Here's my response:

 

“That’s a good question Chris. I guess it depends on how you define “nonpartisan”. To me, nonpartisan means to include everyone not cover up or disguise who we are. Beckley is the largest and most diverse city in sourthern WV, and as such, I don’t believe we should follow the lead of smaller cities in the state holding nonpartisan elections especially since they are experiencing the same low voter turnout issues that we are. I have presented evidence to the mayor and members of council, not just my opinion that suggest the proposed plan will most likely result in even lower voter turnout in city elections. And I don’t see how hiding a candidate’s party affiation makes the race nonpartisan.”

 

"Unlike the board of education elections where we are selecting multiple candidates for a single office, city elections are single seat offices. So I believe a candidate should be required to receive a majority of all the votes cast, not just the most votes to win the election. I have no objection to holding a “nonpartisan” open primary, meaning all voters receive the same ballot listing all candidates and their party designation, regardless of the voter’s party affilation. And if all races are decided in the primary election, such as in past city elections there is no requirement to hold a general election, saving the city money. The only time we would have to hold a general election is if more than two candidates are running for the same office and no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast (51%). That’s why I oppose this idea."