Election Guide 2012 - The Weston Democrat

2E—The Weston Democrat - Election Guide - Wednesday, October 24, 2012

STANDING UP FOR WEST VIRGINIAPaid for by Manchin for West Virginia

VOTE EARLYFrom Oct 24th to Nov 3rd

or on Tuesday Nov 6th

JOE MANCHIN STANDS UP FOR WEST VIRGINIAJoe Manchin has been endorsed by:

West Virginia AFL CIO

United Mine Workers

WVEA Political Action Council

West Virginia Manufacturers Association

West Virginia Chamber of Commerce

WV State Building and Construction Trades Council

Communication Workers of America

West Virginia American Federation of Teachers

WESPAC (Medical Association)

West Virginia Nurses Association

National Rifle Association

West Virginia Sheriff’s Association

West Virginia Deputy Sheriff’s Association

Independent Fire Association

Professional Fire Fighters of West Virginia

Joe Manchin is the Democratic Party nominee for a seat in the U.S. Senate. The U.S. Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the U.S. House of Representatives comprises the U.S. Congress.

Each U.S. state is represented by two senators, regardless of population. Senators have staggered six-year terms of offi ce.

The Senate has several exclusive powers not granted to the House, including consenting to treaties as a precondition of their ratifi cation and consenting to or confi rming appointments of cabinet secretaries, federal judges, other federal ex-ecutive offi cials, military offi cers, regulatory offi cials, ambassadors and other federal uniformed offi cers as sell as trial of federal offi cials impeached by the House.

The Senate is a more delibera-tive and more prestigious body than the House of Representatives, due to its longer terms of offi ce and smaller size.

The U.S. Constitution sets three qualifi cations for senators, Mem-bers of the Senate must be at least 30-years-old They must have been citizens of the United States for at least the past nine years. Members of the Senate must be inhabitants of the states they seek to represent at the time of their election. The age and citizenship qualifi cations for senators are more stringent that those for members of the House of Representatives.

Senator Joe Manchin and his wife Gayle are the parents of three children: Heather, Joseph and Brooke.They have seven grandchil-dren, with their eighth grandchild expected in December.

He is a graduate of Farmington

Sen. Joe Manchin Runs for Reelection

High School and West Virginia University. His career has included work as a businessman, and he cur-rently serves as a member of the U.S. Senate from West Virginia. In ad-dition to the U.S. Senate, Manchin has served as Governor of West Virginia, West Virginia Secretary of State, and as an elected representa-tive in both the West Virginia Senate and House of Delegates.

Manchin is a Catholic by faith, and is a lifelong outdoorsman who enjoys hunting and fi shing.

Candidate Manchin’s answers to questions posed by The Weston Democrat are as follows:

What made you decide to run for this particular offi ce?

Growing up, my family always taught me that everyone can give something back and make a positive difference. I still believe this and

through my years of public service, I have tried and I am still trying to do my part to think about the next generation and always strive to make tomorrow a little bit better than today. I still believe that public service is a noble profession, and I am running for re-election because I will always stand up for West Vir-ginia in Washington. I will continue to work closely with members of both parties to try to fi nd common sense solutions.

What do you see as the most important challenge you will face if you are ultimately elected to this offi ce?

We need to get our nation’s fi scal house in order. We need to come together, across party lines, to fi nd ways to balance the budget. It is going to take everyone work-ing together, but I know it can be done. We did it in West Virginia when I was governor and we can do it now. All we need to do is to put politics aside, come together and put America fi rst. The partisanship in Washington has created a toxic atmosphere, where it is diffi cult to get much accomplished. But I’m optimistic that it can be done.

Why do you think you can make a difference for West Vir-ginia or Lewis County?

Because in West Virginia we’ve been blessed with common sense. I have had the opportunity to see my state in so many facets - in both private and public life - and I understand the issues that West Vir-ginians face. I have never forgotten nor will I ever forget where I come from and I’m extremely proud of it.

I examine every piece of legisla-

tion and consider its effect on our state and its people. I have already sponsored and co-sponsored a number of bills to address some of the issues facing West Virginians, including mine safety, balancing the budget, reclassifying some prescription drugs to help fi ght addiction, reining in the EPA, and providing for fairer timelines for meeting environmental regulatory requirements. Most of the bills I introduce are bi-partisan in nature because that’s the only way we can get anything done. I am willing to work with anyone to do what is best for our state.

What major goal would you like to meet if elected to this position?

To put our fi scal house in order. With our country’s fi nances so far out of control, all of the priorities that all of us care about – whether it is creating jobs, rebuilding our infrastructure, maintaining the best military in the world, keeping the core of vital programs like Social Security or educating the next gen-eration – all of those priorities are in jeopardy. We can’t afford them if we can’t pay for them.

We need to restore fairness in our tax system, eliminate wasteful spending and look for effi ciencies in how government spends our dollars.

Who is someone you admire or look up to? Why?

My wife, Gayle. She is the primary force in my life. She is a committed and loving wife, the most dedicated mother our children could have asked for and a wonder-ful grandmother. What’s more, she has done all of that while volunteer-

ing for important community causes including serving as chairman of the United Way in Marion County, vice president of the State Board of Education and now fi nishing up as president of the National Associa-tion of School Board Educators. She is truly a role model, not only for our family but at local, state and national levels.

Why should someone vote for you?

I believe people know who I am and what I stand for. I will always fight for fairness and keeping the American dream alive. I’m a problem solver by nature with an understanding that all sides must be represented to have a successful outcome. We proved that in WV and I’m committed to that approach in Washington.

