MORGANTOWN — Wes Nugent, who represented the 3rd Ward on Morgantown City Council from 2011-’17, has filed as a write-in candidate for that seat.
According to the city, Nugent filed with the clerk’s office on Monday. Tuesday was the write-in deadline. Early voting begins today.
Nugent said returning to council wasn’t originally part of his spring to-do list, but a recent conversation with his wife and some unexpected free time convinced him otherwise.
“We were talking about the election and the candidates and races, and when we got to the 3rd Ward I said I’d probably leave it blank,” Nugent said. “So we talked about it and had a bit of a heart-to-heart. We talked about the future and where we want to be and she gave me the go-ahead to jump back in, at least as a write-in.”
Nugent has worked as a web developer and professional technologist for the last 20 years. He and his wife have two young children.
After three terms on council, Nugent was defeated by Ryan Wallace 1,571 to 968 in 2017.
He is the third write-in candidate to step forward for the 3rd Ward seat since Wallace announced last month that he did not intend to serve a second term as his family is moving once the current council term ends June 30.
Even so, Wallace is unopposed in the April 30 election and was not able to remove his name from the ballot so close to Election Day.
If Wallace wins, he’ll be forced to resign the seat, which would then be filled through appointment by a majority of the other six council members.
Richard Dumas and Zack Cruze are also write-in candidates in the 3rd Ward
Nugent said he’s aware he stepping into an unprecedented situation as far as how the 3rd Ward race has shaken out.
“I know it’s an uphill battle to begin with, but I’m a person who lives my life without regrets and that’s how I try to go about my business. Talking with my wife, she knows that I’m passionate about what I believe in,” Nugent said. “And my wife is my rock. It makes you feel good as a person, regardless of what comes, that your spouse believes in you and supports you.”
He said his focus remains unchanged from his previous stint on council — fiscal responsibility and a desire to deliver the best possible services for the best possible price.
“That’s still where I’m at today. Largely I’m a bread and butter kind of guy. Trash, traffic and noise are the issues I hang my hat on,” Nugent said. “And watching the city’s bottom line. I’m concerned about that going forward.”
He went on to say that he’d like to see council terms limits implemented and the city’s election moved in line with the county’s primary or general election.
“Apathy is as bad as it’s ever been,” he said. “I think we need to reinvigorate the citizens.”
Early voting begins today and runs through April 27 at two locations — Morgantown City Hall, on Spruce Street, and the Northside Fire Station at 1000 Van Voorhis Rd.
Early voting hours will be from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Information on how to vote for a write-in candidate can be found on the city’s website, morgantownwv.gov by clicking on the “city clerk” link.
Election Day is April 30.
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