FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Local businesswoman Alison Rosiek-Ibarra has officially announced her candidacy for the Fayette County Commission.
Rosiek-Ibarra is running as an Independent for the unexpired term previously held by the late Greg Fernett.
She will face Republican businessman Chuck Miller, who was appointed by the current commission to serve in the position until voters elect someone to fill the remainder of the term during the November General Election.
Rosiek-Ibarra formally announced her campaign outside the Fayette County Courthouse in Fayetteville Wednesday, surrounded by friends, family and supporters.
She began her remarks by reflecting on the legacy and character of the late Commissioner Greg Fernett.
Rosiek-Ibarra shared memories of growing up knowing Fernett and recalled his years as a Little League softball umpire in Fayetteville.
“One thing I think we can all agree on about Greg is he was never in it for himself,” Ibarra said. “He was all about the kids of Fayette County and the kids of the whole state of West Virginia.”
She said her decision to run stems from her love for Fayette County and the people who call it home.
“I care about the people who live here now and I care about the generations who will decide whether they can build a future here,” she said.
Rosiek-Ibarra said she wants to focus on supporting families recovering from addiction, improving housing affordability for young adults, addressing the rising cost of living for working families, and advocating for seniors, children and first responders.
She said serving on the county commission requires more than simply being a good person.
“[This] jobs requires judgement, and it requires discipline,” she explained. “It requires the ability to listen to people who you don’t necessarily agree with.”
Rosiek-Ibarra also highlighted her experience as a small business owner, as she owns and operates Pinheads bowling alley in Oak Hill.
“I’ve built a business in this county, I’ve had to make payroll, manage budgets, problem solve, train people, hire people, get through things when they feel hard and impossible.”
She also discussed several concerns she has heard from residents.
“I’m hearing concerns about our animal shelter, and how we can best support, I’m hearing the need for more accessible and affordable recreation for residents all over the county and residents of all ages,” she stated.
Among the other issues she identified were the Cannelton Hollow sewer problem, where residents have reported raw sewage entering a nearby creek, the ongoing PCB contamination concerns in Minden, improving communication between county government and the Valley community, and supporting fire departments throughout the county.
Miller and Rosiek-Ibarra will face off in the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, General Election to fill the remainder of the unexpired Plateau District term on the Fayette County Commission.
Barry Crist, a Republican, is running unopposed for the New Haven District seat in the General Election.
