I am requesting your support for my re-election for mayor at our Municipal Election on June 4.

Over the past 20 years I have guided the town from financial hardships and stagnation to its current thriving and robust state. Our town is clean and green and is both a Tree City and a Bee City. We provide excellent trash and recycling services. Our water and sewer services are considered to be the gold standard in West Virginia. Our wastewater plant is state of the art and protects the Chesapeake Bay. Recent water and sewer projects have been completed with investments of $3 million and $1 million, respectively.

Currently, the Market House (the former home of the Shepherdstown Public Library) is receiving a $250,000 renovation funded from the Hotel-Motel Tax. It is slated to become the home of the Shepherdstown Visitors Center. The Pedestrian Pathway Project is preparing to go out for bid, as I have secured the funds to complete construction. I am collaborating with the county to erect a communications tower to improve public safety in the town and Shepherd University.

I guided the town through the COVID-19 Pandemic. During that time, I participated in virtual calls with the Jefferson County Health Department, mayors and staff for COVID updates and information. I also attended virtual calls with the Shepherd University COVID Taskforce. We encouraged mask wearing and I regularly passed out masks to passersby in our downtown area. Shepherdstown was the first municipality to invite Dr. Terrence Reidy, of the Jefferson County Health Department, to speak about the pandemic. We were the only town to utilize law enforcement to protect the safety of local businesses.

Financially we are sound. Strategic annexations have increased our revenue stream. Our financial statements can be viewed online.

When we requested to have the state roads that run through town repaved, we coordinated with the West Viginia Division of Highways for construction to be completed at night, so as not to disrupt our business community and traffic flow. Currently we have only one storefront that is not in use along German Street. Many business owners have expressed their support for me.

Our committees work steadfastly to keep the historic nature of our town intact. They also make efforts to integrate new technologies and art into preserving our history. Our “Town-Gown” relationship has thrived. Shepherd University provides numerous, almost daily activities for our community.

I believe I lead by example. I am a diligent, dedicated and hardworking public servant. Out of the 240 regular set Town Council meetings during my tenure, I have missed only one. I am aware of the obstacles that our town faces. Expansive growth, water and septic system issues that must be addressed to protect the environment.

Please give me your support on Election Day, to give me two more years to focus on these issues and the day-to-day operations of the town. Thank you and let’s continue to make Shepherdstown the place we love to live in!

Mayor Jim Auxer