Nonpartisan, Elect one
Aaron Knotts
Age: 48
Residence: Kingwood
Education: Bachelor of Divinity
Political and civic experience: 15 years as a pastor along with work in and with nonprofits.
Professional experience: WVARNG veteran, youth leader and assistant director in group home and residential treatment facilities for juvenile sex offenders and drug and alcohol rehabilitation for juvenile felons. Currently a business owner and school bus operator.
Campaign statement: With honesty and integrity, through faith and perseverance, we have the right and obligation to protect, provide and guide our families. Taking responsibility for our actions and theirs, establishing a prosperous futre.
Top priorities: To set a standard of excellence for myself that would make me an asset to Preston County and its office of magistrate.
James L. “Jimmy” Maier
Age: 60
Residence: Kingwood
Education: Central Preston High School graduate, attended WVU, computer school graduate.
Political and civic experience: Mayor of Kingwood; Kingwood Sewer Board chairman; Kingwood Water Board member; Kingwood Parks & Recreation Board member; founding member of Heat for Preston Foundation; American Cancer Society volunteer, supporter and sponsor of Cancer Survivors dinners of Preston County; fundraiser for Preston High sports; member of Your Community Foundation.
Professional experience: I have owned a business (Monroe’s Restaurant) for 22 years in Preston County. I participated in city government for 10 years. Both jobs required abiding by laws and codes of West Virginia, organizational skills, the ability to listen to many different perspectives in order to reach the correct decision and the strength to stand by my decisions.
Campaign statement: I will follow the laws and codes of West Virginia as written. I will be fair and just with everyone who comes before the court. I will represent the office with courtesy, dignity and impartiality. I cannot and will not be swayed by outside influences. I am committed to doing the job well for the citizens of Preston County. I believe I am a fair and just man who is not afraid of the challenge.
Top priorities: My top priority is ensuring that fairness and justice is always served in Preston County Magistrate Court. I want to make Preston County a better place to live. I want the residents of Preston County to know that I will be prepared to be a magistrate who serves the people and their best interests. With your continued support, we can be sure that Preston County is a safe and wonderful place to live and raise our children.
Peggy Pase
Age: 51
Residence: Kingwood
Education: I graduated from Central Preston Senor High in 1986. I graduated with honors from West Virginia University at Parkersburg (WVUP), with a bachelor’s degree in legal studies. While at WVUP, I helped re-establish the Legal Aid Society at West Virginia University at Parkersburg. I worked with Steve Shaffer and Paul Estep to completing my legal studies internship. I am currently working toward my master’s degree in legal studies from Washington University School of Law.
Political and civic experience: I proudly hold the office of secretary for the Preston County Solid Waste Authority. I was a Girl Scout leader for four years and coached softball league for three years.
Professional experience: I currently work with my parents, Charlie and Sue Pase, at their facility, Preston Tire & Recycling Inc. Prior to obtaining my degree, I worked as a union laborer for 18 years.
Campaign statement: While this is the first time I have run for any public office, I believe when you see a problem in your community, you have two choices: complain about it or do something about it. Well, I am a doer; I see the problems facing our county and communities and want to do something to help resolve them, which is the reason I decided to run for magistrate. I strongly believe in holding individuals accountable for their actions.
Campaign statement: I am fair, yet tough. I do not believe in the “good ‘ole boy” way of running things. It’s time for a change! Time to get tough on the crime and drug problem facing our communities and time to hold people accountable for their actions.
I believe the people of Preston County deserve a magistrate that has their best interest at heart and will protect the rights of the good, hardworking people of Preston County. I understand the importance and value of public service.
Rhonda Sypolt
Age: 52
Residence: Rowlesburg
Education: 1985 graduate of Clay-Battelle High School.
Political and civic experience: I have never held a political position. I am currently a member of and the treasurer for Macomber Community Church. I am a member of the West Virginia Beekeepers Association, the Preston County Beekeepers Association, a member of the West Virginia Education Association Union and a partner in hope with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Professional experience: I worked in the Preston County Magistrate Court from October 2004 to March 2013, both as a magistrate assistant and as a deputy clerk. I participated in several State Supreme Court training sessions in Charleston for magistrate assistants and deputy clerks. I have been trained in the West Virginia Supreme Court’s judiciary computer system and am very knowledgeable in all magistrate court systems and procedures. I am currently the payroll supervisor for Preston County Schools. We currently employ and pay more than 750 employees on a fifth and 20th of the month schedule.
Campaign statement: I am tough, I am fair, I am honest and I am trustworthy! These things should not only be hoped for from your magistrate but they should be expected.
Top priorities: If elected, I want to bring back tougher penalties for repeat offenders. While the law only allows for certain sentencing, it does in fact leave a margin of discretion, by the magistrate, in fines, plea agreements, bail, bonds, etc. I want there to be consequences to actions, not just a slap on the wrist and out the door you go.
