Left to Right: Jimmy Glasscock, Ronnie Wade, Robert Dobkin, Steve Smith, David Purkey, Jimmy Glasscock II, Tobey Heaney, Devan Tennant, Chris Rose, Bill Bell and Charles Sheedy.

On Saturday March 28th at the Lewis Wetzel Center in New Martinsville, the Wetzel County Republican committee welcomed fourteen candidates running for local, state and national offices to a planned “Meet the Candidates” event. The gathering was made up of 100 participants hoping to hear what each candidate wanted to say about their beliefs, and their reasons for seeking office. Some of the candidates addressing the group are currently in office, while others are seeking to challenge those who are now serving.

Prior to the main event of the evening a lite lunch was prepared for those attending. A door prize raffle was held to help raise funds for the organization.

Each speaker was given three minutes to speak. After their presentation they were given two more minutes to answer questions from attendees.

First speaker of the evening was current State Senator, Chris Rose of the 1st district. He spoke about infrastructure improvements to bridges and roads. He also spoke about his desire to reduce tax rates to zero. He stood strong with his support of renewable energy, including coal, gas, and oil. He stated that during his term as chairman of the state energy commission, there have been no power plant closures. He believes strongly in school choice, supports the Hope Scholarship and welcomes industry from overseas.

Ms. Daneille Moran, representative of Senator Shelly Capito, read a letter from the senator expressing her gratitude for the ongoing support from the state’s voters. She explained that the senator was planning on attending, but her work in Washington took priority at the present time.

David Purkey, candidate for U.S. Senator said he believes corruption and waste has greatly hindered our country. He stated he would like to see an expanded use of coal and he would work to bring much needed infrastructure improvements to the state.

Phil Flannigan is running for State Supreme Court. He is a practicing lawyer and believes the law should be administered as written. He also told the group it was not permitted for him to express opinions on different matters as it could be interpreted that he has preconceived opinions on issues that may come before the court.

Tobey Heaney a candidate for State Senate in District 2. He began by saying he is Pro-Life, Pro-Gun and Pro-God. He is a Vietnam Veteran and has a masters’ degrees in business and economics. He is in support of school choice and the Hope Scholarship program.

Charlie Sheedy is running for re-election to the House of Delegates in District 7. He pointed out that he’s retired from the state road, but is now a full-time working delegate. He said he attends city councils, along with county commissions meetings throughout his district. He believes by knowing firsthand the issues before these governing boards it gives him better knowledge of what is needed in his district. He spoke about his family’s long history going back to the early 1800s, and how they helped to build the state with their service work. He believes he is continuing that long family tradition to give back to the state he loves.

Next on the evening’s agenda was Delegate Bill Bell. Delegate Bell is running for the position he currently holds as Delegate in District 8. He spoke of his commitment to improving education, with his focus on the future for our children. This past term of the legislature was his first, and during the 60-day session there were 717 roll call votes. He was present and cast his vote each time. He stated he represents 18,000 citizens. He does that with common sense. He is Pro-2nd amendment and Pro-Life. Bell is currently teaching in Wetzel County.

Clay Riley, a House of Delegate candidate, knows that he can accomplish many things by simply working with other legislators. He says he is a conservative, believes in cutting taxes, regulatory streamlining, and creating jobs. He also supports the Hope scholarship program.

Steve Smith is running for the House of Delegates District 8 position. Smith spoke to the importance of his family’s support, and his long history of working in the state’s financial wing of the government, helping to build state funds. In the last six years he has worked to make the state’s economic future stronger and develop new growth in revenues. He has a CPA degree, been president of a bank and chaired the State board of investments. He knows that he can bring jobs and business back to the state. He is ProLife, 2nd Amendment, and Pro Working Families. He stated he will work to make WV a better place to live and raise a family. He asks for your vote on May 12.

Jimmy Glasscock II is running for the position of county commissioner. He has worked in Wetzel County and knows the issues that are present and need addressed. Glasscock has been a member of the Folsom Fire Department since he was 14 years old. Over the years he has held several positions and has a strong understanding of managing money and working with budgets. He started and still owns his own business and has grown it into a first-class operation. His strong points are an understanding of economics and a desire to work to bring services to the county’s senior citizens.

Jimmy Glasscock senior, is currently serving on the Wetzel County Board of education, and is running to retain his position. He stated he is a strong advocate for teachers, and supporting school staffing within the system. First and foremost, he wants to help strengthen the school’s programs, and improve education values of the children in the county.

Devon Tennant is a candidate for the Wetzel Board of Education. He explained that his first thoughts when asked, were not to run with all the challenges of the job. But after several people prompted him to consider, he changed his mind and decided he had something he could bring to the table with his recent time spent in the school system. He currently is working in the family business, ‘Tennant Funeral services’ which has given him an understanding of budgeting and working with the public.

The last candidate to speak was Ronnie Wade. He has cast his hat into the ring for a seat at the Wetzel County Board of education. Wade brings with him years of discipline and service through his long military career. He believes the definition of insanity is trying the same thing over and over, and making no progress for improvement. He states that our county’s schools rank near the middle in the state’s 114 schools when it comes to grade performance. That rating has been nearly the same for some time. He pointed out other schools in the state with less resources have made improvements, “surely Wetzel can make that same improvement.” Wade believes the overall goal of the present system is to have high graduation numbers with hopes the level of academic achievement by students will follow. That approach is not working, and that is why he believes we are revisiting the same insanity of what does not work.