy stances and decisions, which will be to put the people first.
For too long, flat budgets have starved the services West Virginians rely on, such as funding to public education, senior services, the State Police, and the Division of Highways. A flat budget doesn’t account for increased costs to run these agencies or improvement in wages and benefits to draw a workforce. Our minimum wage has been stagnant for years. Instead of fighting culture wars, we need legislators that are willing to fight for the people.
In our political system, you should have debate, compromise, and a greater willingness to do what is right for the people. In 2022, we witnessed how easy it was for the super majority party to strip away liberty from over half of our population in just a few days.
I am running for Senate District 11 because the citizens of WV deserve a reproductive freedom candidate. Women are capable of making their own medical decisions without our politicians interfering. We need a candidate that believes Mountaineers should Always be Free.
Weirich volunteers for Meals on Wheels of Randolph County and serves on their board, she is a member of the Highland Community Builders board, serves on the National Adult Protective Services Association policy committee, and is a member of the Randolph County Democratic Executive Committee. She is a social work educator at WVU and a member of AFT Academics. Weirich has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from St. Leo University and has a Masters in Social Work and a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology from WVU.
She and her husband, Ryan, live in Elkins and have two adult children.
House of Delegates District 66
Jonathan Kyle
I am Jonathan Kyle and a candidate on the Republican ticket for the West Virginia House of Delegates. I hope to be your voice in Charleston for our 66th District, consisting of a large portion of Pocahontas and Randolph counties.
My family and I are lifelong residents of the 66th District. I grew up on our family farm near Mill Creek, attended our Randolph County public schools and graduated from Marshall University. Today, I still help operate our family farm and my children attend the same public schools as I did not so many years ago.
I am also the President of a small business that serves Randolph, Pocahontas and the surrounding counties. I actively serve in various community and civic organizations throughout the 66th district. Today, I am active in my church, serve as Treasurer of our Tygart Valley Lions Club, am Chairman of the Board of Directors for our Valley Heath Care Community Health Center and am a board member of the Elkins Randolph County Chamber of Commerce.
As I have talked during the past year with many of you throughout the district, I have repeatedly heard four common concerns where progress and change are critical to the continued prosperity of West Virginia and the well-being of our families.
We must improve the education of our students and the training of our workforce to better prepare them for jobs. This includes taking care of our teachers, recovering from the academic losses suffered during the COVID pandemic, updating the academic content where needed and strengthening our technical skills programs throughout the state.
We also must stimulate and nurture economic development with particular focus on preserving the jobs we have and supporting new small businesses. Our tax laws should not be an oppressive burden to a new business in their early life. Business incentives must support the start-up of new small businesses and motivate all businesses toward becoming a “destination employer” where our workers want to work and feel appreciated. My goal is to keep West Virginians in West Virginia — give them an opportunity for the future here at home.
Concurrently, we must improve access to affordable health care. This includes maintaining healthcare benefits for our seniors and veterans; extending affordable care to more of our individuals and families and effectively managing the ever-increasing cost. I am committed to this and have worked tirelessly since joining the Board of Valley Health Care. We have grown services and added over 100 new employees to give better access to health care to our district in the last 10 years.
We must also do more to improve access to and treatment for those addicted to the drugs that permeate our society. Legislative direction and oversight must ensure that the recent opioid settlement is applied in a way that provides maximum benefit toward the treatment of victims, increased preventative measures — especially among our youth and increased enforcement efforts against those who illegally distribute.
Finally, we must aggressively build and upgrade our infrastructure. High speed internet is essential in today’s business, education and social environments. Safe and reliable drinking water and public utility access is essential and not an option. And we must continue to maintain and upgrade our highway system for access, travel and transportation.
I have the experience to make a difference as your elected representative in the West Virginia House of Delegates. Just as importantly I have the grit to get it done. If elected, this is my commitment to you.
Dama Nestor
Dama Nestor is a Democratic candidate for the House of Delegates District 66.
Born and raised in Elkins, whe was educated in Randolph County public schools, graduating in 1975.
She moved to the Washington, D.C. Metro area in 1979 and pursued a career in medical transcription for 25+ years before returning to West Virginia. Currently retired, she is living in Elkins.
Her political experience is from a young age of 11 until the present time and has consisted of grassroots activism on all levels, including but not limited to volunteering, campaign co-chair, HQ coordinator, precinct captain, Democratic Women’s Club, WV Women’s March, etc.
