Rob Chenoweth

Editor’s Note: The Elkins Municipal Election will be Tuesday, June 10. In the interest of informing voters, The Inter-Mountain is publishing a photo and a short biography of each candidate, as well as their responses to three questions about their goals on Elkins City Council.

FIRST WARD CITY COUNCIL

Rob Chenoweth

Rob Chenoweth is currently serving as a council member representing the First Ward in the City of Elkins. Rob is a lifelong resident of Elkins, growing up in the Chenoweth Creek Community. He currently resides with his family in the Bridgewater Estates development in the First Ward.

Rob is married to his wife Misty Chenoweth (Judy) and together they have six children; Jacob, Jillian, Eli, Elliott, Riley and Levi.

Lisa Severino

Rob graduated from Elkins High School in 2000. He graduated from WVU in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics, and again in 2007 with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence.

Rob is a small business owner and is a member of the law firm of Busch, Zurbuch & Thompson, PLLC, where he practices all types of civil litigation, including representing local municipal and county governments. Rob has served on Elkins City Council since 2017, representing the residents of First Ward.

When not working, Rob enjoys spending time with his family.

1) What do you think is the biggest issue facing Elkins?

The most significant challenge facing Elkins, and the county as a whole, is the lack of adequate funding for essential student services within the county school system. Insufficient educational funding poses a serious risk of graduating students who are not adequately prepared to contribute to society or pursue further education. Without a well-educated workforce, the future prosperity of both the City and the County is in jeopardy.

Erika Plishka

2) Why should people cast their ballot for you?

I have a demonstrated history of effective advocacy for the First Ward and the City of Elkins. During my time on the City Council, I have actively supported numerous initiatives aimed at fostering growth in Elkins. This includes my service on the committee responsible for allocating funds received by the City through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), my support for the City’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Initiative, and my role as Chair of the City’s Personnel Committee. As Chairman of the City’s Personnel Committee, we have worked diligently to ensure that City of Elkins employees receive competitive wages and benefits, which is crucial for attracting and retaining quality employees and minimizing turnover. This is critical to ensure that the City has quality individuals to offer the essential City services that only the City of Elkins can provide its citizens

3) What is your top goal to achieve as a City Council member?

My primary goal is to continue to cultivate Elkins into a thriving and vibrant community. While the City of Elkins has limited direct influence over the funding challenges affecting the county school system, it possesses the capacity to promote and implement policies that incentivize and attract businesses to establish themselves within the city limits. Examples of this include allocating funds for the maintenance and improvement of existing infrastructure, collaborating with city and county partners to develop policies that create a welcoming environment for businesses while preserving the unique rural mountain town character of Elkins, and supporting key projects initiated by others that are designed to promote the growth and development of our City.

SECOND WARD CITY COUNCIL

Nanci Bross-Fregonara

Lisa Severino

Bio: Appointed to fill Second Ward City Council vacancy in July 2022 and reelected to fill the unexpired term in June 2023.

Education: Graduated from Roosevelt-Wilson High School and Alderson Broaddus College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and minor in writing. Certified Paralegal by National Association of Legal Assistants.

Employed by Busch, Zurbuch & Thompson, PLLC for over 33 years, currently as a paralegal and office manager.

Married to Jim Severino, Director of Nutrition Services at Vandalia/Davis Medical Center. Two adult children, Joseph and Alyssa Severino.

Jonathon Clingerman

Currently President of Elkins High School Athletic Boosters and have been actively involved in athletics in various capacities for various organizations over the years, and as a volunteer for the Mountain State Forest Festival.

1. What do you think is the biggest issue facing Elkins?

I worry about the impact several decisions being made on the County, State and Federal level will have on Elkins, our residents, and the City’s businesses. Some of these decisions have a direct financial impact on the City’s budget.

2. Why should people cast their ballot for you?

I try to be responsive when residents or business owners contact me with issues and connect them to the appropriate representative at the City that can address their problem. I am an advocate for our community, and I want Elkins to be a vibrant City where people want to live, work, and raise families.

David Parker

3. What is your top goal to achieve as a City Council member?

I do not have an agenda for wanting to be a member of the City Council, so I do not have a top goal that I want to achieve. My goal is to try to make informed decisions based on the recommendations of our City’s Administrative Officers, legal counsel, and the various Council Committees that are fiscally responsible and in the best interest of the City’s residents, businesses, and City employees. There are a lot of interests to balance as far as public health and safety, infrastructure, employee benefits, investing in projects that will improve the quality of life for the City’s residents and spur economic development and growth.

THIRD WARD CITY COUNCIL

Erika Plishka

I currently serve as one of the Elkins Third Ward City Councilors.

