BBG Youth Correspondent Jayli Interviews South Charleston City Council Candidate Karley Walker

By Jayli, BBG Youth Correspondent

Karley Walker, also known as Coach Karley, is the Democratic candidate for South Charleston City Council’s Ward 6 seat. She faces Republican incumbent Bob Lilly in the Nov. 3 general election.

Coach Karley is also my former girls basketball coach at South Charleston Middle School. Our Lady Cubs went undefeated last season and are the current Kanawha County middle school girls basketball champions. BBG Sports previously reported on our 19–0 championship season and the recognition our team received at the West Virginia State Capitol.⁠

I interviewed Coach Karley about why she is running, her connection to South Charleston, the election process and what she wants to do for young people.

This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.

Jayli: Why are you running for South Charleston City Council?

Walker: I’m the type of person who says, “Don’t talk about it, be about it.” I think we need younger people involved in government. I think we need to change a little bit, so I decided to put my name on the ballot and try to make some change happen.

There are a lot of people who like to complain from the sidelines. I think we need change happening in our government structure right now, so I’m starting small with City Council.

I also have a long history of women running for office in my family. My grandma was the first woman to run for mayor of South Charleston, and my mom is currently the city’s first female City Council president. I’m following in their footsteps.

Jayli: What is the process for running for City Council?

Walker: There’s a certain date when you have to file to run for office. After that, you have to get through the primary election.

I didn’t have an opponent in the primary. I was the only Democrat running in my ward, so I advanced to the general election. Voting is Nov. 3.

You also have to be a South Charleston resident, and you can only run for the ward where you currently live. I live in Ward 6.

Jayli: What was it like growing up in South Charleston?

Walker: That’s a great question. I loved growing up in South Charleston. Obviously, that’s why I still live here.

I’ve been a South Charleston resident for most of my life. I’ve only lived away for about five years. Some of that time was when I was in college, and then I lived in Charlotte for a year after I graduated.

Growing up in South Charleston is like being part of a family. It’s a well-knit community. I still have friends I went to high school with. It’s a great place to live.

Jayli: What is one good thing about South Charleston and one thing that needs to improve?

Walker: I think the best thing about South Charleston is the people in the community. Our city services are also top-notch, so I love that.

One thing that could improve is the same reason I’m running. I think we need younger people involved.

My parents’ generation and the generation before them have done a great job keeping the city running. To keep that alive, we need more people my age getting involved and running for office.

Jayli: Who are you running against?

Walker: I’m running against Bob Lilly. He is the current City Council seat holder in Ward 6.

Jayli: If you don’t win, what do you have planned next?

Walker: If I don’t win, my plan is to stay as involved as possible in government.

There are multiple other opportunities where I can help in the community. I already help through coaching, so I’ll continue getting involved in other ways as well.

Walker: One of the things that has gone to the wayside in my ward is the old Glendale pool.

I would like to turn that area into a fun outdoor activity space that kids in Ward 6 and our community can enjoy. We could put a skate park there, pave it and do something different with the area.

I think it’s important for our youth to get involved, spend time outside and stay active. That’s something I would like to do in my ward.

Walker: Go vote. Get out and vote. This is a crucial election.

Your local elections are very important, so exercise your right and get out there and vote.

Early voting continues through Oct. 31. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Editor’s note: This interview focused on Ward 6 candidate Karley Walker. Her opponent, Councilman Bob Lilly, was not interviewed for this story.