LEWISBURG W.Va. (WVDN) – Hosting the GOP candidates at The Greenbrier County Visitors & Convention Center, the Law Offices of Wooton, Davis, Hussell and Johnson provided a social hour of cocktails and splendid light fare before a Q&A session for the local governmental races began. Denise Pettijohn, president of the Greenbrier County Bar Association, was a gracious hostess as members of the West Virginia Bar Association gathered to listen to candidates speak on their attributes and personal narratives. Michael Whitt Esq. was the moderator and timekeeper.
The race for the Intermediate Court of Appeals, Greenbrier and Pocahontas County Circuit Court judges, Greenbrier Family Court judge and prosecuting attorneys emphasized experience and passion for West Virginia. As they discussed their qualifications and answered questions posed by the Bar Association, each candidate displayed a genuine sense of care for the people and families of West Virginia. Some hold exorbitant amounts of experience and tenure and those with mere years and humble beginnings, the consensus was the same: How can I better serve the people of West Virginia?
In asking what qualifications make one best for the roles, many presented facts, statistics, opinions and thoughts. In the race for Pocahontas County prosecuting attorney, candidates Laura Kershner and Joni Nichols shared the stage while answering questions about the prosecutor’s role in criminal cases and how best to serve the public in this role. Kershner demonstrated her experience as an assistant public defender for seven years in that her experience as a lawyer, she seeks to make changes in the prosecutor’s office, including sharing evidence and resolving cases fairly. In her role as prosecutor, she prioritizes technology upgrades to improve office efficiency and accessibility. She prioritizes criminal charges in abuse/neglect cases while also working to reunify parents with children. She discussed the importance of being reasonable and taking the time to explain the process and options to crime victims to help them understand the case better. Kershner discussed the use of binding plea agreements in criminal cases.
Joni Nichols is also running for Pocahontas County prosecuting attorney. In 2017, she worked as committee counsel for the West Virginia House of Delegates during their regular session. Her primary assignment was to the Committee on Government Organization, but also worked on the Labor and Industry and Banking and Insurance Committees. She left her job at the 11th Circuit as a law clerk in Lewisburg in 2023 and is now the assistant prosecuting attorney in Pocahontas County. As the position of prosecuting attorney is vacant, she will be able to represent the people of West Virginia while respecting law officials as a primary goal.
For Family Court judge in Greenbrier County, candidates Kelly Kemp, Grady Ford and Christine Stump all had time to share their experiences and how they could better serve the families of Greenbrier County. Many discussions regarding the role of the guardian ad litem, the child’s best wishes and the concern for timely court hearings were among the topics discussed.
Stump has over 30 years in the judicial field and feels that following the letter of the law is paramount when family members depend on a timely hearing, especially when mortgages, custody and child support loom in the not-so-distant arena. A knowledge of complex statutes and experience were emphasized by Stump.
Kemp stressed the importance of temperance, understanding and the gift of listening as strengths a family court judge should have. With 28 years in child support enforcement, Kemp has managed over 20,000 cases to date and has attended 30-40 hearings per month. She has the temperament to treat all people with courtesy and respect, especially children.
Attorney Grady Ford spoke of his experience in family law and his desire to prioritize cases involving children in court. Ford highlights his dedication to ensuring all matters involving children are heard properly and given the highest priority. He suggests that court hearings should continue as scheduled, even in inclement weather, but may consider accommodating parties with challenging schedules through a night court-like system.
All emphasized the importance of resolving custody issues quickly, citing the financial and emotional toll of prolonged wait times. Also mentioned was the importance of guardians ad litem in family court cases, but notes challenges with their appointment and funding. As it stands, Guardian ad litem appointments require affidavits or deposits to ensure payment.
Circuit Court Judge Robert Richardson comes to the table with many years of experience and honest, hard work [asking for the trust that was placed in him, to be held true again for today]. Asked why he is running again, Richardson said, “It’s because I love the great state of West Virginia and its people, and because I believe I can make a difference in the lives of the citizens of Greenbrier and Pocahontas counties through my continued work as your circuit judge.” The judge is pledging to maintain a high standard of integrity and impartiality. “During my 10 years on the bench, I have always strived to uphold the law and to protect the values of our community.”
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Blake Ryan is also in the running for circuit court judge (Division 1). Starting as a law clerk, he was involved in many courtroom proceedings, conducted legal research almost every day and enjoyed learning as much as he could from his colleagues. Ryan has served as the assistant prosecuting attorney in Greenbrier County since 2007. He understands what it means to be a judge and is intent on proving that he is the best candidate for the job.
Prosecuting Attorney Patrick Via is running unopposed/nonpartisan as a seasoned attorney for the position of circuit court judge. With years of experience and knowledge of the inner workings of judicial law, Via states that [he can satisfy the requirements of the job and will execute cases promptly. That the culmination of experience and tenure will serve the people of West Virginia well].
Nicole Graybeal is running for the office of Greenbrier County’s prosecuting attorney. As APA for many years, she strives to set high standards for women in these roles. Breaking barriers and setting goals, Graybeal hopes to convey to girls the importance of [believing you can do anything].
The race for Summers and Monroe County circuit court judge is on with Keith Lively, Kristin Cook and Rod Mohler in the running.
Rod Mohler, the current prosecuting attorney, offers 27 years of experience in every aspect of law. Civil, criminal and city prosecutorial cases in excess, his 30-plus years of being in office will serve the public well. Being a family man devoted to youth sports and youth in general, his time spent in Tennessee in college and outside of Monroe County, he and his family were keen to return to the area where he felt he was needed. Being a devout Christian. Mohler praised his opponents saying that [the choice is yours as we all can do the job well].
Keith Lively is a WVU graduate from Hinton. He too realizes the importance of focusing on our youth. After graduating from Columbia University, he felt an inner calling to return to his home state to bring his experiences in all aspects of law to serve the community. Boasting revitalization for Hinton in the way of establishing independent living situations and citywide clean ups, Lively is running for his first public office.
Kristin Cook also comes to the office with a lifetime of experience. As the current prosecuting attorney for Summers County, Cook feels it’s pertinent to keep growing and changing and having a huge rate of success in her cases, she feels that being a judge will allow her more freedom and ability to affect change.
Esquire Amy Mann is also a candidate for the 31st District’s Circuit Court judge. With 22 years of experience in civil and criminal law, Mann believes a judge should have [an eye for detail and be open to more than these kinds of cases]. Serving as guardian ad litem for years and specializing in juvenile cases regarding abuse and neglect, as well as real estate planning and adoptions, she is well suited to be in the race.
Lastly, Mychal Schulz announces his bid for a seat on the Intermediate Court of Appeals. A Charleston attorney with over 30 years of experience allows him to represent his beloved state well on the panel of judges. The ICA is relatively new and began hearing cases in 2022. It is a three-judge panel, and each of the judges serves 10-year staggered terms. Schulz is running for the seat occupied by Judge Thomas E. Scarr, who was appointed to a two-year term, but has said he won’t run for the full 10-year term on the 2024 ballot. Because judicial races in West Virginia are nonpartisan, the winner of the seat will be decided in the May [2024] primary election.