My family has deep roots in Elkins, especially in the Third Ward. My husband John and I raised our three children here and they attended Third Ward Elementary School, as did I when I was a student. We have spent many years living, volunteering, and building strong connections in this community that we love. All of my children have been or currently are members of the Elkins High School Marching Band, played various sports, and are 4-H members. Although I lived in Morgantown for many years and traveled to many places, Elkins has always remained home in my heart.

I am actively involved in a wide range of local organizations and service roles. I currently serve as treasurer for both the Randolph County 4-H Foundation and the Master Gardeners, am a dedicated 4-H leader and volunteer, am a longtime helper with the Mountain State Forest Festival and I work as a substitute teacher in local Randolph County Schools. I also volunteer with the Children’s Church at Rivers of Living Waters Ministries, helping guide and support our local youth.

In addition to community service, I am also a small business owner–co-owning Wild Ginger and Spice, a unique gift shop in nearby Davis, with my daughter, who manages the store. Our work reflects a shared commitment to creativity, entrepreneurship, and supporting the local economy.

With a strong background in service, education, small business, and community engagement, I hope to bring a thoughtful, compassionate, and well-rounded perspective to the Elkins City Council once again.

1) What do you think is the biggest issue facing Elkins?

One of the biggest issues facing Elkins today is economic development and population retention. We need to continue to create more opportunities that encourage young families and professionals to stay in or move to Elkins. This means continuing our efforts to invest in infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the overall quality of life in Elkins.

2) Why should people cast their ballot for you?

People should vote for me because I bring a balanced perspective, a strong commitment to listening, and a deep love for our community. I’m not running for personal gain, but to serve our community. I make it a priority to respond promptly to citizens’ calls and emails. I strive to be efficient, transparent, and accessible. I’m dedicated to working hard and collaboratively to drive real progress on the issues that matter most to Elkins residents.

3) What is your top goal to achieve as a City Council member?

My top goal is to promote strategic, long-term planning that aligns with the values and vision of our community. This includes attracting new businesses, enhancing public services, supporting the ongoing downtown revitalization, and crafting policies that make Elkins an even better place to live, work and visit.

FOURTH WARD CITY COUNCIL

Nanci

Bross-Fregonara

Our family has lived in Elkins for over 25 years, and I have been active in the community the entire time. Previously, we lived in Frederick and Frostburg, Maryland, where I was editor of a small weekly newspaper and worked as the Communications Director of Frostburg State University. In Elkins, I have worked in communications at the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, The Arts Center, Davis Health System and the Kump Education Center. I was the Communications Director at Davis & Elkins College.

Quasi-retired, I am active with the Elkins Tree Board, serve on the Randolph County Democratic Executive Committee and the U.S. Forest Service Resource Advisory Committee, volunteer with other non-profit organizations (such as the Kump Education Center), and substitute teach with Randolph County schools. I support historic preservation and public education funding initiatives, both of which are important for our town’s attractiveness and sustainability.

I grew up as a daughter of a Marine colonel. We often moved on various tours of duty, so I was exposed to different places and people. Growing up in a military family meant learning about protocol, patriotism, and chain of command.

After moving to Elkins, we discovered a community that offered a great deal to our young family. Our two children took advantage of all the Arts Center, Augusta, and Old Brick Playhouse offered for creative outlets, scouting and youth sports. Now, they love to return home to see the positive changes in downtown Elkins and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

1) What do you think is the biggest issue facing Elkins?

Several top issues come to mind. The first is dealing with our aging infrastructure. Hundred-year-old towns across the state suffer from aging water systems, broken sewer pipes, and collapsing culverts. This situation is worsened by changing weather patterns, resulting in higher water levels, and funding threats to federal rural grants.

High water runoff has historically affected several areas of Elkins, including Wees and Diamond streets. Thankfully, after a productive multi-agency meeting organized by the residents of that area, a strategy is in now place that will address some of the flooding situations.

The second issue concerns improving alternative transportation access, whether by making our streets more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly or improving access to public transportation. I continue to pursue safer ways to cross our busy roads and increase affordable public transportation usage.

Finally, the city has a multi-agency task force dealing with drug use and the unhoused population, which I consider another civic priority. While good strides are being made, much must be done. Discussing how societal issues affect downtown and our public spaces is often difficult, but we must keep that conversation going.

2) Why should people cast their ballot for you?

I have been serving the City of Elkins as a Fourth Ward councilor this term since 2020. I was first elected to the Council in 2009 and served eight years. Being a city councilor truly is community service. I continue to be responsive to constituent concerns and vote on issues that best reflect the interests of those in Fourth Ward and benefit the whole city. My years on the Council mean I have much institutional knowledge and will continue working on current and future projects.

