Communities

Three vying for County Commission seat

Cris Siler

Cris Siler, who currently serves as a Randolph County Commissioner, was born and raised in Randolph County.

He is an Elkins High School graduate with the Class of 1988.

Siler has a degree in Auto/Diesel Technology and in Business Management from Northwestern University of Ohio.

He is also a 1996 graduate of the West Virginia State Police Academy.

Siler served as the WVSP Detachment Commander in Grant, Hardy, Tucker and Randolph counties, and served approximately 11 years on the WVSP Special Response Team.

"After retiring from 25 years in law enforcement with the West Virginia State Police, I felt a strong desire to continue in a position of service," Siler said. "In November 2021, I was truly humbled to be appointed to fulfill the term of previous Commissioner Mark Scott for the Elkins District.

"It is my goal to speak to all residents in Randolph County and determine the various needs of the people in every area of the county. In doing so, I feel we can make a collaborative effort to preserve and improve our coveted small-town lifestyle.

"I believe in small government and conservative Christian values," he said. "Honoring the Constitution and the Bill of Rights will always be my top priority."

FIVE QUESTIONS

1) "For one, the mere size and geographical layout of the county is one of the biggest challenges. Due to this the outlying communities tend to get neglected. My plan is to have involvement and communication with the citizens of all areas of the county to make sure their needs and concerns are addressed fairly and equally.

"Another issue is the drug use and homelessness. I plan to continue to support our first responders with the necessary equipment and funds needed to address these problems."

2) "I have an associates degree in business management and ran my own business for approximately five years before closing to take a promotion and transfer with the state police. As a supervisor with the state police one of my responsibilities was budgeting and keeping track of overtime and contract expenditures. Sometimes there may be several different accounts for different overtime funds to keep track of at one time. As a county commissioner since my appointment, I have helped revue, adjust and approve budgets while working with the heads of each office."

3) "I feel we have already started making the necessary changes by being supportive of our new director and having more oversight of the daily running's of the center. All expenditures have to be approved by the commission. Working with the new director a rank structure has been implemented within each shift so there is always a supervisor working for oversight during each shift."

4) "Yes! They get support from the development authority, chamber of commerce and local lenders. I feel the residence of our county are supportive and shop locally owned businesses.

"I also feel the Commissioner's support of the communities in the county as a whole is the most effective way to make businesses thrive."

5) "There is a limited designation of what this money can be utilized for. It can be used for infrastructure projects such as water, sewer and broadband. We have focused on water projects throughout the county. Funding projects for necessary repairs, equipment to maintain and extensions to more rural residents who have not had access to public water service. This money can also be used for non profit organizations to help with lost revenue. We are currently compiling those at this time to look at how we may be able to assist.

"The first Cares Act funding was a reimbursement of first responders wages. We investigated this money heavily into the sheriffs department for vests, tasers, K-9, cruisers and etc. We have tried to give the sheriff and his deputies everything they need to be able to keep the citizens of our county safe as well as keeping our deputies safe. I feel my 25 years of LE experience has helped the commission respond to these needs."

Carol Cain Bush

"My name is Carol Cain Bush. I'm married to Frank P. Bush, Jr. and I raised all four of my children (Sara, Jen, Becky and Tommy Cain) right here in Randolph County. I also have four, soon to be five really wonderful grandchildren.

"I hold a degree in sociology from Oregon State University that has served me well, with the bulk of my career focused on education, community service and community development. I have an extensive background in community outreach and grant writing along with program and project management. I've also served as a member of the Randolph County Board of Education (2000-2008), developed several educational programs and served on a variety of committees and boards of directors, including Youth Health Services, Inc., where I'm currently board president.

"I've been a part of the Randolph County pandemic team for many years, most recently helping with COVID testing, vaccination and contact tracing, and I'm a former youth soccer coach and HOSPICE volunteer. I am a hard worker and a true community-minded person. I just like to help wherever I can."

FIVE QUESTIONS

1) What are the biggest issues and challenges facing Randolph County and how do you plan to address them as a County Commissioner?

"We have an aging population with aging infrastructure and a limited tax base. We need to grow our communities and tax base if we want to improve and maintain the services needed for a basic quality of life. Grant funding is a short-term fix for infrastructure, but the long-term goal should be self-sufficiency.

"As a member of the County Commission, I would continue to support the organizations, agencies and businesses who currently promote Randolph County regionally and nationally, while actively encouraging more communication and collaboration among all of our county's communities. We need to share ideas and build upon our strengths. I would also provide continued support for the basic institutions that make every community strong, such as healthcare, education, affordable housing and transportation, while continuing efforts to bring broadband to all areas of our county.

"It's not just one thing that attracts new business and new families; it's a combination of many things, including everyone working together for a common goal. It takes patience and persistence to create positive change, and I have that patience and persistence."

2) What is your experience with preparing and authorizing budgets?

"I have eight years of experience developing and authorizing $30-35 million dollar annual budgets for the Randolph County Board of Education. I also have many years of experience preparing and implementing budgets for grant applications, general program operations and various building construction projects."

3) What changes do you think should be in place so that a situation like last year's firing of the top officials at Randolph County 911 center does not happen again?

"As a general rule, it's good to go back to basics. Job vacancies should be well-advertised with an open-minded interview process; new employees should be subjected to thorough background checks; policy manuals should clearly define appropriate workplace procedures and behavior as well as violations; the county should provide regular training regarding workplace behavior; reporting concerns regarding workplace behavior should be encouraged; and clear lines of communication should be established with all employees."

4) Do you consider Randolph County to be an easy place in which to conduct business, and please explain your answer.