I am a proud West Virginia Democrat, and do not approve of the toxic atmosphere that has developed in Washington. I also have many friends who are proud Republicans who don’t approve of it, either. I will vote for what’s best for my country and my state before my party or my personal politics.

I have a track record of working with people from all sides – whether Democrat or Republican, or busi-ness and labor – to fi nd solutions to the problems we face as a state and as a nation. I believe we can turn things around for our country, but I believe it will take a bi-partisan effort. In the nearly two years that I have been in the senate, I have worked hard for West Virginia and have stood up to policies that will hurt our state. I will always fi ght for West Virginia and the next generation.

SENATOR JOE MANCHIN

The Weston Democrat - Election Guide - Wednesday, October 24, 2012—3E

John Raese Wants To Be U.S. Senator

JOHN R. RAESE, AGNES, ELIZABETH AND JANE

John R. Raese is the Republican Party nominee for a seat in the U.S. Senate. The U.S. Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the U.S. House of Representatives comprises the U.S. Congress.

Each U.S. state is represented by two senators, regardless of population. Senators have staggered, six-year terms of offi ce.

The Senate has several exclusive powers not granted to the House, including consenting to treaties as a precondition of their ratifi cation and consenting to or confi rming appoint-ments of cabinet secretaries, federal judges, other federal executive offi cials, military offi cers, regulatory offi cials, ambassadors and other federal uni-formed offi cers as sell as trial of federal offi cials impeached by the House.

The U.S. Constitution sets three qualifi cations for senators, Members of the Senate must be at least 30-years old They must have been citizens of the United States for at least the past nine years. Members of the Senate must be inhabitants of the states they seek to represent at the time of their election.

John R. Raese and his wife Elizabeth are the parents of two daughters; Jane and Agnes. The Senate hopeful is a 1973 graduate of West Virginia University.

Currently he is the CEO of Greer Industries, with interests in limestone, steel, broadcasting and tourism. Raese is the owner of Metronews, Seneca Caverns, and the Pikewood National Golf Club.

Raese is a Presbyterian by faith and is an avid sportsman and outdoors-man. He enjoys baseball, boxing and basketball.

Candidate Raese’s answers to ques-tions posed by The Weston Democrat are as follows:


People ask me all the time why I am running for the United States Sen-ate. It’s a fair question and deserves an honest answer. I am running to preserve

what we’ve always referred to as the American Dream. I have a genuine concern for our country and the great state of West Virginia. John F. Kennedy once said “if you are in the position to do something about it, then you ought to do something.”

What do you see as the most im-portant challenge you will face if you are ultimately elected to this offi ce?

America has inched steadily towards a tipping point. We are at a time when government intervention and interfer-ence has created such a tremendous drag on the economy and way of life that a reversal is impossible.

We have seen an attack on our money, our power and worst of all, our freedoms. If elected, I believe the greatest challenges I will face will be to curb our spending problem, balance the budget, and return our monetary system to where it should be.

Our great chance to arrest this march is November 6th. We need a new president in the White House and a new senator on Capitol Hill so that we can fi nally get a new result from Washington.

Why do you think you can make a difference for WV or Lewis County?

I believe I can make a difference for our state by standing up to make the hard decisions and cast the necessary votes

to insure a better life for my family, for you – and for your family. I will not pledge an allegiance to Washington, I will only serve the people of West Virginia.

Because of my experience in the private sector, I understand how to cre-ate jobs. I plan to stand up to the EPA and fi ght to eliminate the burdensome regulations that have crippled our coal industry. I will do all in my power to bring energy back to West Virginia.


If elected to the United States Sen-ate, I will vote to improve schools for our children and protect our traditional West Virginia values.

I will lower taxes and regulations in order to create jobs and eliminate the burdens on families and businesses. Americans already pay too much in taxes. We don’t have a revenue problem in this country, we have a spending problem. If elected, I plan to work hard to reform our entire tax code, decrease taxes for everyone, and get our corporate tax rate in line with the rest of the world. Right now, American corporations pay the highest tax rate in the world. Lowering corporate taxes will make it fairer for every business and lead to job creation. I support the

full, permanent extension of the Bush tax cuts. I also support the total abol-ishment of the inheritance tax, which is a nightmare on our small businesses.

I will fi ght the EPA to keep coal jobs in West Virginia. In early 2008, Senator Barack Obama said that he would bankrupt anyone who wanted to open a new coal power plant. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid followed Obama’s lead and made it very clear that he plans to shut down the coal in-dustry. Despite these facts, Joe Manchin endorsed Barack Obama for president in 2008 and his fi rst vote in the Sen-ate was for Harry Reid to be Majority Leader. West Virginians need a strong pro-coal, pro-jobs voice for them in Washington; someone that will bring coal energy back to West Virginia. I plan to be that voice.

I will vote to repeal Obamacare. The federal government has no busi-ness telling individuals what they HAVE to buy. Healthcare is between the doctor and the patient. Besides robbing your family of basic medical care choice, the new Obamacare health plan passed by the Democratic Congress is a massive tax increase of over $500 billion (containing over 20 separate tax increases) and raises taxes on families making less than $120,000 a year. On

top of this, Obamacare is expected to employ thousands of new IRS agents to track down Americans for payment of healthcare taxes. According to the Heritage Foundation, new taxes, penal-ties and fees resulting from Obamacare will decrease the amount of investment in the economy. That reduced invest-ment will in turn lead to a decline of productivity causing the economy to produce $706-billion dollars less in goods and services.