House of Delegates District 67
Elias Coop-Gonzalez
Elias Coop-Gonzalez currently serves in the West Virginia House of Delegates.
He moved to West Virginia soon after he turned 13. Born and raised in a third-world country, he realized the importance of preserving America and the values that make her great.
That motivated him to learn about American civics, Biblical citizenship, and the U.S. Constitution.
During President Trump’s re-election in 2020, Elias had the honor of being the youngest member of the Republican National Convention from West Virginia.
He went on to work directly under the president of Leadership Institute — an educational non-profit that prepares conservatives to win in the public policy process.
Currently, he is a student at Liberty University, where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration and data analytics.
Cody Thompson
My name is Cody H. Thompson and I’m running for the House of Delegates 67th District. I previously served in the House of Delegates representing the old 43rd District.
I currently serve as an Elkins City Councilman representing the Fifth Ward. I graduated from Harman School in 2005, Marshall University in 2011 with a Bachelors in Secondary Social Studies Education, and West Virginia University in 2018 with a Masters in Multi-Categorical Special Education. I taught with Randolph County Schools from 2012 to 2022. I am currently the Executive Director for DATS, that facilitates IDD waiver for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
During my time in the legislature, I served as minority Vice-Chair of the Education Committee, minority Chair of Technology and Infrastructure, and currently on council I serve on the personnel committee.
I will fight for the whole district and both counties to have the funding needed for our school systems, to have our roads fixed and most importantly improved, to bring high-speed internet to the many unserved and underserved areas of our counties.
I will fight for our farmers and small businesses owners to be able to work the land and run their businesses without the government getting in the way. I will work to lower the taxes for the hard-working men and women of our district and encourage responsible government. I grew up on my family farm and my parents have run a small business for many years, I know the struggles and hard work it takes to make them work.
During my time serving the people of the 43rd district, I built a reputation of working with members of both parties for truly good legislation and would vote solely as a representative and voice for the constituents. I am the candidate that not only works with my party but both parties for good legislation.
I realize the West Virginia Legislature needs to focus on issues that directly affect us as West Virginians, not pander and focus on national issues whose responsibility lies with our congressional delegation. I will always fight for you and our West Virginia beliefs and values.
Thank you for your time and god bless.
Randolph County Circuit Judge,
Division 1
David Wilmoth
I am Judge David Wilmoth. I was born and raised in Randolph County and graduated from Elkins High School. Afterward, I received a Bachelors’ Degree from Marshall University, and my Juris Doctor from the West Virginia University College of Law.
Prior to becoming Judge in 2015 I maintained my own practice of law in Elkins for 24 years. While in private practice I focused on civil litigation, real estate matters, banking, criminal defense in both State and Federal Courts, and personal injury law.
Since taking the bench I have consistently demonstrated the qualities expected of a Judicial Officer. I am patient, respectful, diligent, responsible, and caring. It is a priority to me to come to court prepared, having given every case the thoughtful and careful consideration each requires and deserves. Throughout my time as Circuit Judge in Randolph County, I have handled civil and criminal matters, juvenile cases, abuse and neglect, and the other very specialized matters that can find their way into the court system. I take pride in the work that I have done as Judge and believe I have done that work well. I feel I have provided the citizens of Randolph County a Judge who serves with integrity, dignity, and an appropriate judicial temperament.
During my term of service, studies were done that indicated the workload I managed would support another Judge in Randolph County. As a result, the Legislature decided to create a second judicial division. I am running for Division 1 against one opponent. Four other candidates are running for Division 2. I have also been appointed by the Supreme Court to serve in a number of other counties and on the Intermediate Court of Appeals to preside in specific cases.
I often encounter people whose cases I have presided over in the past, who thank me for handling their cases the way I did. Whether adults or juveniles I placed in incarceration or out of the home, they admit they didn’t like it at the time, but they now know they needed me to make the decisions I made. They tell me having a judge who was tough, had high expectations for them, and cared was pivotal in turning their lives around for the positive.
Making decisions that affect other people in real and significant ways is never to be taken lightly. I have always tried to make those decisions carefully, and after considering all the information available to me. I always try to make decision that are correct under the law, and that will hit the right balance between the best interests of the county as a whole and the individual.
