The Shadow
ALLEGHANY COUNTY Va. (VR) – Voters throughout Alleghany County will have the opportunity on Nov. 5 to make their voices heard. There will be many local seats up for grabs, so if you haven’t already become a registered voter, now is the time to register and use your democratic right to make a difference.
Citizens who had an interest in holding office had until June 18 to become registered and claim a place on November’s ballot.
The Covington representative on the Alleghany Highlands School Board, currently held by Marie Fitzpatrick, is open and no one is registered to run for the position. Fitzpatrick is not seeking re-election, so anyone wishing to occupy the seat will have to campaign as a write-in candidate because the deadline for registration has passed.
Covington also has three city council seats up grabs in districts three, four, and five. These seats are currently held by Raymond Hunter in district three, Mayor Tom Sibold in district four, and Vice Mayor David Crosier in district five. Each of the three incumbent representatives has been registered and qualified to run again. They will be challenged by Lee Roe in district three, Susan Wolfe in district four, and Susan Crowder in district five. All three challengers have also qualified to be on the ballot.
In Clifton Forge, Mayor Jeff Irvine and representative Shorty Wolfe have registered a place on the ballot along with Jack Masons Tavern’s co-owner Michael Foster, who will be challenging for a seat.
In Iron Gate, there are two spots up for grabs. Mayor Gary Craig is seeking re-election and will be challenged by current councilwoman Kawahna Persinger. Both of whom have already registered and been qualified. Current councilwoman Jennifer Tyree will be thus far running unopposed as she is the only resident to qualify for the seat on the ballot.
Chairman of the Alleghany Highlands School Board Jacob Wright, as well as Robert (Bob) Umstead, have both registered and qualified for spots on the Nov. 5 ballot.
Look for interviews with the candidates to come in the Virginian Review over the next few weeks. Read to gain a complete understanding of the impact each candidate feels they can make as our elected officials. If you’re a citizen of Alleghany County who hasn’t been registered to vote yet, you can go to the Alleghany County Registrar’s Office at 110 Rosedale Avenue, first floor, Covington VA, 24426. Or call 540-965-1690.
