Ask Charles Sheedy why he wishes to return for a second term in the W.Va. House of Delegates and he won’t mention his party’s mega-majority, the recent income tax cuts, or the revenue surpluses thanks to right-sizing state government.
It’s the people in his Seventh District he mentions instead, and it’s the residents in the Northern Panhandle, too, where he’s worked, lived, raised his family, and now resides retired from a 30-year career with the Division of Highways.
It’s the people from Cameron and Hundred and New Martinsville in Marshall and Wetzel counties who fight daily to retain a good quality of life despite population losses and budget declines. It’s about honoring his fellow American veterans, fighting for the safety of children, and, yes, working for improved roadways so economic development remains possible in the region.
“I’m running for re-election to keep giving the people of District 7 the voice they need in Charleston,” explained Sheedy. “For too long, I believe, the district didn’t have that voice because their representatives weren’t included in the important conversations, but that changed as soon as I became a member of the House of Delegates. That’s because of my experience of being with the Division of Highways for so long, and because I’m out there working with the people.
“I think some people thought I was only saying I’d go to the council meetings in Cameron, Hundred, and New Martinsville, but that’s exactly what I’ve done since I was elected because those meetings are important to the people who live there,” he said. “And I’ve been able to help with a lot projects and initiatives in those cities, even if it means I’ve given my support for the things they’ve wanted to accomplish by writing a letter.”
According to the West Virginia Legislature website, Sheedy was the lead sponsor of 20 different pieces of legislation in 2024, one of which – to allow Gold Star spouses to receive one free Gold Star vehicle registration for person use – was passed unanimously (House Bill 5213) into Mountain State law.
“That’s 134-0 in the House and in the Senate, and that’s something we don’t see very often,” the lawmaker said with a broad smile. “But our veterans, their sacrifices, and their family’s sacrifices, that’s something we can all agree on, and there’s more of that I’ve been working on, too. Our roads, our kids … it’s about getting everyone on the same page so we can realize what’s really important to the people of our state right now.
“Some of the legislation I’m working on now involves recognizing our veterans more with bridge dedications because I believe that’s one of the best things we can do for the men and women who have protected our rights and freedoms, and I’m also working on a bill that’s under review now by the Judiciary Committee that would prevent convicted sexual predators from ever going on school properties,” Sheedy said. “Right now, a convicted sexual predator can’t live within 1,000 feet of a school and my bill will make it illegal for going on the property at all.”
Everyday Issues
Before Sheedy was a Republican candidate for the seat representing the residents of the 7th District, he was one of six who ran for the GOP’s nomination for governor against Jim Justice in 2020.
Sheedy, in fact, was more than just a name on the ballot. He traveled the state, discussed the issues with the state residents who were willing to listen, and he collected 2,552 votes – or 1.2 percent – in the crowded primary.
“I did that because I didn’t see anything getting down back then and I had something to say and I said it,” Sheedy said. “Our state has progressed a lot since under Gov. Justice, and I want to keep it going with a new governor taking over.
“One of my goals when I first ran was to help our communities apply for and receive the grants they’ve needed to make the improvements that have been long overdue, and there have been millions of dollars that have been awarded since,” Sheedy said. “And there’s a lot more those officials can apply for, but before I was elected, they knew nothing about those grants because it’s something I made a priority, so I went to the right people in Charleston and got the information they’ve needed for a long time.”
Sheedy and his wife, Debbie, live in the Cameron area so they are familiar with issues connected to mine subsidence, outdated infrastructure, gas and oil traffic, and secondary roadways that are more dangerous than useful to continue economic development in the rural areas of both Marshall and Wetzel counties. That’s why he spends most days traveling the 7th District to meet with those in need of state assistance.
“Ever since I started attending the council meetings in Cameron, Hundred, and New Martinsville, I’ve heard about the everyday issues, and in the other communities in the district, and it’s a real shame the representatives didn’t do it before because a lot of their problems have had everything to do with what the state is responsible for in their areas,” Sheedy reported. “I think that’s because the people who did this before me had their own agendas instead of one for the people in those areas. That’s changed, for sure.
“One thing I’ve learned since I was elected is that some things take times to get done because of everything that has to come together. The idea is one thing, but then there’s the funding, the regulations, and all of the people who have to get on the same page. It’s worth it, though, I can tell you that,” he insisted. “And the people in District 7 know they now have someone who is willing to get it done for them, and I’m looking forward to continuing. Sometimes it is simple things, but there are initiatives that are still in motion because it takes time.”
It’s the people, Sheedy repeated.
“That’s because I’ve had people from the communities in District 7 tell me they’ve never had their state representative come to them to ask if they need any help with anything,” he said. “I really had no idea that was an issue before I ran to represent the district, but I sure am glad it’s not an issue anymore because of how important it is for us to support things like law enforcement and our volunteer fire departments.”
