RUPERT W.Va. (WVDN) – Candidates for various local offices met at the Rupert Community Building last Thursday evening. Voting isn’t until May, but the race is on. Some candidates are running unopposed. Despite this fact, they felt it important to come out and meet their constituents. Chair of the committee, Ben Anderson, presided over the meeting. Debbie Bowman reports on the party’s finances, including an $18,000 beginning balance, $382.90 in credits and $2,537.81 in debits.
Positions to be filled or maintained are circuit court judge, Division No. 1, where Judge Robert Richardson currently sits. Also running is Ryan Blake for Division No. 1, circuit court judge. Patrick Via, although unopposed, spoke to the crowd about his election to fill the seat of circuit court judge, Division No. 2. Both partisan and nonpartisan candidates for family court judge, magistrate, county sheriff, county commissioner, the House of Delegates (both 46th and 47th Districts), prosecuting attorney and positions on the Board of Education were heard from during the event.
Each candidate had three minutes to speak to the public. Each introduced themselves and articulated their arguments for why they are the best fit for the job. Various candidates spoke, in part, on emphasizing the importance of applying the law fairly and impartially, their ability to handle complex legal matters and their commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Candidates for the West Virginia Legislature discussed various issues affecting the state’s economy and society, including the opioid epidemic, juvenile justice reform, economic development and fiscal policy. Thomas Perkins emphasized the need to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in the opioid crisis, while George “Boogie” Ambler, delegate in the 47th district, highlighted his experience in passing policies that helped West Virginia, emphasizing his reputation for following through on promises and his experience in pushing for industry and infrastructure development in the area. Stephen Snider emphasized the importance of using his past military and Coast Guard experiences to serve the people of West Virginia without “selling his soul” to special interests. Ray Canterbury emphasized the need to strengthen West Virginia’s economy by addressing issues such as low workforce participation, an aging population and a high public debt to GDP ratio. Thomas Perkins (46th District) advocates for juvenile justice reform, addressing the opioid epidemic’s impact on children.
Next to be presented were the qualifications and temperament of a family court judge. Kelly Kemp, a seasoned attorney with 33 years of experience in family court, is running for family court judge in Greenbrier and Monroe counties and emphasizes the importance of listening carefully and making clear findings of fact. Grady Ford of The Ford Law Firm, PLLC, is also in the race and stresses that his experiences in his childhood, dedication to [children first] and his deep roots and connections in the community buttress his able expertise.
Further candidates for county sheriff were heard, including Bart Baker, Doug Beard and Mark Robinson. Nicole Graybill launched her campaign for prosecuting attorney. Bobby Ford and Tammy Tincher are running for county commissioner, and the audience heard from Mary Humphries regarding her second term on the Greenbrier Board of Education, highlighting her dedication to serving Greenbrier County. As for the county magistrate, candidates are current magistrate and third term Kim Johnson, ex-Police Chief Tim Stover and Kirby Hanson.
Information abounded as the audience heard from each candidate.
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