I thank the citizens of Randolph County for allowing me to be your Circuit Judge since 2015. I’ve worked hard and have done my best to honor the trust placed in me. I seek your vote and your trust once again. In return, I renew my commitment to you to be the best circuit judge I can be for Randolph County.
Phil Isner
Phil Isner, a dedicated advocate for justice, is running as an independent candidate for Division One Circuit Court Judge in Randolph County, West Virginia. With a wealth of experience and a commitment to serving his community, Isner is poised to bring a fresh perspective and unwavering dedication to the bench.
A native son of Elkins, West Virginia, Phil Isner’s journey into the legal profession was marked by a steadfast determination to make a difference. Graduating from Elkins High School in 1995, Phil continued his academic pursuits at Alderson Broaddus University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in both Business Administration and Marketing. His passion for justice and his desire to effect positive change led him to pursue a legal education at the prestigious West Virginia University College of Law, from which he graduated in 2003.
Following his graduation, Phil embarked on a career that would see him tackle a diverse array of legal challenges. He began his professional journey at a prominent law firm in Charleston, West Virginia, where he honed his skills and gained invaluable experience. However, it was his unwavering commitment to his roots and his desire to make a difference in the lives of West Virginians that ultimately drew him back to Elkins in 2005.
Since returning to his hometown, Phil has been a tireless advocate for his clients, passionately representing them in courtrooms across the state. His dedication to the principles of justice and fairness has earned him the respect of his peers and the gratitude of those he has served.
In 2014, Phil Isner assumed the role of Managing Partner at Isner Law Office, where he continues to provide top-notch legal representation to individuals and families in need. Throughout his career, Phil has seen it all and done it all when it comes to the law, and he is ready to leverage his extensive experience and expertise to serve the people of Randolph County as their Division One Circuit Court Judge.
Phil Isner’s roots run deep in Randolph County, and his commitment to his community is unwavering. As a father and dedicated public servant, he understands the importance of upholding the values that define West Virginia. With Phil Isner on the bench, the people of Randolph County can rest assured that they will have a Judge they can depend on – a Judge who will always put the needs of our community first.
Randolph County Circuit Judge,
Division 2
Frank Bush
My name is Frank Bush, I’m a candidate for Circuit Judge in Randolph County in Division Two. The Legislature has revamped the judicial circuits all over the State; as a result Randolph County will now have two circuit judges in two divisions. What I bring to the table is 32 years of experience. I’ve prosecuted roughly 450 felons; murderers, drug dealers, child molesters, virtually every crime on the books. I’ve prosecuted and defended hundreds of Abuse and Neglect and Juvenile Delinquency cases and I can tell you that these are the most heartbreaking. I’ve argued before the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals 14 times and in front of the Federal Court of Appeals seven times. I’ve had roughly 40 jury trials and argued before numerous administrative bodies. I’ve had every kind of civil case imaginable.
I was born for this. I love practicing law. Some people have regrets about career choices, not me. This is my calling.
I’ve tried to give back to the community. I’ve coached a basketball team at the Children’s Home and volunteered as counsel to the Randolph County Fireboard. They volunteer their time to protect us, it’s the least I can do.
Here are some of my feelings on the legal system. In any case involving a child the paramount concern has to be the best interest of the child. Through complex litigation and review of Abuse and Neglect and Juvenile Delinquency cases when considering the positions of the parents, the prosecuting attorney and the DHHR, the guiding principle, first and foremost, is the best interest of the child. In the criminal area, the guiding principle for me is the safety of the community.
If you agree with me then please give me your vote and remember May 14th is the final election for judges.
I’m a candidate in Division Two. Please visit my website at FrankBushJudge.com.
Ray Lamora
I am Ray LaMora, and I am asking for your vote for Division 2 of the 24th Judicial Circuit covering Randolph County.
The cases that come before a Circuit Judge cover a very broad area of the law and it is important that the Judge has knowledge of these areas. I have experience practicing in criminal defense, property law, oil and gas, criminal prosecution, family law, housing, and general civil law. In the eight years I spent as a prosecuting attorney I handled everything from murder cases and sexual assaults, to speeding tickets and seatbelt citations.
I am currently employed at Legal Aid of West Virginia, where I have worked for three years. Legal Aid is a nonprofit law firm that provides free legal services for vulnerable West Virginians who cannot afford an attorney to assist them with any civil legal issue. We assist domestic violence victims, veterans, West Virginia Works recipients, and anyone who meets our financial guidelines.
