She’s what you call “one of us.” Lifelong. Educated at West Virginia Northern. A volunteer firefighter and an EMT.
That’s the resume for Cecilia Moore, a wife, and mother of four who lives in the county. That means she believes utility infrastructure is in need of updates and that while The Highlands is a success, attention is needed in many other areas.
And, oh, was it mentioned that Cecilia is married to a deputy for the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office? That means there’s stress, fear, worry, and recently a concern over possible exposure to COVID-19. Add to all of that a campaign for Ohio County Commissioner.
Election Day is Tuesday, and she is up against two others in the Republican primary with the winner advancing to the November general election against uncontested incumbent Tim McCormick.
Why do you and your family live where you do in Ohio County?
I have chosen to live and raise my family in Ohio County in the house I grew up in. I am a lifelong resident of this county so it has always been my home. I have grown to know and love the residents of this county in all different aspects. Throughout my life I have met and gotten to know so many kind and compassionate people, and I couldn’t imagine raising my family in any other place. Our county is beautiful and full of so many opportunities to grow and excel.
Why have you decided to run in the Republican primary for Ohio County Commissioner?
I decided to run in the 2020 primary because throughout my volunteering I have been able to see certain aspects of the county that I believe could use some focused attention. For many years the primary focus has been on our retail sector. Our current and previous commissioners have done an outstanding job starting and maintaining The Highlands. It has become a large retail hub and is doing wonderful things for our county.
Now that this has been established, I see great opportunity to refocus our attention back into other aspects of the county, in turn encouraging more people to come and settle in this county to live, work, and raise their families.
What changes would you attempt to instigate if elected, and why?
Some of the changes I would like to see take place if elected would be a large focus on our county’s infrastructure. We have aging waterlines that cause consistent issues for the residents of this county. It is quite often that we have line breaks causing loss of water followed by days of boil orders. We are long past due updating this system and there are many grants available to assist in the cost associated with the reconstruction.
Additionally, I would like to see an increase in our effort with public safety. As a volunteer firefighter and being the wife of a deputy, I have seen some areas in need of attention. Currently there is no local, formal training facility for any of our public servants. The shooting range used by our Ohio County Sheriff’s Office is an open field that has no shelter, electricity, or water. It is typically very muddy and, in my mind, substandard.
There is also only one burn building for our local fire departments. This building is located on Wheeling Island and is run by the Wheeling Fire Department. Though the volunteers are allowed to use this facility, it has to be on the city’s time with their instructors which is quite difficult to arrange for volunteers that also maintain regular jobs of all hours.
I would like to see the county run a facility that is able to be used by all departments. I find the safety of our residents is extremely important especially with our country’s current state of being. I want our public servants to be trained in every aspect so they are always ready to serve and protect our residents.
Lastly, I would like to see some improvement on community and beautification of our county. There are county-run facilities such as the airport and various shelters that are in great need of updating and TLC. We already have the resources to achieve these things; we just need to take the action to make them happen.
What have been the biggest challenges for you and your campaign during the pandemic, and how have you tried to overcome those challenges?
I have found my biggest struggle campaigning throughout this pandemic is the lack of ability to connect with people. I prefer to meet as many people as I can because that is the best way to learn about them and the ideas they have to offer. It is so important in the role of a commissioner to have a relationship with the residents of Ohio County.
Unfortunately, with social distancing and the temporary closure of many businesses, getting out into the public has proven to be nearly impossible. I’ve done my best to overcome this with both social media as well as continuing to stay active in the groups for which I volunteer. All of these groups have stayed very active throughout the community to make sure everyone is taken care of to the best of their ability. From backpack food programs, to running fire and EMS calls, I have managed to continue the conversation with our residents … just on a smaller scale.
What is the hardest part about being married to a member of law enforcement?
There are many difficulties associated with being married to a police officer. The constant worry while he is on duty is enough to make you crazy some days. Especially in recent years, it has become a much tougher job for both him while on duty and me while at home waiting for him to return.
Law enforcement officers are always in constant danger and always under speculation. Many times, they can be called out at a moment’s notice whether as part of a special response team or just needed for extra manpower during times of natural disasters.
Also, with the pay rate of our local law enforcement being below average typically forcing them to work multiple jobs or mass amounts of overtime just to support their families, that also means the spouse is also working taking away from much needed family time.
The stress of any emergency for a first responder will take a toll on even the strongest men and women and, in turn, adds to the stress of the spouse at home.
