Wendy Tuck is running for re-election to the Parkersburg City Council, District 4. This District has about 3000 residents, two bridges, two parks, the CSX railroad, and three US and WV highways which are major corridors into the city. It is home to some of the largest car dealerships in town and has multiple restaurants, grocery and retail stores, churches, and other commercial enterprises. It is enriched by the presence of many non-profit and educational institutions, and has one of the widest diversities of income, homes, physical and mental abilities, political affiliations, sobriety, age, race, and gender identity.

 

This District is rich in possibilities. It’s an older, settled neighborhood, and also a great site for first-time home buyers. It’s close to downtown, stores, schools, and jobs. It also has many problems, and Tuck has made it a priority to listen to the hopes, aspirations, and concerns of her constituents. “I want to be accessible,” she said. “I represent them, and I can’t represent them if I don’t know what’s going on, what they want and need.”  She’s held over 30 town halls and community meetings, sets up “office hours” to meet with constituents, and live streams City Council meetings.  She informs residents about City Council actions and community resources through a newsletter she delivers to residents three times a year.

 

She believes that citizen engagement can improve the effectiveness of local government and holds government accountable for how tax dollars are spent. There is a severe shortage of decent, affordable housing so Tuck initiated a partnership between city government, local businesses and non-profits to help over 400 people with their housing.  She also ensured that the public would be heard and have an impact on the disbursement of $22 million of ARPA funds. She supports better infrastructure, building a new fire station, developing economic centers in multiple parts of town, the demolition of blighted and unsafe structures, and opportunities for youth, seniors, and families.

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She wants Parkersburg to be clean, safe, and healthy. She’s organized three neighborhood improvement associations to give residents a voice in shaping their futures. She has sponsored 11 Community Clean-ups, 2 Block Parties, and multiple work projects. She voted to finish the Parkersburg Ohio River Trail and is working to expand the trail network throughout the area. She brought in over $8000 in outside grants for a variety of projects.

 

She has been endorsed by WV Can’t Wait, the Parkersburg Area Labor Council, and Parkersburg Firefighters Local 91.

 

She is married to Steve Tuck, retired CEO of Children’s Home Society of WV, and they have three grown children and three grandchildren. She has her MA in Special Education and has lived in District 4 for over 42 years. In her spare time, she gardens, quilts, reads, walks, and visits with her friends and neighbors.