Fayette County Focused

11/05/2024

If you are witness to anything that seems off, illegal, or inappropriate today, use the "See Something, Text Something" service by texting "WV" to 45995 and following the prompts. You may also call, +1-866-687-8683.

Also, if you are bullied or intimidated while standing in line or while voting, please contact the Secretary of State’s office at +1-304-558-6000, option 2.

11/02/2024

Dear Fayette County Citizens,
My name is Gabe Peña. I’m raising my young family in Fayetteville and running for Fayette County Commission - WV.

In addition to holding down a full-time job and serving on the Town of Fayetteville, WV Town Council, I substitute teach in Fayette County public schools. I’ve seen firsthand that kids throughout Fayette County face a barrage of challenges every single day, and they often lack the tools needed to navigate these obstacles.

The prevalence of poverty, food insecurity, substance abuse and other associated traumas, all make our kids particularly vulnerable to destructive behaviors. Schools and families have a role to play in promoting positive healthy behaviors, but so do our local elected officials. The County Commission should be doing everything in its power to support the efforts of local organizations that are working with our youth to prevent destructive behaviors and addiction of all types.

The Fayette County Health Department is leading the Integrated Community Engagement (ICE) Collaborative, an initiative aimed at strengthening protective factors and reducing risk factors in the lives of our young people. Adventure Fayette County and Camp SOAR are ICE Collaborative efforts that are hosted by Fayette County Parks & Recreation and meant to engage kids in early substance-use prevention.

Hosting these initiatives at Fayette County Park is great, but to maximize the impact of prevention efforts the County Commission must invest in recreation infrastructure for local use.

This means that they need to:
- Allocate funds to fix and upgrade Fayette County Pool, so it will be ready for 4-H Camp in Summer ‘25;
- Continue to assist the Midland Trail Community Center in facility and grounds renovations by supporting grant proposal submissions by meeting match requirements;
- Compile a Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building redevelopment plan that lays out steps for long-term maintenance, preservation, and more regular recreational use;
- Assist the City of Oak Hill and the Fayette County Board of Education to demolish Collins Middle School and redevelop the property to serve the local community; and
- Use the Fayette County Land Reuse Agency to remove abandoned buildings and develop public green spaces where local kids and families can recreate and build supportive social networks.

As your County Commissioner, I will bring a spirit of collaboration, creativity, and advocacy to efforts meant to empower organizations that are building strong supportive communities.

No matter your party affiliation, I would be grateful to work with you and honored to have your vote to serve on the Fayette County Commission.

Sincerely,
Gabe Peña

11/01/2024

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10/24/2024

It’s ugly that malicious rumors are part of our current political discourse. Campaigning is a challenge that I welcome, but having to defend my family and my character from outright lies is infuriating.

Campaign aside, I’m proud of my record of service. As a volunteer, educator, and coach, I strive to always be a helpful and positive influence.

I take my work seriously, and I hold in high regard the relationships and trust that I’ve built here in Fayette County. Maintaining that trust is critical to me, because I intend to continue the work of serving our communities for as long as there is breath in my lungs.

I’ve spoken with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office to discuss the falsehoods being spread about me and can confirm that they are baseless. I hate to have wasted our law enforcement officers’ time looking into childish rumors, but misinformation can incite violence and my number one responsibility is protecting my family.

Now that we are squarely in election season, I imagine this rumor may resurface. I’m happy to speak with anyone about the misinformation directed at me, but I won’t be giving it any more traction on this or any other platform. No matter the outcome, on November 5th, I will remain dedicated to living my faith through service, and I look forward to working with you, regardless of party affiliation, for the betterment of Fayette County and Southern West Virginia.

10/24/2024

🚨 DON'T LET AI STEAL YOUR VOTE! 🚨

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🚨 DON'T LET AI STEAL YOUR VOTE! 🚨This election, malicious groups could use AI technology to try to deceive Americans. Deepfakes could spread false claims a...

10/23/2024

Did you know Gabe works at the WV Community Development Hub? Learn more about his role with The Hub below. 👇🏻

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We at The Hub are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our team, Gabe Peña. Gabe will serve as the Strategic Initiatives Coordinator to bring his experience in empowering municipal and county leaders to bear to help shape the Southern West Virginia Community Network. He wants to bring his experience in community and economic development work to The Hub to help efforts underway in rural Southern West Virginia where communities are battling a number of complex issues.

Gabe is working alongside Stephanie Tyree, our Executive Director. Gabe and Stephanie connected for a conversation to share about Gabe’s background, his passion for community development, why he believes so strongly in the power of finding common ground with just about anyone, and hope is important in building up West Virginia.

Read more about Gabe Peña's role at The Hub and what he seeks to accomplish as the Strategic Initiatives Coordinator here: https://wvhub.org/2024/07/an-interview-with-gabe-pena-the-newest-member-to-the-hub-team/

10/21/2024

Thank you Bill Critchley for allowing us to put a sign on your property and for being such a strong supporter of Gabe’s run for Fayette County Commission - WV. And thank you to Cara Stewart and Holly K. Clark for being such troopers by painting signs and getting them distributed throughout Fayette County.

10/18/2024

Who's ready to rock the vote?!?! Join DJ Clark and Gabriel Peña on October 22 at 5:00 PM at The Brew Garden at Water Stone Outdoors (101 W Wiseman Ave, Fayetteville).

Rock The Vote Presents starring Lil Jon and featuring Lena Dunham, Whoopi Goldberg, Natasha Lyonne, Fred Armisen, E.J. Johnson, Darren Criss,...

10/09/2024

2️⃣7️⃣DAYs until election day, and only one week left to register to vote in West Virginia.