(Publisher’s Note: He wanted to make a positive difference, that’s all. “Mump” left the valley for a few decades only to return in 2018 after serving our country in the Air Force and as a federal agent. He raised his kids, then fell in love with a new family and brought them home with him just a few years ago. He submerged himself into his community of Clearview, and also the Wheeling area, and his physical presence most definitely will be missed by many. But the “Mump” mindset – “Love One Another” – will live long in the many lives his love has touched.)
Is it Harry? Scott? H. Scott? Or just “Mump”?
Well, his blue-and-white campaign signs says it all – H. Scott Mumper – and he is a candidate for the Ohio County Board of Education after a long career with the United States Air Force and federal law enforcement based out of California.
Two years ago, though, he opted to move back to the Upper Ohio Valley to begin yet another chapter of life at his Lone Tree Ranch in Clearview, W.Va. While perched on the hilltop community, Mumper has re-established himself in the Wheeling community as a member of a vintage car club, the Grow Warwood Pride organization, and now as a candidate for the Ohio County Board of Education.
His roots are here, and Mumper has been able to re-connect with friends and family since his return, but now he wishes to do more for a community he faithfully followed from afar.
Why did you choose to move back to the Wheeling area once you retired from a long career serving our country?
In 1985 I stepped on a Greyhound bus with a one-way ticket to the United States Air Force. After my military enlistment, I became a civilian Federal Special Agent for the next 21 years. I retired in Sacramento, Calif., September 2017. I have always planned on someday returning to Wheeling. In October we found our perfect retirement property in Clearview just a few properties away from my boyhood home. During my career I was stationed in Hawaii and California. I traveled throughout the entire United States on investigations. Out of all the places I have been, I always considered Wheeling “Home.” I chose Wheeling because I have always remained “connected” to the people here. I have family and friends that I have maintained lifelong relationships with. I also have a very special woman, Eda, in my life, who has an amazing 11-year-old daughter, Niki, whom we are raising together. I could not think of a better environment for us to live in and raise her. It is a blessing for us all to thrive here. We love this community and the people.
Do you believe your career will benefit the students of Ohio County Schools? If so, why?
I believe the education, training and experience my career has afforded me will clearly benefit the students, parents, teachers, staff, administration, and the community. For over 27 years of Federal service I have been trained, tested, and persevered through some of the most difficult situations one could imagine. I am a problem solver, a mediator, and a solution finder. I have excellent communication skills and have always maintained a sense of fairness and resolution.
With the Stay at Home Order in place, how have you adapted with your campaign for the Board of Education?
The COVID-19 pandemic has created some real challenges in trying to run a successful campaign for the Board of Education position. The election date has moved from May 12 and is currently scheduled for June 9. Because of the necessity of social distancing, in-person events must be small in numbers. Luckily there was a “meet the candidates” event held by the Teacher’s and Support Staff unions just prior to the pandemic. I have been using social media to provide a link to that event. Other ways of campaigning include political banners or yard signs located throughout Ohio County. I will be sending out mailers that will be an introduction to my position on issues as well as contact information. I may also include some Facebook Live events to provide similar information. I have also utilized the local media outlets such as LEDE News and radio shows on The Watchdog in order for Ohio County residents to learn more about why I believe I would be a great member for the Ohio County School Board of Education.
In your opinion, is it time for Ohio County Schools to increase the number of CTE classes on the middle school level? Why or why not?
I believe that Career Tech Education classes should be introduced at the middle school level. In today’s world, not every student wants to attend a conventional college to obtain a higher educational degree. There are a variety of reasons for this because not all career paths require that type of training. There is a huge burden of debt with some of those decisions. I believe the students in Ohio County Schools should be offered technical training as a career path. There is a need for vocational training and experience in the workplace. This would range from automotive repair, computers, welding, plumbing, and HVAC to hair stylist and other occupations. If we create opportunity early in the middle school, our students could develop skills to carry them through high school and out into our local industries. How great would it be to work with and coordinate with local trade unions to foster an apprenticeship program? Imagine graduating high school, becoming an apprentice, and working your way into a journeymen position in the local trades!
What made you decide to run for the Board of Education?
I decided to run for the Board of Education because I believe I can make important contributions to Ohio County. I would be a positive asset for our school system. My whole adult life has been dedicated to service. Anyone that truly knows me would share that I believe in service before self. We have new challenges ahead of us. I have the experience to assist in creating a safer, stronger, more effective and efficient environment for our students, teachers, and staff. I would encourage community input and involvement and ask others to join me to “Be a part of it.”