The power of a Circuit Judge must be wielded by someone with the highest character and ethics as this office has the power to remove liberties; like parental rights, property rights, and incarceration. I have absolutely no ethical infractions in my career as an attorney. I have no alcohol-related issues, no substance abuse issues, and no issues with law enforcement. In fact, I am endorsed by the West Virginia Troopers Association due to my work with law enforcement and my eight years of prosecuting experience.
I am a lifelong Christian attending St. Brendan’s Catholic Church in Elkins with my wife and two children. I am a member of the fraternal Catholic men’s organization, the Knights of Columbus. I was a member of the United States Army Reserve serving with the 363rd Military Police Company in Grafton, West Virginia. I am an Eagle Scout from Boy Scout Troop 88 in Elkins. While at the College of Law, I was a member of the Ethics Committee, serving as its chairman in my final year.
I graduated from Elkins High School in 2000. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and History from West Virginia Wesleyan College, a Masters in Business Administration from West Virginia Wesleyan College, and my Doctor of Jurisprudence from West Virginia University College of Law.
When you go to early vote or cast your ballot on Election Day, take your time when choosing your judges. Look at the candidates‘ backgrounds, look at their legal knowledge, and look at their moral and ethical compass. Ensure the candidate you pick will be the one who is going to put good morals and good ethics at the forefront of their decisions, and when you do you will see that I, Ray LaMora, am the most qualified candidate for the Division 2 Circuit Judge of the 24th Judicial Circuit.
William “Ty” Nestor
William “Ty” Nestor believes he is the person to beat among four candidates for Randolph County Circuit Judge for Division II. Nestor is a two-time elected State Delegate and became the first Republican to have been elected State Delegate to serve the vast majority of Randolph County in 113 years. He was elected to the office in 2020 and re-elected again in 2022. Both times he was the top vote-getter.
Nestor presently serves as a member of the House Judiciary Committee, arguably the most powerful Committee in the House of Delegates, which scrutinizes proposed bills affecting civil and criminal laws for the State before they can be considered by the legislative body as a whole. “I will bring a fair and impartial approach to the bench. On Dec. 19, 2023, I told the community that it was my objective to remove small town politics from the local court system by making judicial decisions without considering who you are, what region of Randolph County you are from, how much money you do or don’t have, or what your real or perceived political influence might be. I said it first and therefore I meant it. I intend on making judicial decisions based solely on the facts and the law so that the local judiciary and other local government agencies can be trusted by the people they serve so that Randolph County will not be impeded from moving in a positive direction.”
“I have never requested to be assigned to a judicial or prosecutorial position in government and I don’t think that type of experience is a prerequisite for becoming a good judge. Instead, I have earned the people’s trust and confidence in the political arena the way it was intended – by becoming elected and demonstrating aptitude in public service. As an attorney for almost 20 years, I have always tried to pay it forward in the community for the opportunity it provided me by resolving legal issues for its benefit for free. I have assisted with Maplewood Cemetery, with dilapidated properties, and have always tried to become available to assist all people in the community as best I can as a lawyer. I now have the opportunity to be a part of more cases than before as a Judge.”
Nestor says, “The people of Randolph County want a stable and respected judicial system. This can only occur if the courts are trusted to be fair and impartial. I intend to meet the expectations the community has for the court by placing the interests of Randolph County, and the interest of the people, ahead of that of my own. I will not be beholden to certain people and their special interests. All people and entities will appear on equal footing in any courtroom of which I preside.”
Nestor has won best attorney in the region three times – in 2012, 2019 and 2020. He is the founding member of The Nestor Law Office – William T. Nestor, PLLC located in Elkins.
Nestor’s legislative term will expire Dec. 1, 2024. If elected Circuit Judge for the 24th Circuit, Division 2, he will assume office on Jan. 1, 2025.
Jaymie Godwin
Wilfong
Of the four candidates running, Jaymie Godwin Wilfong is the only candidate for Randolph County Circuit Judge, Division II, with judicial experience. Wilfong defeated the long-time incumbent Circuit Judge by election in 2008 and served as Randolph County Circuit Judge from Jan. 1, 2009, until October 2014. Immediately prior, she served a six-year elected term as Family Court Judge for Randolph, Tucker, and Grant counties.
