'A Community Conversation with West Virginia Women' Draws Crowd to War Memorial | News, Sports, Jobs

Lucia Valentine, candidate for the 97th District of the West Virginia House of Representatives, addresses the audience at the War Memorial Building on August 1, while Natalie Grantham Friend, candidate for the Jefferson County Commission (center), and Maria Russo, candidate for the 100th District of the West Virginia House of Representatives, listen. Tabitha Johnston

SHEPHERDSTOWN – About 100 local residents filled the seats in the War Memorial Building ballroom on Aug. 1, ready to share their concerns with three women running for political office in the Nov. 5 general election.

“A Community Conversation with Women from West Virginia” began with a comment period from Lucia Valentine, candidate for the 97th Congressional District of the West Virginia House of Representatives, Natalie Grantham Friend, candidate for the Jefferson County Commission, and Maria Russo, candidate for the 100th Congressional District of the West Virginia House of Representatives.

“For the past few years, I have worked as a legislative advocate in the state Capitol, helping to pass legislation in a bipartisan manner that protects the health of West Virginia’s people and resources,” Valentine said, “I am running for office because I love my community here in the Eastern Panhandle.

“I grew up here in Shepherdstown. I graduated from Jefferson High School and Shepherd University,” Said Valentine. “I'm here to stay because I want to make sure the people, workers and families of District 97 have the opportunity to live, work and thrive here for generations to come. No one my age should feel like they have to leave the state to have a better life, have a job, start a career and raise a family.”

Her fellow candidates, who also grew up here, expressed a similar opinion.

Kaitlyn Fydenkevez of Martinsburg speaks about the nationwide shortage of perinatal care at the War Memorial Building on August 1. Tabitha Johnston

“There are no local offers for 19 to 35 year olds,” Said a friend.

She then focused on the problems she hopes to solve in the county and its government if she is elected to the Jefferson County Commission.

“What we are currently experiencing in this district is not sustainable. If uncontrolled growth continues, it will destroy the rural character of our community,” Said a friend. “I will use my experience to advocate for a balanced local government that is accountable to the community – and where families, farmers and small business owners can all thrive.”

Russo then took a moment to discuss her own optimism about West Virginia's future.

“I truly believe in a better future for our state and the people who live here,” said Russo. “We need more women and more young people running for office and taking on leadership roles so that we are all represented at every level of government. The people of the 100th District and West Virginia deserve to have leaders who care about their needs and are willing to put those needs – the people's – first. And that's exactly why we're here tonight – to hear your needs, your biggest challenges and your vision!”

Retired Jefferson County Justice of the Peace Gail Boober moderated the event, where listeners raised state and county issues related to the foster care crisis, low wages, inadequate child and perinatal care options, poor drinking water quality and a lack of zoning regulations for heavy industry.

For Shepherdstown resident Jay Mansfield, the forum merely confirmed his opinion about who he would vote for in November.

“I believe in women in power because men have somehow messed it up,” said Mansfield with a giggle. “I've been married for 41 years. My wife taught me that it's not enough to be right – it has to feel right too. That's alien to men – they don't understand it – I didn't understand it. Women can feel and think at the same time. I think that's important in government because we have a lot of solutions for women and children, but they don't feel right.”

Another member of the audience, Charles Town City Council member Elizabeth Ricketts, highlighted another reason why voters should consider supporting the candidates hosting the forum.

“You would be shocked at the number of decisions that affect us all that are made in rooms where no women are present,” Said Ricketts. “For me, it's about showing up in those spaces, bringing in a different voice and saying, 'Hey, that sounds like a terrible idea. Let's rethink it.'”

To learn more about the candidates, follow Friend's campaign at www.natalieforwv.com, Russo's campaign at www.russo4wv.com and Valentine's campaign at valentineforwv.com.