BUCKHANNON — On Tuesday, Jack Reger officially announced his candidacy for Buckhannon City Council. The event was held at A Governor’s Inn, which is a prominent local business owned by Reger and his wife Charla. In his address, Reger began by expressing his experience working in administrative positions and how his qualifications could be utilized to benefit Buckhannon.
“As a resident, business owner, Chief Financial Officer for Monco Constructors, Inc., and former Assistant Superintendent of Schools of Upshur County, I bring a wide array of knowledge and experience that I believe will be beneficial to our local city government and primarily the citizens of Buckhannon,” Reger continued, “I have spent a lifetime serving others and desire to serve the citizens of Buckhannon as we work to move our community forward and provide new opportunities for our children and grandchildren.”
Reger is a 1976 graduate of Buckhannon-Upshur High School. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from West Virginia University and attended several other colleges and universities where he received additional endorsements and certificates. He also served in education for 38 years working as a classroom teacher, principal, director, and assistant superintendent. He retired from education on July 1, 2018. Since his retirement from education, he has worked as the Chief Financial Officer for Monco Constructors, Incorporated.
Reger has been married for 38 years to Charla Stewart Reger, a Paden City and West Virginia Wesleyan Graduate (1978). They have two children: Whitney Moran of Elkins and Colin Reger of Buckhannon. Whitney is married to Tim Moran and Colin is married to Jessica Cowger Reger of Dailey. Jack and Charla have four grandchildren: Keegan, Ellie, Hannah, and John.
Jack and Charla are also the owners of “A Governor’s Inn,” which is a historic bed and breakfast in downtown Buckhannon. They purchased the home in August of 2014. Following a major renovation, they opened the doors for business on May 1, 2015. “A Governor’s Inn” has become a local attraction in Buckhannon and has been featured in many newspapers, magazines, and the West Virginia Department of Tourism.
Reger and his wife also attend Grace Presbyterian Church in Buckhannon, where they are active members. Grace Church is a new church plant in Buckhannon. Throughout their lives, they have been involved in several church plants, including the Buckhannon Alliance Church.
Additionally, Reger focused on the political platform for his campaign, directly expressing his desired goals if given the opportunity to serve on city council.
“Although the City of Buckhannon and surrounding communities have many positives and tremendous potential, I am concerned about many issues facing our city. In a simple statement, if we are not moving forward, then we are moving backward.”
Reger emphasized the importance of responsibly developing the city budget.
“Elected and appointed officials need to be responsible stewards of public funds. Establishing sound priorities and efficient utilization of personnel is essential in the daily operations, maintenance, and future growth of our city and surrounding areas.”
He stressed his priority of focusing on safety services.
“Police and Fire Services are a priority. These essential departments face increasing costs, performance standards, training, and risk to those who serve in these capacities. We need to ensure continued and increasing support for these departments to enable them to perform at the highest standards as they meet the emergency needs of our community.”
Reger addressed the need to support local infrastructure.
“City workers in all departments are second to none. They are professional in all they do and represent the city they work for extremely well. I have never had an unpleasant experience in working with our city employees, be it water, waste collection, or regulatory issues for businesses. However, we need to develop long term, systematic plans to upgrade water, sewage, roads, sidewalks, and storm drainage concerns throughout the entire city.”
Additionally, he stressed the importance of combating the “negligent business practices” of a few local PSDs.
“The City of Buckhannon provides 100% of the area’s water and sewage services. I believe the local PSDs need to be current on their payments to the city. As it is, in some instances, the citizens of Buckhannon are bearing the burden for those who receive services outside the city due to negligent business practices of a few PSDs. What happens when I am negligent to pay my water bill?”
Reger also expressed the need to restore a “positive, working relationship” between the City of Buckhannon and the Upshur County Commission.
“The City of Buckhannon must have a positive, working relationship with the county commission. A spirit of collaboration is essential for the City of Buckhannon and all of Upshur County. Apparently, that relationship appears to be in decline.”
In relation to issues pertaining to local PSDs, Reger emphasized that problems must be resolved with regards to payment of water and sewage services. Currently, some county expenses are ultimately subsidized by Buckhannon city residents, due to lack of payment.
“Although the City of Buckhannon provides 100% of the area’s water and sewage, the Commission along with another PSD engaged Thrasher Engineering to develop plans for a major utility extension on the south side of 33 west. The City of Buckhannon was not involved or engaged in this project. My question is why? Will this be one more thing placed on the back of the residents of Buckhannon?”
Reger also explored the possibility of increasing the exemptions within the Business and Occupation Tax, giving greater tax breaks to small businesses that currently exceed the limitation for granted exemption.
“Many people refer to B&O Taxes as ‘Barriers to Business.’ The B&O Tax needs to be re-evaluated to protect small businesses wanting to establish in Buckhannon and surrounding areas. The establishment of Opportunity Zones are a plus, but still need to be evaluated.”
He also addressed the topic of Tax Increment Financing, which is a subsidy for infrastructure, redevelopment, and other community-improvement projects.
“The city along with the County Commission needs to consider the benefits of this economic development strategy. One needs to look no further than the University Town Center in Morgantown as to the benefits associated with this program. This has become some of the most valuable real estates in West Virginia.”
Reger also discussed the need to unify the Buckhannon community, following the division caused by a vocal minority protesting the outcome of the 2016 elections.
“Regrettably, following the 2016 elections, many activities took place that brought division and mistrust to the City of Buckhannon. To this day, many are perplexed as to what happened and what are the forces behind it? We live in a good community consisting of traditional values that made this country great.”
Furthermore, he addressed the significance of supporting the family unit.
“The importance of the family cannot be overstated. Serving in the public schools I have witnessed the devastation brought upon children and adults through the breakdown of the family. Usually, drugs and alcohol are to blame. We need to support families spiritually, socially, and economically.”
Reger also firmly established his defense of constitutional protections, disavowing the recent attempts by the municipal government to dismantle certain protected classes and rights preserved in the Constitution.
“I am opposed to any and all laws, policies and regulations that infringe on the Constitution.”
Reger established that he desires to bring “common sense” leadership to Buckhannon’s municipal government, working to move the “community forward.”
“I believe these are the major issues facing the City of Buckhannon as we work to move our great community forward. A vote for me is a vote for common sense leadership with benefits both now and in the future for the citizens of Buckhannon.”
Jack Reger is the second city council candidate to formally announce their candidacy. Reger is running for one of the three council seats available in this election.
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