“Experience matters,” explained Wilfong. “For nearly 12 years, I was a judge in Randolph County. I treated parties who appeared before me fairly, regardless of who they were or what they had. I didn’t play favorites. I demonstrated year after year that I have the legal skills, the ability, and the judicial temperament to be the Circuit Judge. I did my level best to render firm, fair rulings.”
Wilfong was Randolph County’s first female Circuit Judge, and the county’s first elected Family Court Judge.
During Wilfong’s time on the bench, she served a term as President of the West Virginia Family Court Judicial Association. She served – by appointment of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals – on the Judicial Hearing Board and the West Virginia Juvenile Justice Commission. To fill a vacancy, she sat on the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals itself as a Special Supreme Court Justice. And, she was chosen as the Circuit Judge to present a section of the “Bridge the Gap” program, which is mandatory legal education for newly-admitted lawyers.
Wilfong was instrumental in creating and managing Randolph County’s Juvenile and Adult Drug Courts. Although she was initially hesitant to start the first program, bringing badly-needed services for supervision and therapy to Randolph County — in a controlled setting involving mandatory drug testing and clear consequences for non-compliance — appealed to her. The hundreds of hours of hard work Wilfong invested in these programs have paid big dividends in helping people get clean and stay clean. And the benefits have continued: both drug courts are still operational today.
Wilfong has been a practicing lawyer or judge for 28 ½ years. In her private practice, she has extensive experience in the kinds of cases which are regularly heard in Circuit Court, such as criminal, juvenile, and child neglect cases. She’s worked as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Upshur County. She has taught many courses for lawyers and judges. And, for the third year in a row, Wilfong has been voted as the People’s Choice Best Attorney (as tallied by The Inter-Mountain).
Wilfong is active in the Randolph County community. She has been a President of GFWC Junior Woman’s Club of Elkins, she is a past member of Elkins Rotary, a former board member for Randolph County Sheltered Workshop/Seneca Designs, and she has served as a Trustee for First United Methodist Church in Elkins.
Jaymie and her husband, Matt Wilfong, who have been married for nearly 24 years, are proud animal parents. Wilfong is the daughter of Janet England Godwin, and the late Karl D. “Joe” Godwin.
Randolph County Commission
David Kesling
My name is David Kesling and I am running for re-election to the Randolph County Commission. I am a life-long resident of Randolph County and a 1987 graduate of Elkins High. I went on to Marshall University and graduated in 1991 with a BBA in Business Management. I previously worked for the Kroger Company for 11 years, and Walmart Stores Inc for 23 years. I currently own the Anytime Fitness in Elkins, Buckhannon and Summersville, along with the Great Harvest bakery in Elkins and Bridgeport.
I have been married to my wife Marilyn for 30 years and we have two children, Sydney Akers and Andrew Kesling, and one grandson, Owen Allen Akers. We are members of the Elkins First Church of the Nazarene where I am also on the Church Board.
When I won this position six years ago, I promised three things; 1) Reduce needless spending, 2) support county law enforcement and 3) build a Splash Pad for the children of the County. I kept my promise and achieved those three items.
The County has been spending less than the amount brought in and each year has had a rollover amount. I have helped supply the County Law Enforcement with new tasers, body cams, two K9 units, and three PRO Officers that support Tygarts Valley High, Elkins High and Elkins Middle. And we now have a pool and splash pad for the children of the county.
I have sought grant money throughout my current term to use instead spending local tax dollars. Just in the past four years we have received over $3.8 million dollars in grant money that has paid for projects throughout the county. Another way of saving local tax dollars is the use of hotel/motel tax the county receives when people stay in hotels outside the city limits of Elkins. I have recently used $25,000 from that account to help with the new playground at Beverly Elementary, and another $25,000 to help with a new playground in Pickens.
There are a lot of head winds facing Randolph County; the loss of its last coal mine and the tax revenue from it; the introduction of the City of Elkins’ TIF and the loss of county revenue from it; unfunded mandates from the State Legislature, rising health costs and so much more. I recently completed the 2024-2025 County Budget, and with the help of the other elected officials, we have sound and secure budget for the county for another year.
I have taken on as one of projects to maintain and restore our county courthouse and annexes. We have completed new roof projects, side walk projects, HVAC projects and we are currently in the process of restoring the old county jail. Preserving these historical buildings for the future is a main goal of mine.
