Walt Pellish

Walt Pellish is the the Republican candidate for the Jefferson County Commission’s Shepherdstown District seat.

Though Pellish faces no opposition in the May 11 primary election, he has been spending a lot of time meeting with voters and local government officials about the challenges the county faces.

“I have made appointments with each of the departments that the County Commission has responsibility for and asked them about their function and what they do,” Pellish said during an interview at the Chronicle. He even did a ride-along with a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy.

“I want to be prepared so that Day 1, when elected, I can go in and start performing the job,” Pellish said. “So I’m doing my homework.”

Pellish is a retired executive of US Silica Company in Berkeley Springs, where he was employed for over 30 years. He directed Human Resource management and Labor Relations for over 1000 employees located in 13 states. He has extensive experience in recruiting, compensation and bene?ts, training, and employee development. He also has experience in strategic business planning, organizational change, and budgeting.

The passage of the table games referendum sealed Pellish’s decision to run for office.

“That said to me that the county understands that jobs are important and economic development is important,” Pellish said.

Pellish currently serves on the boards of The Gateway New Economy Council, and The WVU-East City Hospital Foundation. He has also served on the United Way board and The Jefferson County Senior Center board. He was one of the founding members of the Jefferson County Schools Education Foundation and was actively involved in the effort to pass the school construction bond that helped build Washington High School. He also served as a Pass volunteer for several years. Appointed by Governor Manchin, he served on the West Virginia Industrial Council which deals with the administration of workers compensation.

Pellish and his wife Susan reside in Shepherdstown, where they have lived for 10 years.

As a County Commissioner Pellish says he would focus on the following opportunities:

Economic Development: The county can promote its advantages more effectively and create an environment to attract new clean business to the area. New business results in new jobs and increased earnings opportunities. “We can encourage and facilitate entrepreneurs to grow new businesses,” Pellish said. “Such initiatives may help solve our commuter problem, by allowing more people to work in the county.” Jefferson can also promote our arts, humanities, and heritage to make Jefferson County a tourism destination which will enhance our economy and create additional jobs, he said.

Education: The County Commission can work more closely with our educators, legislators, and business leaders to improve our system and represent our interests in Charleston.

Environmental Protection and Property Rights: “I believe in clean air, clean water, and preserving green space,” Pellish said. “I also believe in the property rights of our residents. The concepts of protecting the environment and creating economic growth are not mutually exclusive. Common sense and balance can lead us in the right direction to achieve both.”

Team Work: “The County Commission needs to work as a team with a common set of goals,” Pellish said. “My business management experience and Human Resource skills can assist in creating an atmosphere of cooperation. At US Silica I was part of the senior management team and had employee relations responsibilities for all employees. I will apply that experience to enhance the working relationship with County employees.”