Don Tharp

CHESTER — Only two wards are contested for Chester City Council when voters in the city head to the polls Tuesday.

Voters in Ward 1 will be choosing between Leon Huff, Bill Kell and Seth Roderick Patton; while those in Ward 5 will be deciding between Steve Shuman, Donald Tharp and Jason Thorn.

The uncontested races include Matt Cashdollar of Ward 4, John Woody Woodruff for Ward 2 and Nathan R. Wright for Ward 3.

Mayor Ed Wedgewood is also running unopposed for re-election.

The election is shaped by a change in precincts at the end of last year.

Jason Thorn

Wright is not selecting re-election to Ward 1, after relocating to the city’s third ward.

Thorn, who currently occupies a Ward 4 seat, finds himself residing now in Ward 5. Cashdollar is seeking election to Thorn’s former Ward 4 seat.

Ward 1 candidates

Seth R. Patton is a 2005 graduate of Friendship Central School District in New York. He has been employed for 14 years with Hooper’s Rock Springs in Chester.

Although he has never held or sought public office, nor been appointed, Patton said his determination, hard work, honesty and resourcefulness are skills that can help him serve on council.

Responses to pre-election questionnaires were not received from Huff or Kell.

Ward 5 candidates

Don Tharp is a local business owner and community advocate.

For the past 12 years, he has served with the Chester Fire Department. He is also involved with the Chester City Park Board.

As co-owner and CEO of Advanced Security Technologies, Tharp said he has built a reputation for leadership, accountability and delivering high-quality results. He said with his years of experience managing operations, leading teams and solving complex challenges, he now aims to bring that same level of discipline and focus to city government.

“I’m running for Ward 5 because I care deeply about this community and believe we can do better –together,” He said. “Chester has strong roots, hardworking people, and real potential. It’s time we focus on practical solutions that move our city forward.”

Tharp’s campaign is centered on three key priorities: improving infrastructure, supporting local businesses and strengthening community engagement. He said he believes that investing in future growth, public spaces and essential services for the city will enhance quality of life for residents while also making Chester more attractive for growth and development.

Tharp said as a strong advocate for small businesses, he understands firsthand the challenges local entrepreneurs face. He said he plans to promote policies that encourage economic development, reduce unnecessary barriers and create opportunities for local businesses to thrive.

Equally important to Tharp is rebuilding trust and communication between city leadership and residents.

“People want to feel heard,” he said. “I want to bring transparency, accountability, and a clear line of communication to City Council. When the community speaks, leadership should listen and act.”

Tharp also emphasized the importance of community pride and unity. He said he believes Chester has the potential to serve as a model for small-town leadership across West Virginia by focusing on collaboration, innovation, and shared goals.

“My goal is simple — one direction, one standard, one goal: move Chester forward,” he said.

Jason Thorn is seeking re-election to council, but in a different ward. He has served as the Ward 4 representative since January 2019, when he was appointed to replace Ken Morris, who was appointed to the vacant mayoral position.

Holding a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Thorn has over 15 years work experience in the mortgage industry. He is also a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Chester Park Board and community cleanup.

Thorn cited experience in his occupation and seven years on council makes him an ideal candidate for election to the different ward.

“My human resource experience is beneficial when making staffing decisions for the city,” he said. “Being a resident and a small business owner has given me a unique perspective when determining how any ordinance will affect business owners, residents and the city itself.”

A response to a pre-election questionnaire was not received from Shuman.