I have been and always will be the Commissioner that looks out for the County as a WHOLE. I am not afraid to stand up and fight for what is right for Randolph County. I have learned so much these first six years and with your vote and support I promise to continue to put Randolph County first.
Gary Hart
Hello, I am Gary Hart and I am running for County Commission. Why, you may ask — well, I was born and raised in Randolph County. The community along with various organizations helped mold me into the person that I am today. I want to give back to the County and ensure that others have these same and additional opportunities going forward.
I graduated from Elkins High and have a BS degree in Accounting with a Criminal Justice Minor from Fairmont State. I grew up on a dairy farm in the Montrose area. My father was a minister, a schoolteacher and fire chief for the Leading Creek Volunteer Fire Department. My mother worked at Memorial General Hospital along with raising four kids.
I was active in the 4H program at the local, county and state levels. I was a member of the FFA organization, obtaining the State Degree as well as holding the State Vice-President office. Church and my Faith has always been an important part of my life. I played baseball at the Little League, Babe Ruth and High School levels. I have coached soccer, football, baseball and softball. I currently officiate multiple sports at the youth, middle and high school levels. I have been a member of the Elks organization for 27 years.
My work background is twofold. I was a store manager in the retail industry before transitioning to the manufacturing sector. I left retail and began working in the wood industry. I currently work in the ceramics industry — all at the management level. I want to help lead the County, City and Municipal agencies to work together for common goals and not in opposition with each other. One example of this would be attracting more businesses to the area that offer local living wages so families do not have to struggle finding enough money at the end of the month.
I want to work for the kids and ensure that they are afforded opportunities of Education, Recreation and Growth. The youth are our future – we have an obligation to foster and care for all youth in our county. I feel we have missed on a few opportunities concerning our youth.
When elected, I would ensure tracking of opioid settlement monies from the WV First Foundation to make sure it goes for prevention and treatment. I will work for the First Responders, ensuring that they have the tools necessary to perform their duties. We have an obligation to our First Responders who take risks for our communities ensuring our personal safety and structural property protection.
As our communities continue to grow, we need to address current housing issues. Programs such as the WV Ascend are promoting relocation to the mountain style living in the Greater Elkins area. We need plans for future housing growth because the future is now. I will take time to listen and go to work for ALL!
I appreciate your support and ASK FOR YOUR VOTE in the upcoming May 14th Primary Election.
Randolph County Board of Education
Rachel Anger
I am a resident of Randolph County for over 20 years. In that time I have provided primary care to pediatric patients in Elkins area.
I currently work at Davis Medical Center. My entire working career has been devoted to helping children and families.
I am a current Board of Education member for eight years now. It has been a challenging time in education, and I am trying to make best decisions with our resources.
Personally, I have three children. My oldest is in college at MIT. My younger two are at Elkins High School. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and running.
I appreciate your vote and support.
Amanda Smith
Hi! My name is Amanda Smith, and I am an incumbent for a seat on the Randolph County Board of Education. I live in the Tygart District in Mill Creek with my husband, Adam, and kids, Eli (a freshman at WVU) and Emily (a freshman at Tygarts Valley). I am a Pharmacist by trade and the Pharmacy Director for St. George Medical Clinic.
I have served on the BOE for eight years, having worked with three superintendents and various board members and county office staff. Our current board just went through the process of choosing our next superintendent. Though taxing, it was a good experience to see the state and the county working together for the betterment of Randolph County Schools.
The Randolph County Board of Education is tasked with making sound financial decisions. Our county, like many others, faces tough times with declining student population and therefore decreasing revenue. The Board must make necessary adjustments to keep our local school system financially solvent. It is my hope that with a new county administration, we can find new resources and funding opportunities to further benefit the students of Randolph County.
I ran for this office originally because I am a person of strong integrity, have good management skills, am well-versed in Randolph County as a whole, and felt I could contribute to making good decisions for our school system. Allow me to continue this role and see the next Superintendent through making Randolph County Schools even better.
Ed Daniels
Ed Daniels was born and raised in Randolph County and graduated from Tygarts Valley High School and attended Blue Ridge Community College. Ed has worked for the past 15 years as a Bus Operator for the Randolph County Board of Education, until resigning from that position in January 2024.
