Former Oak Glen Head Football Coach Ted Arneault, Jr. filed Monday on the Republican ticket for Hancock County Commissioner. A resident of 119 Riverside Drive, New Cumberland, Arneault is seeking the Clay District seat. Arneault, 39, who served as Oak Glen’s Head Coach since 2016, took the Golden Bears to capture the first OVAC title since 1964. His team was ranked #1 in the State when a high risk of COVID ended the season. He will be remembered for stressing the importance of culture change within the the program, adopting the familiar mantra of “family” for his team. Arneault is currently in his 15th year as a teacher at Oak Glen High School and will remain in that position.
While many see public service as a challenge during these difficult times, Arneault views it as an opportunity. “I believe the County Commission is a great catalyst for service-focused leadership,” said Arneault.
“The Commission should be focused on collaboration with government at the local, State and National levels. Now is the time for action to strengthen the partnerships between government, business and the citizens of Hancock County. We need an infusion of positive culture in the commission that will spark opportunities for growth and jobs. I want to see the young people we have taught in the public school system to be able to build their careers and families here.”
Arneault stressed he would work with the current members of the Commission to promote what the county innately has to offer businesses that could potentially call Hancock County home.
A West Virginian by choice, Arneault has lived and worked in West Virginia for over 30 years. He is a 2001 graduate of Forest Hills Central High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Pre-Law from the University of Michigan and his master’s degree from The Franciscan University of Steubenville. He has applied 80 credits beyond his master’s degree toward his WV Superintendent’s license. Arneault began his career in education as a teacher at Madonna High School. He also has served as a teacher, coach and administrator at other area schools including Weir High, Brooke and Robert Morris University prior to coming to Oak Glen High in 2013.
His interest in government and his desire to make a difference began in childhood.
“Since I was a kid, I have shadowed many lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, “ he said. “I have profound respect for the values and history that have brought us together as Americans and West Virginians. The current climate of political discourse is not healthy and I hope to do what I can to work proactively with colleagues to achieve measurable results. I believe I have a skillset that will add a productive voice to the Commission.”
“I love living in Hancock County,” said Arneault. “It’s already a great place to live, but we must work proactively to mitigate the tides of economic decline. I hope to research and implement ideas to develop the beautiful land that we have, while simultaneously attracting outside resources to supplement meaningful economic growth.”
Ensuring that young families choose to make their home in Hancock County is an important priority for Arneault, especially given the fragile economic situation facing the valley and the country.
“ It will take dynamic leadership, communication skills, hard work and a hopeful aspect focused on building catalysts for entrepreneurship and growth to make Hancock County a wellspring of economic recovery,” he said.
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