I admire my father, Richard Aubrey “Dyke” Raese, who instilled in me a profound appreciation of what respon-sibility means. He taught me that hard work, ingenuity, principle and fairness are the keystones that could illuminate a pathway to self-worth, happiness, and success. My ancestors provided me with the rock solid foundation that has improved the lives of thousands of families dating back to the 19th century and taught me the things I believe in today. They showed me the way to accountability, responsibility and suc-cess. I am indebted to them and work every day to keep this great American legacy alive.

Why should someone vote for you?I am not a politician; I am a business-

man with knowledge and experience on creating jobs. I plan to serve a full-six- year term, and then return home to my current job. The people of West Virginia can count on me to represent them, not Washington. Today, we face a set of challenges that seem daunting, but I can assure you we’ve been here before. The upcoming election on November 6th is a referendum on the values that have motivated generations of Americans since our founding. It’s about free will, free enterprise and freedom of thought. Together we’ve got this. We’ve got the strength and the will for change – the right ideas and values to insure the continuation of the greatest country on earth. We are all Americans and we have a duty to protect and preserve what so many have built.


Howard Swint Is Running for Congress

HOWARD SWINT

Howard Swint is the Democratic Party nominee for the U.S. House of Representatives, Second West Virginia Congressional District. The U.S. House of Representatives is one of the two houses of the United States Congress.

The major power of the House is to pass federal legislation that effects the entire nation although its bills must also be passed by the Senate and further agreed to by the U.S. President before becom-ing law.

The House has several exclusive powers including the power to initiate revenue bills, to impeach offi cials and to elect the U.S. Presi-dent in case there is no majority in the Electoral College.

Each U.S. state is represented in the House in proportion to its popu-lation but is entitled to at least one representative. The total number of voting representatives in the House is fi xed by law at 435. West Virginia has three members of the House.

The members of the House serve for a two-year term of offi ce. There are three qualifi cations for repre-sentatives. They must be at least 25 years old. They must have been a citizen of the Untied States for the past seven years. Members of the House must be inhabitants of the state they represent at the time of election. Members are not required to live in the district they represent, but they traditionally do. The age and citizenship requirements for representatives are less than those for senator.

Howard Swint and wife, Sherry,

are the parents of two daughters; Madeleine and Arianna.

Candidate Swint holds a B.S. degree in business administration from West Virginia University (1980), an M.A. degree in geogra-phy from West Virginia University (1994) and an M.A. degree in public administration from West Virginia University (1995).

Swint is an associate broker for West Virginia Commercial serving as leasing agent for Laidley Tower in Charleston.

He is a Christian by faith, and was the Co-volunteer of the Year Award Recipient for Holz Elemen-tary (2011) for serving as Math Field Day Tutor, Chess Coach, and Spanish Club Instructor.

He also serves as a freelance op-ed opinion columnist for the Charleston Gazette; WVU sports.

Candidate Swint’s answers to questions posed by The Weston Democrat are as follows:


I was so outraged over the insider trading scandal in Congress during the fi nancial crisis that I made up my mind to run for West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District seat.

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito and other members of the House Financial Services Committee were implicated in the book Throw Them All Out that was featured on 60 Minutes.

It states that Rep. Shelley Moore Capito dumped between $100,000 - $250,000 of Citigroup stock the day after Treasury Secretary Paulson’s September 16, 2008, meeting and questioned to what extent she used non-public information.

What do you see as the most

important challenge you will face if you are ultimately elected to this offi ce?

I believe that Congress is owned lock, stock and barrel by the special interests that fund congressional campaigns and that is the primary reason that we have a $16 trillion national debt today.

The greatest challenge as a mem-ber of Congress will be to stand up to these special interests and seek reform of a political system that re-wards campaign contributions with special access to our lawmakers.

The unbelievably complex U.S. Tax Code is a perfect example of how special interests have been able to codify countless deduc-tions, exemptions and loopholes

that benefi t one group more than any – the wealthy.


We need to grow our economy and create more jobs and I believe that the federal government can be a catalyst for improving the business climate in West Virginia and Lewis County in particular.

I have been an outspoken advo-cate for having Corridor H upgraded to Interstate 66 just as Sen. Robert C. Byrd had done with Corridor E from Morgantown to Cumberland, MD, today’s Interstate 68.

By having it re-designated Inter-state 66, we can force its comple-tion in Virginia to Interstate 81 and also make the highway far safer by having limited access entrance and exit ramps.


If elected, I would introduce a Balanced Budget Amendment to the United States Constitution that would force Congress to have to live within its means every year and stop the defi cit spending that adds to the $16 trillion national debt.

This could be accomplished not by trying to balance the budget on the backs of seniors and low-income earners (as does the Ryan Budget that Rep. Shelley Moore Capito voted for) but through broad tax reform that eliminates loopholes

for corporations and wealthy Americans.

Who is someone you admire

or look up to? Why? As a child, I can remember Presi-

dent John Kennedy in Charleston in 1963 for West Virginia’s centennial celebration and I have since held him in very high regard.

President Kennedy proved that West Virginians were good and fair-minded people who despite economic challenges could rise above the stereotypes to be the very people that President Kennedy spoke of making a difference in our nation’s overall well-being.

Today, I still admire the idealism that President Kennedy stood for and believe that when we say, “My country ‘tis of thee” that we really are speaking of ourselves and that we can be great Americans.


