BUCKHANNON — On Friday, Shelia Sines (R) announced her candidacy for Buckhannon City Council. Sines discussed her vision for Buckhannon, and also expressed the importance of unifying the community. In her speech, she addressed the need to welcome new opportunities, implement pro-business policies, lower taxes, and combat the drug epidemic. Additionally, she stressed the importance of defending our constitutional right to religious liberty.
“Buckhannon is a wonderful community, filled with the kindest and most caring people that I have ever encountered. We have come together so many times for those in need, and we have been blessed with a landscape that other towns would love to have,” Sines stated.
“As a councilwoman, it will be my responsibility to showcase the many positive qualities about our town, while also fixing the issues that we have been dealing with in recent years. While our community faces some difficult challenges, I believe that our best days are yet ahead. We will save and restore the Buckhannon we know and love.
Buckhannon will see better days ahead only if we unite together and work to make our town an even better place!”
She began her speech by establishing the condition of Buckhannon.
“Never in my life have I seen a time when Buckhannon has been more divided. Buckhannon is filled with good-hearted and wonderful people. I refuse to allow a small group of loud voices to mischaracterize our community. Let’s be clear, our town is not full of hate.
Over the course of my life, I have experienced the welcoming atmosphere of our community and its relentless adherence to valuing faith, family, and freedom. We must protect our town from being transformed into something that we will not recognize and regret. We must stand up and defend our rights and freedom, while we have the chance.
We need leaders who will unite our community, work to attract jobs, and repair our economy. We need leaders who will preserve our religious liberty, and fight to ensure that our best days are ahead. This is why I’m running for Buckhannon City Council.”
Sines continued, addressing Ordinance 434, which was proposed to the city of Buckhannon by “a Charleston lobbying organization.” According to the 2019 U.S. Supreme Court decision Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, such ordinances direct “animus” against people of faith and are unconstitutional.
“Last year, Buckhannon witnessed one of the most divisive ordinances ever proposed to city council. This ordinance, proposed by a Charleston lobbying organization, sought to target loving and compassionate people of faith, and force them to violate their sincerely held religious beliefs. One of my opponents voted for this ordinance, and this type of negativity is not welcome in our community. Siding with outside groups over the citizens of Buckhannon is a shameful act of those who we elect to represent us.
As a councilwoman, I will never vote to pander to special interest groups and accommodate the agendas of Charleston lobbyists. I will only vote for policies that will benefit you, the people of
Buckhannon!”
Furthermore, Sines discussed the need to combat Buckhannon’s drug epidemic, expressing the urgency to let the Buckhannon City Police “do their jobs.”
“Another issue that is close to my heart, is tackling Buckhannon’s drug problem. Of course, this starts with prevention. While rehabilitation is certainly one way we fight the drug epidemic, enforcement of our state and federal drug laws is how we can combat it from the position of city government. This is why we must support Buckhannon’s local police department and let them do their jobs.
Last year, our community witnessed a member of city government publicly belittle a respected local police officer. This happened when the officer referred to a drug dealer as a “druggie.” We cannot afford to have a council that is soft on crime and will not address the major issues that our community is facing. Ignoring problems will not make them go away.
Alongside enforcement, we must encourage rehabilitation. We must also support local programs to combat the drug epidemic, like the Church of God’s Celebrate Recovery, introducing those addicted to the liberating power of Jesus Christ, who will provide salvation to all who seek freedom from sinful desires.”
Sines also addressed the short-comings of certain municipal government officials, describing their impact on Buckhannon.
“Today, we’re not only united by our love of Buckhannon. We’re also united by our genuine concern for Buckhannon. This community that we love is at jeopardy.
Buckhannon has always been a community that provides opportunities for everyone. 4 years ago, we gave three new people the opportunity to lead our city. A new Mayor, and two new councilmen. None of them had a political record, but all promised to lead us to a better place. All promised that every decision they would make, would be in the best interest of this community.
Out of the three elected, only one new councilman kept their promise. The other two pandered to Charleston lobbyists and chose to serve special interests over the citizens of Buckhannon.
These interests would have greatly hurt many small businesses, weakened our local economy, and forced employers to leave Buckhannon and search for a location elsewhere.
One of our current leaders once said that government should operate on a ‘shoe-string,’ but then operated it on a steel rope, misusing authority, seeking to abuse his power, and attempted to marginalize prominent members of our faith community. This negativity does not represent our Buckhannon, and we need new representation.”
Additionally, she stated the importance of eliminating the negative policies in city government, welcoming “a positive change.”
“We need people serving in city government that believe in the promise of Buckhannon. We need councilmembers, who love this town and everyone that lives in it. Negativity has no place in city government, and we need a positive change.”
Sines expressed the importance of creating a welcoming environment for businesses and new opportunities, while also eliminating “unnecessary” tax burdens.
“Our council must also work to make Buckhannon a welcoming environment for businesses and employers.
This is why, I will oppose additional taxes and unnecessary fee increases that place a massive financial burden on local residents. You can’t make people prosperous by taxing them to death.
We also cannot allow city council to expand the Business and Occupation Tax, which would place a larger financial burden on our small businesses. Ultimately, this tax is then passed on to the consumer, adding another unnecessary expense, taking money from hard working men and women in this community.
The best thing that government can do to financially benefit an area is get out of the way and let opportunity thrive. This one of the main principles that I support. Buckhannon must remain a welcoming and vibrant location for employers to establish their businesses.
Another positive change that I propose: is that we welcome businesses and opportunities to our community, rather than try to chase them away.”
“In Buckhannon, we must remain open to new opportunities, and continue to make our town a prosperous and eventful place to live.”
In conclusion, Sines officially announced her candidacy.
“I’m Shelia Sines, I love Buckhannon, and I’m running for City Council.”
Sines’ announcement was met with a standing ovation. The event was attended by approximately 50 local supporters.