Ath retains Jefferson County Commission seat, joined by Krouse
CHARLES TOWN — Republican incumbent Clare Ath, who was appointed to the seat upon the resignation of former Commissioner Josh Compton in the Charles Town district, has secured the seat for a full six-year term, defeating challengers Dale Manuel (D) and David Tabb (Mountain). Ath finished in the lead of the three candidates with 48.24 percent of the vote compared to Manuel’s 39.87 percent and Tabb’s 11.88 percent.
Ath, the daughter of an immigrant, says that she has always felt immensely grateful for the opportunities America game to her family, and she wants to give back in whatever capacity she can. Her top priorities in the next term will be on prioritizing public safety, preserving residents’ freedoms and protecting their hard-earned tax dollars. She has voiced support for law enforcement and believes the resources are necessary to allow officers to keep the community safe.
“I believe the role of government is to empower the individual, and we need to give residents the most decision-making power over their own lives,” Ath has said. “I am working to ensure that every program and department we fund is done so with the taxpayer in mind; utilizing grants and striving for budget-neutral requests will always be a priority of mine.”
“I’m the only candidate on the ballot with a young family growing up here in Charles Town,” Ath said prior to the election. “Every decision I make directly impacts my sons and their future; because of this, I have a vested interest in making sure Jefferson County is a safe, free and prosperous place for all who live here.”
Jennifer Krouse, (R), a self-proclaimed nonpolitician, has took a strong lead in winning the Shepherdstown District’s Jefferson County Commission seat. Facing off against John Doyle, (D), who currently serves in the West Virginia House of Delegates, Krouse came out ahead with 56.4 percent of the votes to Doyle’s 43.56 percent.
Krouse, a stay-at-home mother of five, has stated that her concern for the citizens individual freedoms was a motivating factor in her decision to run for county commission.
“I entered this race partly because I saw politicians at all levels using Covid as an excuse to increase their power and decrease our freedom,” Krouse said.
An additional issue of significant important to Krouse is the state of fire and EMS services within Jefferson County. As the mother of an EMT, Krouse has shared her concerns on multiple occasions regarding the county’s move to take over ambulance services, potentially phasing out volunteers in that capacity.
“This win isn’t about me,” Krouse said. “It’s about the people of Jefferson County. I will always be their service and their voice.”
All results are considered unofficial until Jefferson County canvassing is completed on Monday.