Because I believe that we have an obligation to serve others and that by doing so we can live fuller and happier lives together. This is especially true through public ser-vice not unlike teaching or serving in the military.

I really believe that the world is what we make of it and that if we want to have change for the better we have to be that change – that it doesn’t come from just wishful thinking. We can be dreamers and should be doers.


David Moran Wants To Be Governor

DAVID MORAN AND WIFE LORI WALL

David Moran is the Libertarian Party candidate for Governor of West Virginia. The governor is the head of the executive branch of state government and is the highest state offi cial.

David Moran is married to Lori Leigh Wall. They have two children and have four grandchildren.

Candidate Moran is a graduate of MIT and the University of Iowa; Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Hydrodynamics.

Moran is a sheep farmer and is a retired Naval architect and ocean engineer, retired executive, engineer and university professor,

Active in community affairs, Mo-ran is on the Board of Directors of the Tucker Community Foundation, Community Trust Foundation, Garrett College Foundation, and the Scientifi c Research Society. He is a past-President of the Mountain Lions Club. Moran serves as a volunteer with the West Virginia Read-aloud program and is an adopt a highway organizer.

He is a member of the St. Matthews Episcopal Church and belongs to the Maple Spring Church of Brethren Choir

Candidate Moran’s answers to ques-tions posed by The Weston Democrat are as follows:


After 150 years of control by the Republican and democratic parties, West Virginia is the poorest state in the Union. This is due in large part because our elected representatives see leader-ship as a career rather than a calling. In our republic, leadership should rise out of the body politic, from the people, and it should be representative of the citizens, not the vested elite.

Our vested leaders cry continually for “change,” but the only change we ever see is in a few names of offi cials and in the continuous building of costly bu-reaucracies that fuel our defi cit spending and drive us poor citizens into poverty.

The other two political parties may sound different, but they are the same in their continued advocacy for increased spending, higher taxes and growing

governmental bureaucracy.I am running for the offi ce of Gov-

ernor because these existing policies of the other parties will destroy West Virginia completely if they are left un-checked. Neither party has shown any ability to lead our State into a future of prosperity and productivity. I have a detailed tax reduction and bureaucracy reduction plan ready to implement that will return West Virginia into a leading State, not just a place where our citizens suffer increasing poverty.


The greatest challenge we face in West Virginia is rekindling our morale, rebuilding or faith in our future, repair-ing the past inequities of poverty and governmental abuse. We are the “Wild and Wonderful” State, but our destiny is to carry those aspects of Wonder for-ward into increased economic activity, increased commercial and industrial development, increased professional opportunities, increased educational rewards, while preserving the Wild and Wonderful nature of our environment and our people.

Our spirit is strong, but the imposi-tion of the government upon our backs weakens us. The greatest challenge for us is to stand straight and tall, to carry out independence as a shield against bu-reaucracy, to lift the burden of life from the ground up to eye level and renew our spirit and belief in ourselves. We Mountaineers can accomplish miracles if we step aside from the self-serving bureaucracies that our vested-interest political parties have saddled upon us.

Why do you think you can make a difference for West Virginia or Lewis County?

Any one of us common citizens can make a major difference for West Virginia through the simple act of set-ting our personal interests aside and dedicating ourselves to the governance of the State in the true fashion laid out in the foundations of our Country. We can all make a signifi cant difference simply

by setting our sights and objectives higher than our own personal needs and desires. We live in the mountains, but our sprit is easily dragged down onto the plains by those who seek to benefi t from our subjugation. We can throw off those demeaning attitudes simply by declaring that we will serve the State as citizens, as caring governors, as concerned adults, as progressive workers, as incorruptible educators, and as free human beings.

I can make a difference in West Virginia because I bring to the Gov-ernor’s offi ce an agenda for progress to lift us from last place in the Nation to First Place. I will not tolerate any pork-barrel legislation that is designed to benefi t a minority interest in the State, I will veto all riders on legislative bills, there is no excuse for a legislator to try to slip some personal benefi t under our noses under the guise of an important legislative issue, I will revise our prisons and the and crazy laws that incarcerate those who are guilty only of non-violent and self-abusive crimes and make the rest of us responsible for their care, I will ensure that these individuals are

placed on work programs and educa-tional programs that will benefi t all of us through their renewed commitment to society instead of living in prisons by our expense.


First, I will campaign for the elimination of the WV Personal Income Tax. This tax was introduced in 1961 to overcome a short term peak in the post-war population, the so-called Baby Boom. Well the baby-boom is over, it has been gone for decades, and it is time for the personal income tax to disappear as well. The burden of taxation must not be discriminatory and levied upon those who are the greatest contributors to the prosperity of our State.

Second I will tirelessly seek the reduction and/or abolishing of gov-ernment bureaucracy. Bureaucracies consist of rules and rule enforcers. We are humans and the number of laws that we need to ensure a productive society can be counted on the fi ngers of two hands. We do not need endless bureaucracies populated with people that are interested more in their retire-

ment benefi ts than in making the lives of citizens productive and happy.

Third, I will ensure that the educa-tion of our children is returned to our local communities. I will abolish the State School Board and replace it with an Educational Advisory Panel. I will provide educational vouchers so that every parent and child can attend the school of their choice. The education of our youth is too important to be cast into a single concrete mold.


I believe that if we all had the strength, the courage, and the faith to emulate the living principles of Christ there would be no reason for us to em-bark upon any of the other reformations that we need to address.