He and his wife are forest farmers and root brokers and in 2016, they started Shady Grove Botanicals. Ed has presented at forest farming conferences for almost 10 years, while teaching others through apprenticeship programs through the West Virginia Humanities Council, the Smithsonian Institute and currently with Yale University. Ed is also a Master Naturalist and Master Gardener.
In 2017, Ed began teaching youth how to grow at-risk medicinal herbs, and then incorporated vegetables into their program, teaching kids how to grow their own food. This is how their non-profit, Plant the Seed Project, began. In 2021, he began building raised garden beds and high tunnels at several area schools, with the help of staff, parents, volunteers and community members.
With Ed’s background in management and business ownership, along with past experience with the Board of Education, he feels he is a qualified candidate for the position of Board Member. Vote Ed for Education!
Paul Louk
Paul Louk was born in Elkins and spent most of his childhood in Mill Creek and Dailey. He is a 2005 graduate of Tygarts Valley High School.
Paul has worked in the major industries in West Virginia, from coal mining and oil and gas work to truck driving and substitute school bus driver.
Paul and his wife, Candy Barr, live in Mill Creek and are the proud parents of a 22-year-old son who is an EHS graduate, a 15-year-old special needs daughter and a 14-year-old freshman who attends TVHS. Paul is also a member of the Tygart Valley Lions Club.
Robin Sinor
Originally from Minnesota, I lived in California until 2018. I fell for a funny West Virginian, a former public school teacher who could not relocate, so here I am — in a lovely state where things are more in line with my values and where houses are affordable!
My work experience is mostly clerical, and working in banks. I know about budgets, but aside from raising three kids, I have no experience with childhood education. Nevertheless, I have long worried about education in America, but was unsure what to do about it. Then a church friend introduced me to a film called “Truth and Lies in Public Education.” After I watched it five times I was motivated to get involved despite never having been elected to anything.
I am glad that West Virginia is still a conservative place, and I want to see it stay that way. Our schools should be a marketplace of ideas. For instance, there are science curricula that present evolution and intelligent design side-by-side. We should adopt this. But I am opposed to curricula that excite hatred for our nation and its founders, or use so-called “critical theory.”
In the last elections, there was at least one local legislative candidate who favored allowing biological boys into girls’ sports. On every other issue I can think of, I can imagine honest disagreement. But I fail to see why this is debated at all. As a school board member, this could only happen over my dead body. I have two granddaughters whose parents I’m trying to lure to Elkins. I do not want boys in their dressing room or competing with them in sports. Riley Gaines is a personal hero to me. I also admit to being a Trumper now, and a Never-Trumper eight years ago.
For the moment, at least, I oppose school-district levies. I also do not think teachers should have to make nominally volunteer dues payment to unions that endorse woke politicians and causes. Vouchers are often put forth as a freedom-of-choice in education option, but as a board member, I would urge our legislators to offer tax credits to parents who want an alternative to the public-school monopoly. I also oppose Common Core, but favor a teacher’s right to exhibit the Ten Commandments. How much better off we might be!
I am sure there are other issues. I would be learning as I go.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Robin Sinor did not submit a photograph to be included in this Primary Election Guide.
Anita Thompson
My name is Anita Thompson and I am running for Board of Education in the Elkins District.
I am a Randolph County native and a graduate of Elkins High School. I have been a PTA for 22 years and currently employed at Elkins Physical Therapy & Sports Injury Clinic. I am married and have two children, ages 12 and 14.
My husband and I have both been deeply involved in the community and school system with volunteering, fundraising and youth coaching. I am a member of the Roaring Creek Lions Club and on the board for the Elkins Energy Travel basketball team.
I have decided to run for BOE because I share a concern for our education system. I believe that the school board should be proactive and confront problems before they arise.
If elected, I will listen and step up to bridge the division and lack of open communication we have between the community and administration in Randolph County. There is a lot of misunderstanding and anger in the community regarding staffing RIF’s, relocations, school closings and changes to the curriculum at EHS.
Another issue I want to explore is maintaining fiscal responsibility and budget appropriately.
I am very excited to be on this journey and I would appreciate your vote on Election Day.
Randolph County
Assessor
Lance Marcum
I am Lance Marcum, a candidate for Assessor.
I’m 53 years old, married to my wife Amanda and father to my son Kaden.
I am a United States Air Force veteran, serving 6 ½ years.