"I'm married to a small business owner, and the answer for us is yes. In Randolph County we have a trainable workforce with many good, hardworking people. We have access to broadband internet. We have easy highway access to major cities, as well as beautiful national and state forests.

"The cost of living is lower here than in most places in the country. We have access to adult continuing education and vocational programs as well as rural community schools. We have quality emergency services and a healthcare system that strives to meet our growing needs. We take care of our seniors with senior programs and facilities. We provide a county-wide transit system at minimal cost to riders.

"We can ski, hike, fish and ride bikes. We can take a train trip or watch a play at the Old Brick. And we can feel like we're a part of a community with neighbors who care about us. All of those features make for an easy place to do business."

5) What are some of the areas where you think the $5.57 million in COVID relief federal funding Randolph County is receiving should be spent?

"It is my understanding that COVID relief funds need to be spent on COVID-related expenses, but the County Commission has the discretion to determine which areas of the county have the greatest need for that assistance.

"I would assume every corner of the county could show need, but my inclination would be to focus on water and sewer improvements along with broadband expansion for our most rural communities, and assistance with uncovered COVID-related expenses such as home healthcare and transportation, among other things."

Robert "Bob" Jones

"Good day! I am Bob Jones. I was an educator by profession, a Methodist by faith, and a resident of Randolph County by choice.

"I was born and raised in Montrose. I am the son of the late Roy and Evelyn Jones of Montrose. I am married to Donna, the daughter of Glenda and the late Rev. Don Fitzwater. I taught school at Third Ward and North Elementary for 33 years. I worked at Elkins Builders Supply and I am currently Elkins Municipal Judge.

"I am registered as a Democrat, however I do not agree with all the Democratic ideas. Nor do i agree with all the Republican ideas. I am an open-minded thinker who does not let a political party dictate what I believe. I will gather information and input about an issue and make my decisions from that information.

"I have heard too often about the waste and abuse of hard-earned taxpayer's dollars. I will keep a check on the budget and make sure it is fiscally responsible. I will make sure that tax dollars are spent for the benefit of all Randolph County. I will be your voice and watchdog."

FIVE QUESTIONS

1) What are the biggest issues and challenges facing Randolph County and how do you plan to address these?

"I saw a quote and it is the bases for my first goal. "Quality of life also means quality jobs." Economic development is very important to Randolph County. An increase in development also means an increase in population. Therefore, an increase in the tax base. With this increase we can create a climate that encourages businesses and entrepreneurs to invest in their ideas. We can provide incentives. Working with other government agencies to reduce some of the problems and hardships in creating and maintaining a business.

"Infrastructure is a big issue. We need to complete Corridor H completion will be a great help to Randolph County. Commission also must make sure our county residents have safe, clean water and proper sewers.

"As always, I will continue work with the first responders. We will look at their needs and work together to solve them. We will combat the drugs and homeless issues by working and supporting the task forces already set up.

"A big part of this job is talking with constituents. I will bring the commission back to the people. I will work toward having at least one meeting a month in the evening so the working person can attend. I will be a full time commissioner. My office will always be open. I will commit to having one Saturday a month where my office will be open to the public.

2) What is your experience with preparing and authoring budgets?

"I served on Elkins City Council in the late 80s and early 90s, at which time my committees worked on a multimillion dollar rebuild of the water plant and landfill.

"In the past I served on the Randolph County Board of Education"s Budget Committee. We prepared the budget for the county. We had to make hard decisions on what to add and what to cut.

"I served on the budget committee for the West Virginia Education Association. At present I prepare and oversee the budget for the Elkins Municipal Court."

3) What changes do you think should be put in place so that a situation like last year's firing of the top officials at Randolph County 911 Center does not happen again?

"This is difficult to answer without knowing all the particulars. Always follow the hiring guidelines, Interview, check references, talk with past employers, and background checks should always be done. Talking with past employers and references one can find out much need information.

"Commission should:

1. Make sure to listen. Sometimes simply listening can save the day. You may hear about a real problem.

2. Document everything and make sure you are consistent.

3. Do surprise evaluations and visits to supervisors.

4. Remember a negative employee can spoil the whole bunch

5. Firing someone is the hardest thing to do. If it gets to that point, do it right. Don't make excuses and don't put it off."

4) Do you consider Randolph County to be an easy place in which to conduct business and please explain your answer?

"I feel Randolph County has a pro-business attitude. Can it do more? Absolutely. But overall we let it be known we are "Open for Business". Our Development Director works hard as a liaison between business and community officials to streamline the development process.

"Completion of Corridor H will help open Randolph County up. The commission needs to get more involved with these agencies.

"We have a skilled work force and provide training programs to meet a company's specific needs. We have a strong school system and recreational opportunities and realize that in order for a company or business to be successful, it need a location where current and future workers will want to work, live and raise a family. Randolph County is a great place to do this.

"Our downfall is our infrastructure. County Commission must work with local communities to make sure that water, sewer, electrical and high speed internet is available, up to par, and affordable. This is were some of the $5.57 million in covid relief fund must be spent."

5) What are some of the areas where you think the $5.57 million in covid relief federal funding for Randolph County is receiving should be spent?

"1. We must make sure that our First Responders are taken care of. Together, develop a list of items each group needs. Work through the process and provide and many as possible.

"2. Infrastructure. We need to look at improvements to water and sewer project in our communities. I know this is not enough money to do a sewer or water project, but we can provide services to plan upgrade and line replacements throughout the county.

"3. Help develop/improve small parks in our communities, providing our children with a safe place to play. Also improvement at Camp Pioneer.

"4. Funding for community libraries.

"5. Provide application for grants to our communities for their special projects."