Why should someone vote for you?The citizens of West Virginia should

vote for the person that they believe will lead this state into an age of prosperity. They should carefully examine all of the candidates, they should take the time to rise above their historical beliefs and look at our problems and the offerings that the candidates make. They should really study this election and not just pull the party lever that their ancestors pulled. They should vote with their intelligence and their minds … not with their passions or prejudices.

I offer the people of West Virginia an open, honest, and clear road into a productive future based upon the indi-vidual strength and character of every man and woman. I do not promise an easy living through welfare. I do not promise free health care or free educa-tion or free anything. I promise only that if you want to make the State of West Virginia prosperous for all of us, you are going to have to work harder than you ever have in your life to get there.

We citizens of West Virginia have rights, but we also have duties to fulfi ll. I promise that the hard work will be worth it, and the process will be suc-cessful. This is our state … it is your future … and it is my promise that we will get there together.

DARREL V. MCGRAW, JR.

Attorney General McGraw Seeks 2nd TermDarrel McGraw is the

Democratic Party nominee for the offi ce of West Virginia Attorney General. The attor-ney general is the chief legal offi cer of the state, provid-ing legal representation for all state agencies, offi cials, commissions and boards. The West Virginia Attorney Gen-eral is elected to a four-year term of offi ce.

To run for offi ce and to serve as attorney general a person must be at least 25 years-old, be a citizen entitled to vote and be a resident of West Virginia for at least the preceding fi ve years.

Darrell McGraw is married to Jorea Marple. They are the parents of four children and have one grandson.

Candidate McGraw’s edu-cational background in-cludes: John McGraw School, Pineville High School; Berea Academy; U. S. Army Lead-ership School; WVJU under-graduate A.B.; WVU Gradu-ate M.A.; WVU Law School J.D.; and three post-graduate fellowships.

He currently serves as the

Attorney General of West Virginia and is a Methodist by faith.

His favorite pastimes and hobbies include reading his-tory and learning about machines, particularly auto-mobiles.

Candidate McGraw’s an-

swers to questions posed by The Weston Democrat are as follows:


To work for the good

people of West Virginia as their Attorney General, to pro-vide quality legal counsel to state offi cials and entities, to enforce the state’s consumer

laws, to defend state convic-tions and to defend the state’s citizens’ human rights.

What do you see as the

most important challenge you will face if you are ulti-mately elected to this offi ce?

The most pressing issue

is to maintain quality legal services for the state with less money. We will meet this challenge by retaining our top-notch staff with years of legal experience, and we will continue to vigorously enforce the consumer laws in


a way that protects consum-ers, levels the playing fi eld for businesses that play by the rules and provides money for our citizens.


I will continue to work with state and county offi cials for economic and demographic growth. We need to ensure there will be a level playing fi eld for small businesses that play by the rules. The citizens of the state will be educated on how to protect themselves from becoming a victim of scams.


My goals and objectives include:

> Vigorous enforcement of consumer laws without cost to taxpayers.

> Successfully limit the State’s fi nancial liability by

legal defense of State offi cials and entities.

> Successfully defend the state’s assets and pursue claims where the state of its citizens has been deprived of assets.

> Protect the health, safety and property of the state’s citi-zens through legal enforce-ment of human rights, uphold-ing criminal convictions, and consumer protection.

Who is someone you ad-

mire or look up to? Why? My wife, Jorea Marple.

She gets up every day and works diligently on behalf of the children of West Virginia and still fi nds time to make her family the central focus of her life.


Because I have made a life-long commitment to improving the lives of West Virginians.

"I have made a life-long commitment to improving the lives of West Virginians."

-Darrel Mc Graw

Delegate Peggy Smith Asks for Support

DELEGATE PEGGY SMITH

Peggy Donaldson Smith is the nominee of the Democratic Party for the 38th District of the West Virginia House of Delegates. The House of Delegates is one body of the bicameral West Virginia Leg-islature. Members of the House of Delegates are elected for a term of two years.

Peggy Donaldson Smith is mar-ried to Michael C. Smith, who is also her law partner and a candidate for Lewis County Prosecuting Attorney

Delegate Smith’s parents are Gerry Donaldson and the late Gene Donaldson of Smith Run Road.

The Smith’s children inlcude: Melissa Riley (and husband Kevin) of Terrace Avenue, Weston; Caro-line Buttrill Smith (and husband Michael) of Renick; Burke Smith (and wife Sophia) of Virginia; and Leah Sills (and husband Chris) of Lewisburg. Grandchildren include: Tori Shea Riley, Keely Riley Cunningham (and husband Chris), Oliver, Beatrix, and Iona Sills, Luna Buttrill, Lindsay, Lau-ren, Matt and Tyler Smith and the newest addition to the family, Johna Briley Cunningham who was born on March 12, 2012.

Candidate Smith is a graduate of Lewis County High School, holds a B.A. degree and is an honor graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College. She holds an M.A. degree from West Virginia University and an Ed.D., (doctorate in education administration with a minor in public administration) from West Virginia University and a J.D., (law degree) from West Virginia University. In addition she has completed post-doctural studies at Marshall University and West Virginia University.

She is an attorney and retired university professor, a former teacher (Peterson Central School) and principal (Roanoke School), and is a former West Virginia As-sistant State Treasurer

Smith is a Christian by faith and belongs to many civic and profes-sional organizations. Some of those are: the Order of the Eastern Star, Farm Bureau, NRA, Stonewall Jackson Lake Boaters Associa-tion, West Virginia Wesleyan Col-lege Alumni Council, Lewis County Association of Retired School Employees and West Virginia State Bar. Smith has also served as chair of the Lewis County Extension Service Committee.

