By Patrick Hurston
Moorefield will hold its municipal General Election on June 10, 2025. Among those on the ballot are six candidates vying for two Town Council seats. This is the fourth in a series of conversations with all six candidates, each of whom was given the same set of questions, and the same deadline in which to respond. Candidates were asked to keep their responses to 3-5 sentences. Today we talk with Matthew Harris. Harris was the only candidate to miss the Examiner’s deadline, submitting his responses two days after they were due. Responses have been lightly edited for brevity.
Moorefield Examiner (ME): Please provide a brief personal statement about your candidacy, priorities and vision for the Town of Moorefield.
Matthew Harris: Candidacy: Emphasizing Accountability and Transparency. The Matthew Harris for Moorefield Councilman campaign was initiated due to my genuine affection and aspirations for Hardy County. I am presently engaged with numerous local government programs in Hardy County as to the benefit of the public.
Primary Objectives: As I have stated on multiple occasions, I do not possess all the answers. My political aspirations revolve around anti-corruption, bridging the significant gaps between citizens and local government, and fostering improved business relationships between local businesses and citizens for the benefit of Hardy County citizens.
Vision: I firmly believe in soliciting input from the residents of Hardy County, whether they are transplants from outside the county or have lived here for generations. With the assistance of citizens, we can, over time, make Hardy County one of the most desirable counties to live in, ensuring that tax dollars are not wasted, balancing budgets with local government programs, and promoting businesses in Hardy County for the benefit of our citizens.
ME: What initiative, program, project, or issue (infrastructure, public safety/services, economic development, etc.) would you spearhead if elected?
Harris: Through conversations with local residents, business owners, and real estate owners, it has become clear that Hardy County faces numerous challenges with local Government programs that require improvement. Citizens have consistently provided reliable solutions to address these issues.
During City Council and Hardy County Commission meetings, several Citizens have offered valuable insights and solutions. If elected, I intend to actively engage in finding solutions, including collaborating closely with the BOE.
Another pressing concern is the heavy traffic generated by the plant, which can be alleviated through citizen input. Economic development is at one of the top 10 of my list.
ME: Given recent controversies involving the Moorefield Police Department, how would you work to enhance transparency and accountability in town government and strengthen public trust in the Council and local law enforcement?
Harris: The current challenges facing the MPD have led to a multifaceted problem with various local solutions, gossip, and misinformation. My goal is to work closely with the MPD to develop solutions to existing problems, conduct research, and resolve or eliminate ineffective solutions. Several local and state laws impede open transparency. I have maintained active engagement with the MPD. As I understand, the MPD has hired additional officers. In response to the recent legal issue involving the MPD and another officer, I plan to seek a solution that balances the situation to the satisfaction of all parties, if possible.
ME: What do you believe is the most pressing issue facing Moorefield and its residents and how do you plan to address it if elected?
Harris: I believe that the most pressing concerns facing Moorefield are local corruption and economic issues. The citizens of Hardy County deserve open accountability and transparency from the government they fund. If elected, I plan to hold the Incumbents accountable while promoting transparency. My campaign team has proposed several ideas to bridge gaps and promote accountability and transparency, but some local government officials have declined to participate, citing unfounded concerns about political motivations.
ME: The Council is just finishing/just finished its budgeting for FY 2025/26. How would you prioritize budgeting and balancing public safety needs with other municipal responsibilities such as cultural and recreational activities; public works and infrastructure; and economic development?
Harris: The Public School System offers a wide range of activities, yet many students are not engaged in recreational activities. These students would benefit from after-school programs promoted by the City and County. The concept involves locating facilities in Moorefield, Baker, and maybe Wardensville, providing various recreational activities and healthy food options, which could be donated by local businesses.
Achieving a balanced city budget is a primary goal.
I strongly believe that the City and County should work closely with surrounding cities to benefit the citizens. In promoting public safety, the traffic issue during shift changes at the [Pilgrims] plant is a significant problem and potential adjustments to the shift schedules may resolve the traffic congestion.