This past year, city councilors have had to respond more proactively to state legislation that would negatively affect our town. The biggest threat is to municipal self-governance, which we secured by being a Home Rule city. Weekly letters and calls had to be made to state legislators to protect our town’s assets and ability to make our own decisions. I, and others on Council, expressed our concern on this negative agenda.

I love that Elkins councilor positions are nonpartisan, and our current council understands the need to sometimes compromise. We don’t have an R or D by our name. Decisions are made in the town’s best interest, not a party’s. Our administrators are phenomenal and take fiscal responsibility very seriously.

3) What is your top goal to achieve as a City Council member?

My top goals are to encourage and support the intra-jurisdictional improvements necessary to solve water runoff problems in the Wees/Diamond Street, Randolph Ave., and Graham-Davis areas of the city, see the completion of the City Hall renovation project, explore ways to initiate the downtown Streetscape design plan, assist existing businesses to thrive and attract new business, and improve pedestrian safety.

Jonathon Clingerman

Jonathon Clingerman is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, dedicated educator, and proud husband and father who is committed to serving the people of Elkins with transparency, accountability, and action. A resident of Fourth Ward, Clingerman is running for City Council to give a voice to improve neglected infrastructure and ensure fair treatment for all citizens.

He served as an 0341 Mortarman with the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, stationed at Camp Pendleton, California.

Clingerman now works as the Millwork & Cabinetmaking instructor at Randolph Technical Center, where he mentors high school students and adult learners in skilled trades and workplace readiness. He holds a bachelor’s degree with honors in Organizational Leadership from the University of Charleston and a master’s degree with distinction in Adult & Continuing Education from Marshall University.

His dedication to education and workforce development has earned him numerous honors, including 2025 WVACTE Teacher of the Year, ACTE Region I Finalist for Teacher of the Year, 2024 To 50 Finalist for the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Award for Teaching Excellence, and the 2023 Carl J. Schaefer Memorial Teacher Candidate Award.

Outside the classroom, Clingerman is a man of faith, a car enthusiast, and a strong advocate for community progress. He believes in supporting the city’s employees, improving infrastructure, and ensuring that no neighborhood is left behind, no matter what part of the ward you live in.

“I’m not a politician, but a citizen who’s stepping up to do what’s right,” Clingerman said. “I believe in fairness, respect, and forward progress that benefits everyone in our ward and in our city.”

Clingerman pledges to be a responsive, principled representative who works collaboratively to move Elkins forward. He’s not afraid to have hard conversations if it means making meaningful progress for our communities.

1) What do you think is the biggest issue facing Elkins?

One of the biggest issues facing Elkins is infrastructure, especially in certain parts of the city that feel forgotten. From roads and proper disposal of stormwater, many areas have been left behind. Our city can’t move forward when large portions of it are held back. We need to take a balanced, accountable approach that ensures our entire ward receives the attention they deserve, not just parts of it.

2) Why should people cast their ballot for you?

I’m not a politician, but a citizen. I care about this community and want to see it thrive. I bring leadership experience, a proven work ethic, and the courage to speak up when something’s not right. I’ll listen, I’ll show up, and I’ll work hard every day to make sure our voices are heard. I believe in transparency, treating people with respect, and making practical decisions that benefit people, not the politics.

3) What is your top goal to achieve as a City Council member?

My top goal is to improve accountability and follow-through in how the city addresses infrastructure, services, and communication. We need to stop kicking the can down the road. I want to see real progress made in neglected areas and ensure that city employees feel supported and appreciated. That means having honest conversations, setting clear priorities, and doing the work to build a better Elkins for all of us. If the future looks promising for our city, let’s do the work needed to get us there!

FIFTH WARD CITY COUNCIL

David Parker

was born in New England and migrated to Ohio for college. While in college I worked in a foundry, in injection molding plants, and on the school dairy farm. In between all that I spent a semester working in the newsroom at the New York Times. After college, I worked in operations management for Roadway Express at two different terminals in Ohio.

Following my years with Roadway, I attended The General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church in New York City. While there I pursued the expected academic and formative activities. I also took advantage of the opportunity to serve with the Vatican mission to the United Nations for two years under the supervision of a team of gifted and patient diplomatic staff. Following seminary, I served parishes in West Virginia, Ohio and Indiana.

In 1997 I returned to West Virginia to be the Director of Mountain Partners. Among our projects were partnering with RCDA for the acquisition and redevelopment of the railyard, the purchase of the Delmonte building, the development of the Arts Center and other endeavors in the region. In 2003, I was asked to serve as the acting director of Jackson’s Mill for WVU-Extension and remained there until I semi-retired.

It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve on City Council representing the Fifth Ward. It’s the heart of our city and I have watched it prosper over these past years. I have served since Mayor Broughton encouraged me to put my name in the hat to fill an unexpired term. The work is gratifying.