Her favorite pastimes and hob-bies include reading, attending community functions and spending time with her family.

Candidate Smith’s answers to questions posed by The Weston Democrat are as follows:


I have a lot of energy and am full of creative ideas. I understand government and state fi nance. In addition, I am absolutely devoted to Lewis County. I decided four years ago that I would channel all of that into promoting Lewis and Upshur Counties on a full-time basis. It is my life’s passion and I do it with en-thusiasm, dedication and devotion.


There are several challenges facing our state government. We must continue to develop our state’s economy, improve our infrastructure, provide a solid

education for our children, and cre-ate fi nancial security for our senior citizens.

I have been the Assistant State Treasurer of West Virginia, am a lawyer, and understand fi nances. Fortunately, our state constitution requires that we have a balanced budget. West Virginia has main-tained a fi nancially solvent budget while almost all other states have not. Other states have laid off state employees, curtailed state services, cut back in general, and borrowed money. West Virginia will continue to stay within our budget, and pay off our long-term liabilities, includ-ing our unfunded pension funds.


My life time of experiences prepared me for this job. In Charles-ton, I am a strong, positive voice for our area. I am committed to public service and am a full-time member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, even though it is only a part-time position.

When I was fi rst elected in 2008, I immediately fulfi lled my cam-paign promise and quit practicing law in order to commit full time to my legislative duties. There are only a few legislators who do not have other jobs. It has paid off and will continue to pay off. I spend all of my time promoting Lewis and Upshur Counties.

I believe that the West Virginia Legislature must promote eco-nomic development; provide a good quality of life for our senior citizens and our public employee retirees; provide a good standard of living and a sense of security to our public employees and educators;

and provide a solid education for our preK through 12th grade and college students.


My goal and West Virginia’s primary focus must be to improve our state’s economy. We must main-tain our balanced state budget and work to bring business and jobs to our state and to Lewis and Upshur Counties.


They include: Howard Reeder (my fi rst boss

when I began teaching at Peterson Central School and my best friend);

Commander Bill Cayton and the members of the Lewis County Honor Guard (provide services to our veterans and their families); Wilson Harvey, student Christian leader and athlete at LCHS (role model for students and adults); and Adeline Spiker and Mary Ann

Hiteshew (educators and the quint-essential ladies)

I admire those people for their positive attitudes toward life, their work ethics, and their values. Each one has inspired me power-fully and has infl uenced the lives of many Lewis Countians.


The House of Delegates has two functions; to pass laws and to appropriate the state budget. My background as a lawyer, profes-sor and Assistant State Treasurer uniquely prepared me for those tasks. As a lawyer, I know how to write bills that can become law. Bills that legislators vote on are technical and have long-reaching ramifi cations once they become law. I put all of my legal training and experience to work on every bill.

Serving in the legislature comes naturally to me. I get along with everyone and that is the secret to successfully promoting our area among the other legislators and elected state offi cials.

I am currently the Assistant Ma-jority Leader for the West Virginia House of Delegates. Additionally, I serve as vice chair of the Home-land Security Committee. I was given both of those assignments after serving only one term in the Legislature. I also chair the Central West Virginia Caucus in the House of Delegates.

M y p e r s o n a l i t y, t r a i n -ing, drive, passion for our area and my work ethic serve me well in my legislative position. I have worked hard to earn the respect of the voters in our district. I ask for your vote.



Flanigan Runs for Prosecuting Attorney

CHRISTINA TALBERT "CHRISTY" FLANIGAN

Christina “Christy” (Talbert) Flanigan is the Republican Party nominee for the offi ce of Lewis County Prosecuting Attorney.

The prosecuting attorney is the chief legal offi cer of the county. They have areas of responsibility in both criminal and civil cases. In criminal cases, the prosecuting at-torney assists in the investigation of all crimes and other law violations in the county. In civil cases, the prosecuting attorney acts as legal advisor to the county commission and other county offi cials. They may be called upon to assist the state attorney general in state legal actions within the county and are sometimes called to serve as special prosecutors in other counties.

To serve as a prosecuting at-torney one must be a citizen of the state and be admitted to the practice of law by the date the term of of-fi ce begins. The term of offi ce for prosecuting attorneys is four years.

Christina Flanigan is married to Mike Flanigan, an offi cer with the Weston Police Department. They are the parents of two children; Jared and Erin.

She is a 1996 graduate of Lewis County High School, a 2000 graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College, summa cum laude, and a 2004 graduate of the West Virginia University School of Law, where she was a member of the Moot Court Board. She also attended the United States Military Academy, West Point - honorable discharge.

She is an attorney with the Law Offi ces of Nanners & Willett in Buckhannon.

Locally, she serves as the attor-ney for the Weston Volunteer Fire Department.

Her favorite pastimes and hob-

bies include reading and movie nights with her family.

Candidate Flanigan’s answers to questions posed by The Weston Democrat are as follows:


It has been a life-long desire of mine to become prosecuting at-torney. It is the very reason that I chose to go to law school. Growing up the daughter of a state trooper, I witnessed someone who loved his job, and who was dedicated to his job. I became interested in the fi eld of law at a young age,and wanted a job that I could love and be dedicated to as well.

I also saw the frustration that was associated with his job when he sacrifi ced so much time on some of his investigations only to see the defendant walk free or get a slap on the hand.

