MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County Commissioner Sean Sikora has announced his plans to run for re-election in 2022.
Sikora was elected to the commission in 2016 and currently serves as commission president.
“There are a lot of things I still want to do,” Sikora said. “Projects that are already started that I want to see through and I just think there’s a lot of good work we can continue to do.”
Sikora said the working relationship with the two other commissioners is a small, but important reason he will run for another term.
“There are times that we disagree on things, but we talk about things until we can either agree or agree to disagree,” Sikora said. “But, we’ve really worked together well and I was surprised at how well county government works.”
Sikora listed unfinished projects like the proposed Harmony Grove interchange from I-79, marketing the Morgantown Industrial Park, broadband expansion and determining the future of the former Mylan Pharmaceuticals plant. .
“We’re working on the Camp Muffly pool which we will be able to unveil. It’s done now, they just filled it up and it’s curing. Next spring we’ll be able to show that off to the public,” Sikora said.
Fiscal responsibility has been a priority to Sikora and the commission. Through budget management he said they have been able to renovate office space in the court house, help groups like the Shack Neighborhood Association and support the warming shelter at the Ramada Inn with a $10,000 contribution.
“It’s a big priority that we show the citizens of our county that we’re doing the most with the money they pay in taxes,” Sikora said. “We’re proud we’ve lowered the levy rate for the last four years and have still increased the budget.”
Sikora said he got involved in politics to make a difference and encourages others with a desire to help community to run for a local elected office. Sikora has a successful career as a contract worker for the Department of Energy and referred to his work on the commission as a way to use his expertise to improve the quality of life for county residents.
“I’ve never liked being considered a politician. I’ve always considered myself a public servant because I really am here to serve the public,” Sikora said.
The filing period for next year’s election in the Mountain State begins in January.