Three running for Hancock Commission seat

By EMILY SCOTT, For The Weirton Daily Times
Hancock County Commissioner Danny Greathouse will face two

challengers, Joe Barnabei and Mike Chek, for his seat in Tuesday’s

Democratic primary. No Republican candidates filed.

Greathouse, a Weirton resident, has served on the commission for 12

years and is its president.

Greathouse said he is proud of the fact that even with the downturn

of Weirton Steel and the corresponding decrease in tax revenue, the

county commission has been able to provide continued service not just

to the county, but to the cities.

“I’m aware of the entire county, whether it’s cities or

unincorporated areas,” Greathouse said.

Greathouse said other accomplishments from his time on the commission

include ongoing water and sewage projects, job creation, and a $2.5

million rainy fund, as well fund as $7 million dollars in secured funds.

“The county is on a firm financial base,” Greathouse said, meaning

that the county will be able to cover a downturn in the economy or

take advantage of any opportunities.

“I look forward to the challenge of reinventing the county, and I

think the commission has been one strong, consistent government body

the county can take pride in,” Greathouse said. “It really is an

honor to serve.”

Greathouse has previously worked at Weirton Steel and was assistant

to Governors Bob Wise and Joe Manchin. Greathouse currently is the

director of the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

He is a graduate of Oak Glen and holds a business degree from West

Liberty State College.

Greathouse also is chairman of the Weirton United Way and serves on

the board of the Salvation Army, CHANGE, Inc., the Pleasant Valley

Country Club, and the Northern Panhandle Workforce Investment Board.

Greathouse has two children, Tracey and David, and one granddaughter.

Barnabei, a Weirton resident, was elected three times to the Hancock

County Board of Education, serving one term as its president and

three years as a RESA representative.

Barnabei said he is most proud to have been a part of the new Oak

Glen Middle School project, which was completed with no additional

cost to the taxpayers.

Barnabei said he filed to run for the commission because he is

concerned about the future of Hancock County and feels he can direct

change in a positive manner for all citizens. Barnabei said that with

his experience working with local officials, that change for the

better can happen by listening to ideas put forth by those officials

and other citizens.

“I believe that our area is built upon the ideals of trust,

tradition, and values. It is a place we all call home,” Barnabei

said. “If elected, I promise to work hard for the benefit of all

citizens of our county.”

Barnabei added that he is “defined by my integrity. Who I was

yesterday is who I am today and will be tomorrow.”

Barnabei is employed by ArcelorMittal Steel-Weirton, where he has

worked for nearly 34 years. He is a graduate of Madonna High School

and a life-long member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, as well as a

member of Parish Council and past president of the Holy Name Society.

Barnabei and his wife of 29 years, Patti, have three children,

Andrea, Bianca, and Liana.

Chek, a Weirton resident, was employed at Weirton Steel for 29 years

and has worked in housing and development for the past 10 years.

“As a real estate developer, I worked with virtually every city and

county department, and I know what it takes to see a project

through,” Chek said.

Chek said that working in management has given him an understanding

of working with people in a union environment.

Chek added that he feels it is time for fresh ideas on the commission.

“I want to bring a new energy to the job,” Chek said.

Chek added he wants to work with the Economic Development Authority

and other business leaders in the county “to broaden our job base and

not rely on one particular industry.”

Chek said he wants “to just look at how the old county government is

run and to make sure it is run effectively and efficiently. ... I

would definitely like to be involved” in working with other elected

officials.

Chek is a graduate of Weir High and has a degree in business

administration from Jefferson Technical College.

Chek is a member of the American Legion, and the mayor of Weirton’s

Youth Advisory Board. He is a trustee at Paris Presbyterian Church,

where he served as a teen youth mentor.

Check and his wife of 35 years, Cheryl, have two children, John and

Erin.

(Scott can be contacted at escott@reviewonline.com'>escott@reviewonline.com)