He was hoping the third time would be the charm, but instead John Bishop was defeated once again in his bid to represent Wheeling’s first ward.
His campaign, of course, interrupted by the coronavirus, centered on the people and his availability to assist the constituents in-person so he could see it instead of just hearing about it.
Bishop grew up in North Wheeling, he’s lived in Warwood, but he and his family are now residents of North Park, an area of the municipality he feels is often forgotten inside city hall. Slips, drainage, property value, and crime -– those are the issues Bishop finally feels need addressed.
So, yes, Bishop lost, 644-593, but he has learned how to be heard and plans to continue to speak his mind.
What are the reasons why you have run three times to represent Wheeling’s Ward 1?
It’s all about the people. The people need someone that will speak up for them and work for them. Not taking anything from past representatives, but too often they fight for Warwood only, and that means the residents of North Park and Glenwood Road get forgotten. Now that Chad has been in there for 4 years, I think we are going down the same path. That’s why I keep running … for ALL of the ward and not just certain areas.
In your opinion, what improvements are needed in all sections of the ward?
There are abandoned houses all over the ward, the streets need attention, there needs to be more code enforcement, and there are issues with water run-off in North Park. In Warwood, there are issues with sewer backups, and I hear complaints about our city leaders not answering people when they have questions.
You have stated that, despite defeat, “You’re not going anywhere.” Does that mean you will continue voicing your opinions about ward issues, or does it mean something else?
“You’re not going anywhere ” means just that. I will be here in Ward 1 for the people anytime they need me.
You are involved with the Salvation Army on 16th Street. Tell us about the services that have been offered to the homeless population in the city of Wheeling.
The Salvation Army has a lot of services available to the less fortunate and homeless. They hand out coats for kids and food baskets, and they will pay utility assistance and will help in the search for finding them employment and housing. Capt Mark and Jennifer VanMeter are the commanding officers and are doing a wonderful job. If you need to talk to them, their number is 303 233 4470.
How stressful has it been for you to be deemed an “essential worker” and continue working as a truck driver?
Both my fiance’ and I pare essential workers as she is a nurse, and I’m a truck driver. We both are stressed at times when you have a daughter or parents that have medical conditions. It really hits home that you have to watch everything you do and whom you have to be around.
I’m scared every day that I will run into someone that doesn’t know they have it and bring it home to my family. So, yes, stressful to the max. But people need their canned food, so I go to work every day. I haul the steel that makes food cans and spray cans.
