It’s a mix of experience and fresh faces.
The April 30 city council election kept five incumbents in place and produced two new councillors. Council members craft policies and direct the efforts of the city manager and staff, of course. They’re active in their wards and in activities across town. And all of them serve on multiple boards and commissions, which keeps them in touch with the functioning of everything from airport to zoning. Our 2019–2021 council will be seated on July 2.
Zack Cruze, 1st term
Originally from East Tennessee, Cruze moved to Morgantown in 2017 after working as an archaeologist with the Federal Emergency Management Administration, protecting archaeological sites and historic buildings during disaster recovery. Although his quest for a place to settle down netted job offers in several states, he fell in love with Morgantown and took his current position with Allstar Ecology. Cruze serves on the Museum Commission and has volunteered with Pantry Plus More and the United Way. He’s interested in engaging the public more closely with council in service of better democracy, and has a particular interest in BOPARC and recreational facilities.
Dave Harshbarger, 1st term
As a wellness professional for over 30 years, 24 of that at WVU, Harshbarger helps people and organizations make strategies for increasing safety, health, and well-being. He worked for city and county clean indoor air regulations in the previous decade and has long served on the board of the Mon River Trails Conservancy, currently as president. Harshbarger ran for council to lend his expertise to policymaking—looking at initiatives like the 1 percent sales tax and annexation through the lens of improving community health and well-being. He also has a strong interest in pedestrian and cycling issues, including sidewalks.
Ron Dulaney, 2nd term
Richmond, Virginia, native Dulaney is an architect, interior designer, and professor of design. He serves on the Museum Commission, Planning Commission, and Woodburn School Redevelopment Commission and is an alternate on the Morgantown Monongalia Metropolitan Planning Organization. He is eager to work on business success and visitor enjoyment downtown, a citywide housing assessment toward strengthening neighborhoods and integrating affordable housing, streetway improvement, and airport expansion.
Rachel Fetty, 2nd term
A mother and part-time family law attorney in private practice, Nebraska native Fetty has lived in Morgantown for 12 years. She serves on the Housing Advisory Commission, Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, Tree Board, and Parking Authority. She hopes to make families and children part of every discussion and see initiatives to improve the library and recreational facilities.
Barry Lee Wendell, 2nd term
Wendell grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and served in Maryland state government and later worked as a teacher in Los Angeles. He now teaches rock ‘n’ roll history at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at WVU. He serves on the Bicycle Board and the Urban Landscape Commission. Wendell wants to see restoration of the Warner Theater on High Street so movies can be shown downtown.
Bill Kawecki, 4th term
Retired graphic designer Kawecki served as mayor 2017–19. Kawecki serves on the Airport Advisory Committee, Campus Neighbor-hood Revitalization Corporation, Greater Morgantown Convention and Visitors Bureau, Historic Landmarks Commission, Housing Advisory Commis-sion, and Morgantown Monongalia Metropolitan Planning Organization. He looks forward to updating and continuing to advance goals outlined in the city’s 2017–19 strategic plan, everything from recreation to tax collection.
Jenny Selin, 7th term
Madison, Wisconsin, native Selin raised her family in Morgantown. A mediator by profession, Selin serves on the Airport Advisory Committee, Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, and Campus Neighborhoods Revitalization Corporation and chairs the Morgantown Monongalia Metropolitan Planning Organization. She looks forward to completing renovations to McQuain Park, renovating the ice arena, and continuing the paving program while making pedestrian and bicycle improvements—and, longer-term, shoring up city pension funds and completing the airport expansion.