I have worked for almost eight years as an appraiser in the Assessor’s office.
I have been a member of the Elks for five years. Some of my hobbies include fishing, golfing and watching my my son play sports.
Seth Pratt
Seth Pratt is running for County Assessor.
He has been a resident of Randolph County since 1992. He is a graduate of Davis & Elkins College with a BA in Biology and Environmental Science.
He has worked 13 years at the Assessor’s Office. He is a GIS Mapper for all real estate in the county.
He previously worked at Mary’s Greenhouse and Terra Flora Landscaping, Rite Aid and Walgreen’s.
He was a Wildland Firefighter for 11 years.
He is married to Michelle Burgess Pratt, with five children.
I look forward to serving the people of Randolph County and to continue the hard work and dedication of our current assessor.
Randolph County Sheriff
Rob Elbon
I would like to thank the citizens of Randolph County for their continued support. We have implemented a lot of good programs in the Sheriff’s Office, like our PRO program in our schools, expanded our Drug Task Force to cover Randolph and eight counties around our region to combat the drug problem in our area, and also have expanded our Special Response team to cover Randolph, Barbour, Upshur counties and Buckhannon and Philippi police departments in case of a critical situation where a special response team would be deployed, ie: school shooting or other situations like a hostage situation or high risk warrant execution.
We have added five deputies since I took office and cover nearly 250k miles on patrol each year. We are providing 24-hour law enforcement coverage to our citizens.
I appreciate all the input from county residents of crime situations in their home areas. This is how we target problem areas and respond with the appropriate force needed.
I appreciate the county commission and their effort to help protect our residents by providing my office with the tools we need to do the job.
I would like to ask for everyone’s support and vote on Election Day. I would like to continue what we have started here in the county and to implement some new things in the next four years.
Randolph County
Magistrates
Michael Dyer
My name is Mike Dyer and I’m running for Randolph County Magistrate in Division 2.
I’ve been married to my wife Kelli for 25 years and we have two daughters, Audrie and Leah. I am a lifelong resident of Randolph County. I attend Rivers of Living Water Ministries Church, where I am actively involved with the Forged in Faith youth group.
It has been an honor and privilege to have served the ciHzens of Randolph County for the past 27 years. My years of public service started in 1997 when I was hired as a Deputy Sheriff with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office. During that time, I’ve been fortunate enough to meet so many great people all throughout Randolph County.
In 2019 I was appointed to serve as magistrate and fill the unexpired term of former Magistrate Mike Riggleman. In 2020 I was elected to serve my first four-year term. Running again in 2024, I promise to continue to serve with integrity, dedication, and fairness, and uphold the values of our community.
Once again, I would like to sincerely ask for your vote and support. Although I am running unopposed, your vote and support are appreciated. Thank you.
Tracy Harper
I am a candidate in the 2024 primary election for Randolph County Magistrate, Division 1. I am running un-opposed in the nonpartisan position. I will be an incumbent, and I was first elected in the 2020 election.
I have gained a lot of knowledge and insight while holding the Magistrate Court Judicial position. It was very humbling to win the last election, and I will always be very thankful for the support I received from everyone in Randolph County.
I am formerly from Beverly, currently reside in Elkins and am a lifelong resident of Randolph County. I am married to Keith Harper, who is also a lifelong resident of Randolph County and is originally from Harman. Together we have four grown children and three grandchildren.
My parents are Robert (Pete) and Barbara Nelan of Beverly. I am very appreciative to them for teaching me to always show kindness, have respect for people, to trust in God and obey the law.
I enjoy spending time with family and friends. My husband and I enjoy camping, boating, and Harley riding.
I am respectfully asking for your vote in the 2024 election.
Benjamin E.
Shepler
Ben Shepler is a lifelong resident of Randolph County and a 1995 graduate of Elkins High School. He graduated from Glenville State College with an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree.
He is married to his wife, Leah and has two sons, Isaac and Rocco. As a family they enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing, golfing, and spending time with their two dogs, Maggie and Ginger.
Mr. Shepler is a member of Elks Lodge #1135 and a Chairman for the Boys Scouts of America Troop #88 Committee. He spends countless hours volunteering for Elkins Little League.
He has served as a Magistrate Court Judge for Randolph County for the past 16 years, and previously served as the Municipal Judge for two and a half years.
He is seeking re-election for the 2025-2028 term.