MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Andrew Price will have to wait his turn to be in the spotlight, as the candidate for the Republican nomination in November’s County Commission race is running unopposed.
Instead, he’ll wait to face the winner of the Democratic nomination — a contest between current Commission President Tom Bloom and former Commissioner Betty Wiley.
Price, who hails from Core, is a lifelong resident of Monongalia County.
“I’m looking forward to servicing the people in Monongalia County,” he said. “We have a beautiful, strong, future here.”
Price said his family roots go back to the 1800’s, which he believes gives him plenty of reason to be concerned about the issues facing the county in the future.
“We need to plan for the future, get some depth to our employment, plan for that, and I hope to do that as your county commissioner,” he said.
A West Virginia University graduate with a degree in agricultural education, Price continued in managing a family beef and timber farm that goes back over 200 years. He also has 30 years of experience as a helicopter pilot, which includes time as an EMS pilot and as a combat pilot in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
“I’ve had in depth training on how to manage people, manage funds, manage a plan that goes beyond the initial emergency.”
Price has stated that he feels Monongalia County, as a whole, is economically strong. But, he continued, economic diversification remains one of the keys to moving the county forward.
Additionally, Price believes that there must be some form of planning involved with long-term projects while avoiding trampling on property rights.
“I think that you can maintain the character without telling other people, landowners what to do,” he said. “I mean, we still have to have some sort of plan overall so we don’t have a West Run.”
Price was referring to the long-term lack of planning that has resulted in excess build up in an area not designed to handle it — an area with vitally hurting infrastructure.
“I’m sorry, but we have a situation there. We need to look at that and be cognizant in where we’re heading.”
Price will face the winner of the Democratic primary, which will take place on May 8th.
Early voting began Wednesday.