Simon (submitted)

Harpers Ferry resident Elliot Simon announced Nov. 26 that he will run for the West Virginia House of Delegates representing the new 67th District, the seat currently held by John Doyle. Simon filed pre-candidacy papers with the Secretary of State on Aug. 17 and finalized his plans to run this week.

“I am running for delegate because our government is too big, spending is out of control, taxes are too high and as a result, our economy chronically underperforms. The political machine in Charleston has been in power since the 1930s, and it is time we tried something different. The recent redistricting process has exposed some of the inner workings of the machine. It is clearly not interested in what the voters want, especially in Jefferson County, it is interested in maintaining its power grip over the state of West Virginia and serving special interest groups. Throughout its reign our state has not prospered. It is time for a change,” Simon said in a statement.

Born and raised in New York, Simon, 57, received his B.A. from the University of Chicago in 1976. He and his wife, Isabel, made Jefferson County their home 10 years ago.

Simon is semi-retired, having spent over 30 years in the ground transportation and business travel industry serving as president, chief operating officer, executive vice president and managing director for a number of companies. He has also consulted for Fortune 500 companies managing and implementing logistics and cost containment projects.

Simon serves as treasurer of the Blue Ridge Acres Civic Association and is also treasurer of the Eastern Panhandle Organization of Home Owners Associations.