Go Vote in the Primary!
In these final days before Tuesday’s primary election, I’ll spare you the details of my adventures going door-to-door talking to voters and share a simple message - please go vote. It is a civic duty and important for the well-being of our city, state, and nation.
As a quick reminder to the 27% of Huntington voters who are registered as independents (non-affiliated), you can vote in either the Republican or Democratic primary by requesting the specific party's ballot. For example, if you want to vote for me in the mayoral race this Tuesday, simply ask for the Republican ballot when you check in, and you'll see me listed as a candidate.
The Herald-Dispatch ran an article today previewing the mayor’s race and did a nice job of capturing the story.
Herald-Dispatch: Several candidates seeking party’s nomination for mayor of Huntington
HUNTINGTON — Several candidates will square off in the primary election Tuesday in both the Democratic and Republican parties.
Huntington business owner and U.S. Air Force veteran Patrick Farrell is running against combat-wounded Vietnam veteran Andy Battista, of Westmoreland, and Guyandotte resident and U.S. Army veteran Richard Luther for the GOP nomination.
Farrell, 49, said he’s a veteran with combat-proven leadership experience and a business owner who’s successfully led multi-million dollar companies.
“As a leader of the Marshall Board of Governors, I’ve made difficult decisions that were instrumental in reversing a decades-long decline, paving the way for the university to grow again,” he said. “Most importantly, I’m a husband, father, brother, and son who came back home after serving our country because I want to live, work and raise a family here.”
Farrell said he is running for mayor to fix the city’s hardest problems.
“We have serious challenges and need serious people to solve them,” he said. “I’m ready to fight to make our city safer and more livable so future generations can thrive and proudly call it home.”
Farrell said the city’s most pressing concern is public safety.
“We need to address homelessness by helping people get off the streets and get the recovery resources they need,” he said. “We also need to crack down on crime and keep our neighborhoods safe by fully funding our police and fire departments. Making our city safer and more livable will help foster an environment that leads to a stronger economy and creates new jobs.”
Farrell said the city also needs to attack the opioid epidemic from both the supply and demand sides.
“We need to allocate funds for law enforcement efforts to dismantle drug distribution networks,” he said. “We also need to direct funding toward evidence-based public health initiatives and prevention programs designed to protect our children and future generations from addiction. It’s also important to support grandparents who are raising their grandchildren due to the opioid crisis.”
You can read the rest of the article here: Several candidates seeking party’s nomination for mayor of Huntington
This isn't campaign-related, but as an honorably discharged military officer, I am occasionally asked by friends to participate in their children's commissioning ceremonies. I was recently honored to swear 2nd Lieutenant Eiley Massinople into the U.S. Air Force. These events are always uplifting and remind me of the profound love many people still hold for our country.
My favorite part of the Oath of Office is the pledge to "solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic." It's important to note that they are not swearing allegiance to the President, the flag, or even the country, but rather to the Constitution, which symbolizes all these things and embodies what makes the USA such a remarkable nation.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this primary journey. I’ve really enjoyed speaking with and meeting so many new people. I’ve also learned more about our resilient city than I ever imagined possible.
Go vote!
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