John D. Bennett as a Democrat Pre-Candidate for U. S. Senate
John D. Bennett, a retired educator, from Gilmer County has announced his pre-candidacy as a Democrat for United States Senator. Bennett would like to represent the citizens of West Virginia in Washington, DC. He feels that the rich and powerful are well represented by lobbyists and that the average citizen’s concerns are too often being neglected. Bennett would like to have the opportunity to try and reverse this trend.
John Bennett believes he has the ability to bring groups together. He likes to hear both sides of an issue and then make a decision. He likes a healthy discussion of the issues. He likes to seek common ground. Once a decision is made then all energy and resources are used to carry out that decision.
John Bennett believes that our congressional leaders need to work together to try and solve our country’s economic problems rather than to try and score points for political posturing. Congress needs to make the difficult decisions now so that the business leaders in our country can move forward. Bennett believes the uncertainty of what Congress may or may not do is more harmful to the country’s business leaders than an actual plan.
John Bennett is a graduate of Lewis County High School, Weston, WV. He received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, a Master of Science in Agriculture from West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV. Bennett earned his Permanent Professional Administration Certificate by completing his courses at West Virginia University.
Before retiring, John Bennett was employed 14 years as an Agricultural Education Teacher, 6 years as Assistant Principal and 7 years as Principal at Gilmer County High School, Glenville, WV. Bennett spent 5 years as Director of the Calhoun-Gilmer Career Center, Grantsville, WV. He concluded his employment serving 2 years as Superintendent of Gilmer County Schools, Glenville, WV. During these years Bennett had the honor of participating in education presentations on behalf of the Southern Region Education Board and Gilmer County Schools to the State Education Legislative Leaders from 16 SREB states in San Antonio, Texas; panel discussions before 700 local education leaders at an SREB Conference, Kiawah Island, SC; at the SREB 15th Annual Staff Development Conference, Atlanta, Georgia; at the Pre-Convention workshop at the 86th National Association of Secondary Schools Principals. He also presented to a consortium of high school teachers and administrators at Twin Falls, Idaho; presented at the Georgia State Tech Prep Consortium, Atlanta, Georgia; and presented at the National Tech Prep Network Conference, Minneapolis -St. Paul, Minnesota. Bennett was very proud that during this time Gilmer County High School was one of six schools that were recognized by the Southern Region Education Board with the Silver Award for improving on their national assessment by at least ten points each in the three areas of reading, mathematics, and science courses.
John Bennett is a past Chairman of the Gilmer County Democrat Executive Committee. He has twice served as a delegate to the State Democrat Convention from Gilmer County. Bennett has been recognized as a past Gilmer County Democrat of the Year at the State Jackson Jefferson Day Dinner in Charleston. He has served two terms plus as the Mayor of the City of Glenville and one term as City Councilman.
John Bennett believes that all Americans should be involved in public service. He serves as Treasurer for the Gilmer County Economic Development Association, Vice President of the Gilmer County Family Resource Network, Secretary of the Gilmer County Cooperative Extension Service Committee, Past President West Virginia Association of Career and Technical Education Administrators, and is a member of the West Virginia American Career and Technical Education State Executive Committee, and Gilmer County Association of Retired School Employees. Bennett is a former member and President of the now defunct Glenville/Gilmer Rotary Club and was recognized as a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow. He has been previously recognized for 30 years membership in the Gilmer County Farm Bureau. Other recognitions have included the Honorary American FFA Degree, National FFA Organization; Gilmer County Teacher of the Year, Gilmer County Schools; Outstanding Teacher Award, West Virginia Vocational Association; Outstanding Vocational Agriculture Teacher of the Year, West Virginia Vocational Agricultural Teachers Association; Honorary State Farmer Degree, WV FFA Association.
If you are unhappy about the performance of our Congress and would like to look at someone new please contact me at John D. Bennett, 510 Walnut Street, Glenville, WV 26351, e-mail: ; or call me at 304.462.5248. He would love to discuss the issues. He needs help. If you would like to donate time to assist him in this endeavor either by setting up meetings, putting up signs, going door to door or would like to make a monetary donation it would be greatly appreciated.
