Presidents Pub owner to run for mayor
A Washington restaurateur is planning a bid for the mayor’s office.
The Washington County GOP Committee announced Tuesday that Mark Kennison, 35, is seeking the party nomination in the May 21 primary. Kennison owns and runs Presidents Pub on Main Street.
His announcement also described him as having been a founder of Upper Crust and Deli on Main, which is also downtown, and a co-founder of Just Dogs! Gourmet, a dog-treat franchise.
Kennison, who’s lived in the county his whole life, said in a news release that he “will work with all the strategic partners of the city, including other community leaders, Washington & Jefferson College, the district attorney and county officials to bring about real change in our city to fight the opioid epidemic.”
He also promised, if elected, to “work to build a strong and cooperative bond between” W&J and the city government. He added that he wants to “increase the tax base by bringing new businesses to the city and stop the regular tax increases residents have experienced.”