MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Mercer County Commissioner Greg Puckett has announced his candidacy for NACo’s 2nd Vice-President.
Puckett released the following information: “Having served in varied capacities in support of the National Association of Counties during my time as a Commissioner, and having played an active role on the National Opioid Taskforce (a collaborative partnership with the National League of Cities), Vice Chair of the Arts and Culture Subcommittee, past Vice Chair of the Juvenile Justice Subcommittee, member of NACo’s Healthy Counties initiative, Chair of the Mental Health Subcommittee within the Health Steering Committee, charter member of the Economic Mobility Leadership Network, and, of course, Chair of the Rural Action Caucus.
Each has taught me about ways to move our counties forward and allowed me a chance to find new and creative opportunities to tackle my jobs here at home. It is an honor to commit my life to county government and to be an advocate, and to advocate for others. This the primary reason why I’m announcing my candidacy for NACo’s 2nd VP.
For those of you who may not know me, I’m one to take up a cause and do what’s right. I focus on positive, issue driven initiatives, and I don’t throw mud or belittle someone else simply because they may not have the same opinion as myself. I believe that the right isn’t always right, and the left isn’t always wrong, because somewhere in the middle, there is an answer.
I have never used negative rhetoric toward an opponent, rather, I have always focused on a vision for the future. Even from the first time I entered into a political race, my slogan has always been “Committed to Change”. Change that is driven by Community, focused on Health (Mental and Physical), promoted through Advocacy, with an established Narrative, in a Giving environment, filled with Energy to accomplish the challenges at hand. As collective leaders committed in this regard, I believe that all 3069 counties can unite in a common goal, drop the political banter and advocate for C-H-A-N-G-E in our country… together.
In addition to my work as a Commissioner, I serve my community as Executive Director of non-profit dedicated to creating comprehensive stronger communities on a local, regional, and statewide level. This is done largely around the need for education around public health issues, including societal addiction and disparities that encompass strategies around equity, diversity, and inclusion to overcome cultural stigma. Other strategies include physical design change within blighted areas, and reinvestment that encourages downtown economic revitalization.Simply, West Virginia, specifically, Mercer County, is my home. While I’ve traveled extensively throughout the United States (46 states covered), the education and opportunity to represent the people within my county and state are one of the highest honors I could receive. All my life, my mom and dad stressed the importance of giving back and working to create the environment that I wish to see. This is the same knowledge and passion that I pass along to my kids as well.
And now, I ask that you join me in working to change our communities together.
In the coming months, as this campaign moves forward, I look forward to getting to know you, as you get to know me. I want to hear what issues you are facing and look for ways to collaborate to create solutions at the local level.If you have questions or just want to talk, my email is gregpuckettwv@gmail.com. Find me on social media at @gregpuckettwv, or if you still believe in old school ways to communicate, pick up the phone and call me at (304) 922-2551.