I knew by being prosecuting attorney that I could make a dif-ference, and make sure that the sacrifi ces he made and the sacrifi ces all law enforcement offi cers make would not go for naught.

What do you see as the most important challenge you will face

if you are ultimately elected to this offi ce?

Drugs are the main problem facing our county and state today. Addicts then often begin to break other laws in order to support their habit leading to repeat offenders. Young drug offenders need to receive in-patient rehabilitation to help curb the addiction. If offenders are unable to successfully complete the rehabilitation, then they need to be sentenced to do their jail time.

If offenders have already been given a shot at rehabilitation and are re-offending or if an offender is the actual dealer, then they need to be sentenced to do their jail time. One way or another, either through the in-patient drug treatment program or through incarceration, they need to be off of our streets so that they are not committing additional crimes against the community.

Additionally, I think that it will be tough to curb the drug problem without an offi cer in the county specifi cally assigned to do drug investigations. If elected, I will work with the county commission and the law enforcement agencies to try and get this position established in the county once again.

Why do you think you can make a difference for Lewis County?

I have been a Lewis Countian for over thirty (30) years, and I have seen the transformations the effects of drugs have had on our commu-nity. Having been the daughter of a state trooper and the wife of a police offi cer, I am all too aware of the dangers associated with their profession, and the dangers that lurk for the citizens of this county. As such, I know that the decisions

that the prosecutor makes effect the lives of each and every citizen of Lewis County.

I would be willing to make the tough decisions to ensure that crime does not continue to take over our community. I have two (2) children of my own now, and I want to ensure that they and every other child in this county have a safe environment to grow up in.


People need to realize there is a price to be paid for breaking the law, and that they should not just expect a slap on the hand. Too often, we see the same people charged over and over, so-called “repeat offenders.” This happens both in the juvenile system and the adult system. We need to attempt to reduce the number of repeat of-fenders that we see in the system. The only way to really do this is to make people not want to break the law because they know that they will be punished accordingly for their crimes. Meaning that they will be incarcerated, and depending on the crime, for a long period of time.

Additionally, I intend to work with the law enforcement agencies to try to resolve and bring closure to the family of Aaliyah Lunsford and the much older case of Maxine Stalnaker and Mary Friend. Further, I intend to ensure that I, as the chief law enforcement offi cer of the county, if elected, will have an open-door policy between my offi ce and the offi cers to ensure that we work hand-in-hand to protect the citizens of this county.

Who is someone you admire or look up to?

I admire both of my parents. Growing up, they made sure that the three of us kids never went without. My dad put his life on the line every day so that we all could live a safer life. He often worked long hours, but did what he could to make up for that lost family time. He loved his job, was dedicated to it, and was proud to wear the uniform.

My mom was a stay-at-home mother for most of my childhood. She was an excellent example of what a mother should be -supportive at all times, caring, and nurturing. Today, she is the rock for all us - my children and I, my sister and niece, my brother and my dad.

The last ten plus years have been a diffi cult time for them, but together, they have weathered the storm, and they not only deserve my admiration - they have it.


I grew up in Lewis County and went to school here all the way from kindergarten to graduation from high school. I played Pee Wee baseball and Little League baseball and basketball here in the commu-nity. I participated in sports in both middle school and high school. I have continued to live here through my adult life, choosing to raise my kids here in the county.

I am a person who believes in Lewis County and wants to see the best for all of its citizens. I truly want to make a difference as prosecutor, and I have no further political aspirations other than to be your prosecuting attorney. I prom-ise you that if elected I will bring energy, motivation and dedication to the job.


MIKE SMITH

Mike Smith Hopes To Be ProsecutorMichael C. “Mike” Smith is

the Democratic Party nominee for the offi ce of Lewis County Prosecuting Attorney.

The prosecuting attorney is the chief legal offi cer of the county. They have areas of re-sponsibility in both criminal and civil cases. In criminal cases, the prosecuting attorney assists in the investigation of all crimes and other law violations in the county.

In civil cases, the prosecuting attorney acts as legal advisor to the county commission and other county offi cials. They may be called upon to assist the state attorney general in state legal actions within the county and are sometimes called to serve as special prosecutors in other counties.

To serve as a prosecuting at-torney one must be a citizen of the state and be admitted to the practice of law by the date the term of offi ce begins. The term of offi ce for prosecuting attorneys is four years.

Mike Smith has been married to Peggy Donaldson Smith for 30 years. Their children are: Melissa Riley (husband Kevin) of Terrace Avenue, Weston; Caroline Buttrill Smith (hus-band Michael) and Leah Sills (husband Chris) of Lewisburg; and Burke Smith (wife Sophia) of Alexandria, Virginia. Their

grandchildren include Tori Shea Riley, Keely Riley Cunningham (and husband Chris), Oliver, Beatrix, and Iona Sills, Luna Buttrill, Johna Briley Cunning-ham, Lindsay, Lauren, Matt and Tyler Smith. Smith’s mother-in-law, Gerry Donaldson, lives on Smith Run Road.

He was fi rst in his class in law school, and also earned an advanced law degree (L.LM.) in criminal law on a fellowship at Tulane University School of Law. In addition, he holds a doctorate from WVU in higher education and criminal justice. He learned much in the Marine Corps as well.

Candidate Smith is an attor-ney and professor emeritus of criminal justice.

