Modesitt

PARKERSBURG – A new chairman has been elected by the Wood County Republican Executive Committee in a recent organizational meeting.

Rick Modesitt, a retired Parkersburg Police officer and chief, was elected chairman for a four-year term, succeeding Scot Heckert.

“Wood County has been Republican before it was cool to be Republican in West Virginia,” Modesitt was twice elected to the House of Delegates when Republicans were few in the Legislature. “Never in my wildest dreams did he think the party would become the super majority.”

Modesitt said his goal is improving the state and the county.

“We have work to do here as well,” he said.

Modesitt also served 10 years on the Wood County Commission and has been been a member of the state and county party executive committees for the past 20 years. On state Republican Executive Committee, Modesitt represents the 2nd Congressional and the 3rd Senatorial districts.

“I have served on the state and local committee for several years and have been blessed to work with many great chairmen,” said Modesitt, who said his interest in Republican politics was piqued by the late William P.A. Nicely, a mayor of Parkersburg and member of the House of Delegates. “Wood County has long been known as being a Republican leader in West Virginia state politics.”

Modesitt said the goals will be to continue to recruit capable candidates, offer assistance to candidates and ultimately elect individuals who will serve Wood County well, be responsive to the citizens needs and to offer ideas and solutions that will make Wood County and communities a better place.

“Public service in elected office is sometimes not easy, but serving the public is a noble profession and can be extremely rewarding,” Modesitt said. “At a time when politics and public service are often seen as hostile and argumentative, it is my desire to see a more respectful atmosphere that can show positive results by a healthy exchange of ideas that can make our local area and state a better place.”

In other posts, Sherry LeMasters was chose first vice chairman. From North Parkersburg, LeMasters has been active with the party for several years.

Lewis Rexroad, South Parkersburg, was chosen second vice chair. Rexroad has been among the most active members of the Republican Party and is often referred to as “Mr. Republican.”

Kenneth W. Cline will be secretary. He has been a member previously on the committee and is a retired firefighter.

Shelly Wooldridge of Williamstown, a newcomer to the committee, will be treasurer.

The committee meets at 6:30 p.m. third Tuesdays in the Fort Boreman Room at the Judge Black Annex on Market Street.