Elect one
Don Smith
Political party: Republican
Age: 52
Residence: Kingwood
Family: Wife Vickie, and four furry ones.
Education: Bachelor of Science in mathematics
Professional experience: Civilian employee of the U.S. Army for 20 years including Senior Civilian Manager of an Army Training Unit, which involved (but was not limited to) managing budgets and human resources; Army Reserve Master Sergeant with over 28 years of service.
Political and civic experience: County commissioner; chairman of Preston County Solid Waste Authority and Preston County Republican Executive Committee; board member of Greater Morgantown Convention and Visitors Bureau; member of Preston County Chamber of Commerce, Preston County Humane Society, Kingwood Lions, Kingwood Fraternal Order of Eagles (former president) and Mason Dixon Football officials board; and life member of Kingwood VFW.
Why did you decide to seek office?
I am passionate about the citizens of Preston County and all our wonderful county has to offer and want to continue to serve our constituents.
What is the most important issue you believe your office will face in the next year, and how will you address it?
Recovery from the economic impact of the revenue slowdown created by the pandemic. The county budget has experienced decreased tax revenue; I have the budgetary experience necessary to make the proper decisions to keep the county fiscally sound. Also, I will continue to work in partnership with our state legislators to advocate for improved roads and broadband infrastructure to expand business and residential development, which will expand our tax base and benefit our citizens.
Lynn Housner
Political party: Independent
Age: 69
Residence: Kingwood
Family: Wife, Katrina D’Andrea.
Education: B.S. University of Virginia; M.A. and Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh.
Professional experience: University of Texas, three years; New Mexico State University, 10 years; West Virginia University, 19 years, professor and associate dean.
Political and civic experience: Past president Preston County Parks and Recreation Commission and the Preston Community Arts Center; co-organizer of the Preston County Music & Arts Festival; co-chair, Promoting Preston County; and team member, Blueprint Kingwood group.
Why did you decide to seek office?
I worked at WVU for 19 years and was uninvolved in my community. In 2012, I suffered an illness that put me in a wheelchair for life and caused me to retire early. I was not ready to stop working, so I got involved in community service.
I love Kingwood and Preston County and saw the potential of Preston County in terms of business, tourism, as a retirement community, in energy production, etc. I want to provide leadership to help us realize our potential.
What is the most important issue you believe your office will face in the next year, and how will you address it?
There are a number of issues impeding the progress of Preston County that need to be addressed. I would develop a county-wide committee that would develop a strategic plan for addressing issues like hunger, homelessness, teen pregnancy, opioid addiction, road maintenance, tourism and workforce development. I would encourage collaboration with WVU faculty and programs when possible. The coordinating committee would meet several times a year to make sure that the task forces are progressing.