My wife, Connie, and I have five children and eight grandchildren. I enjoy making music, hunting, fishing, and hiking.

1) What do you think is the biggest issue facing Elkins?

The biggest issue facing us currently is public education. It is not an issue that Council and our excellent team of administrative officers can directly take ahold of and work on, it is an issue that has tremendous impact on the future of our city. Our residents want the best possible education for our children. Period. The goals for our kids interested in a vocational track or college prep track are the same – the best education with which we can equip them. There is a direct connection between how our city will prosper in the future and the quality of education we provide for our children now. The quality of education our children receive now is directly connected to the quality of life our kids will enjoy as they mature, make job decisions, raise families, and build a life here for themselves and their families. An important element for people who may be considering moving to Elkins and settling here is the quality of education available for their children. It is as important to them as it is to those of us who already live here.

The city can and does support our schools in a number of secondary ways. We are a regular presence at the career fairs providing personnel, equipment and displays. Our first responders are a valued and reliable asset for the schools. Through the Parks and Recreation Commission we make after school programs available for our kids at the Phil Gainer Center and our parks. I’ve chaired the task force on addictions and homelessness for the past 5 years. A significant part of that work, in our partnerships with regional agencies, is focused on providing care for the children who are so deeply affected by these conditions.

2) Why should people cast their ballot for you?

Because I’m devoted to this work, and I care. I have spent the best years of my life working to build up this community, and I don’t regret a day of it. I’m experienced, I listen, and I work well with people. I bring people together to set goals and to do the work required to attain those goals. I like people, I like to have fun, and I’m a good team player. I do what I do out of gratitude for the life I have here.

3) What is your top goal to achieve as a City Council member?

I have several goals that rank highly for me: Public Safety, which I chair; infrastructure upgrades (I serve on Municipal Properties); the successful completion of City Hall renovations; supporting the completion of the Events Center; and others.

Every one of these goals requires cooperation, collaboration, compromise and a respectful way of working together with my colleagues on Council and with our very competent administrative team. Everything we accomplish is the result of teamwork, and this Council does that well. Therefore, it seems to me that my top goal should be to do everything in my power to foster that way of working together. I am confident that whatever issues emerge, whatever goals we set, can be successfully addressed by Council and administration working in a respectful and collaborative manner.

Burley Woods

Burley Woods, a native of Elkins, currently serves as the Director of Executive Service for the Nellis Group Enterprise and the Director of Internal Sales for Legacy Elevated.

A U.S. Naval veteran, he offers over 25 years of diverse experience in human resources, information technology, sales, training, development, logistics, and management programs. His diverse background has allowed him to serve at prestigious locations such as the White House, Camp David, the Pentagon, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency.

Burley has a variety of interests, including landscaping, home remodeling, jewelry design, and creating art. He is passionate about giving back to his local community and serves on the City of Elkins Planning Commission. Additionally, he is a founding member and chairperson of Citizens Promoting Community and volunteers with the Elkins High School Band.

1) What do you think is the biggest issue facing Elkins? 

As a candidate for 5th Ward Representative to City Council, he would like to share his perspective on what he believes is the most significant issue facing our city, as well as his priorities should he be elected.

I believe the interconnected challenges of substance abuse and homelessness require urgent and comprehensive attention.   These critical issues have a tangible impact on the welfare of our community as a whole, and I believe they warrant well-considered and multifaceted solutions.

Beyond addressing these immediate crises, it is crucial to invest in the future of Elkins. A key focus for me would be fostering technological advancement within our city. By strategically investing in technology, we can create an environment that attracts employers and generates higher-paying job opportunities for our residents.

Furthermore, I am committed to providing ongoing opportunities for the youth of Elkins. Ensuring our young have a pathway to success is vital for the long-term prosperity of our community.

2) Why should people cast their ballot for you?

As Citizens of Elkins, we all deeply care about our community, but it’s time to shift our focus from endlessly planning to actively implementing solutions. Let’s move beyond merely discussing the challenges and commit to taking action.

Many of you have expressed a desire for change, and I hear you! Insanity can be defined as doing the same thing repeatedly while expecting different results. By voting for me, you choose Sanity, calling for action, and a new direction.

3) What is your top goal to achieve as a City Council member?

I believe we are indeed fortunate to reside in such a distinctive community, one characterized by its extensive history, breathtaking natural scenery, and considerable promise for the future.  Serving as your representative, my commitment is to ensure accessibility and to be an advocate for your concerns. In this capacity, I am devoted to facilitating Elkins’ continued development into an even more appealing place to live, where our community enjoys safety, prosperity, and opportunities for all its citizens.

Burley Woods