He is a Christian by faith and serves as assisting minister at the First Presbyterian Church in Weston. He serves on the Board of Directors of Sharpe Hospital, and has been a volun-teer attorney for the Weston Fire Department. Smith is active in the Marine Corps League (life member), American Legion,

NRA, Stonewall Jackson Lake Boaters Association and the West Virginia and Lewis County Bar Associations.

His favorite pasttimes/hob-bies include boating, reading, and modeling historic railroads.

Candidate Smith’s answers to questions posed by The Weston Democrat are as follows:


We have a crime problem in Lewis County. Senior citizens are frightened in their own homes. The times call for a no-nonsense approach to law enforcement. I’ll be a tough but fair prosecutor, and I won’t give soft plea bargains to real criminals.


most important challenge you will face if you are ultimately elected to this offi ce?

Frankly, I don’t see any obsta-cles. I am a highly experienced prosecutor and ready to start the job with gusto on day one. Vote for me and I’ll be ready to roll.


My experience. I am unique-ly qualifi ed for this position. I have been a career prosecutor, handling hundreds of major

criminal cases. Early in my career, I was elected as a pros-ecuting attorney, and then spent many years at the Capitol as an Assistant Attorney General doing special criminal cases around West Virginia. I rose to be Chief Deputy Attorney Gen-eral of West Virginia, directing the staff of 51 lawyers serving all state agencies.

I was a university professor of criminal law and authored fi ve books on crime and the justice system. For several years, I was director of a police training academy.

In addition to handing crimi-nal cases, the prosecutor serves as civil lawyer for county government, handling county contracts, leases, real estate, per-

"I am a highly experi-enced prosecutor and ready to start the job with gusto on day one. Vote for me and I’ll be ready to roll."

- Mike Smith

sonnel issues and suits against the county. I’ve had vast experi-ence with such matters.

While in the Attorney Gen-eral’s offi ce, I oversaw legal services to all state agencies, and personally served as general counsel (chief lawyer) for two major state agencies (Depart-ment of Human Services and the Board of Regents of the West Virginia college and university system). I also served as senior attorney for the Department of Highways, and handled the legal work for the New River Gorge Bridge. I was honored to be among the fi rst persons to walk across it on opening day.

What major goal would you

like to meet if elected to this position?

A safer community for my family and yours.


General Chuck Yeager. He tells it like it is, and he doesn’t go around apologizing for being himself. I may not always agree with what he says, but I sure like the way he says it!


I will hold criminals account-able for their crimes.


Commissioner Queen Seeks Reelection Agnes Queen is the Democratic

Party candidate for a seat on the Lewis County Commission. The county com-mission is the governing body of a county. Commissioners serve in part-time positions and are elected for a six-year term of offi ce.

She is married to Michael Queen and they are the parents of one son, Brandon. She also has a stepdaughter, Ashley. Queen is a 1991 graduate of Lewis County High School. She at-tended Glenville State College, where she majored in business/marketing and biology. Later she attended The Radio Broadcaster School of Marketing and received her Certifi ed Marketing Con-sultants Certifi cation. Currently she is taking classes at WVU through the lo-cal Government Leadership Academy.

She works as a full-time commis-sioner in the offi ce of the Lewis County Commission and has served in this capacity for almost six years.

Active in community affairs, she is involved in many groups and organi-zations which include Lewis County Park Board, Lewis County Fair Assoc., Lewis County Economic Development, Region VII Development Council where she served as vice chairperson, North Central Trade Assoc., Weston Rotary Club, Lewis County Litter Control Taskforce, Lewis County Senior Citizens Board of Directors, Lewis County Chamber of Commerce, Lewis County Relay For Life, Catholic Daughters of American, Lewis County Democratic Women, St Patrick Home School Assoc., Big 12 Planning Com-mittee, Lewis County CVB, Kawasaki Disease Support Group, Lewis County Farm Bureau, member of St Patrick Church, American Red Cross, Lewis County Haz Mat, Lewis County Fire Assoc, The Lewis/Gilmer Solid Waste Authority, The American Heart Assoc., Lewis County Kiwanis Club and she serves on the West Virginia County Commissioner’s Association Board

of Directors.Her favorite pastime is spending

time with her family.Candidate Queen answered ques-

tions posed by The Weston Democrat as follows:


I fi rst decided to run for the offi ce of Leis County Commissioner six years ago. The reason I decided to run for offi ce was because I felt Lewis County needed a change. I felt we needed a full -time commissioner dedicated to the job and the people of the county. We needed someone who was willing to work hard for all of Lewis County. I feel since being elected county commissioner six years ago I have helped to turn things around in the county. Since becoming a county commissioner I feel Lewis County is starting to transform into a positive, vibrant and growing county. I want to keep the momentum going and help the county achieve the positive growth and development we deserve, in all areas of the county.


I believe that infrastructure and diversifi ed industry is our greatest challenge at this time.

My goal is to continue to work to help Lewis County grow and move for-ward. Currently I’m focused on helping build a long-term plan for the future of the county to work toward diversifi ed industry and expanded infrastructure such as water, sewage, high-speed internet and cell-phone coverage. Infra-structure is a must to grow our county. We currently have many water projects planned for the county and are working to resolve a confl ict with our local water company, so that we can apply for and receive the needed money from the state to complete these projects.

Why do you think you can make a difference for West Virginia or

Lewis County?I think I have already made a dif-

ference in Lewis County. Since being elected county commissioner six years ago I have become a full-time county commissioner. I’m energetic, outgoing and dedicated to Lewis County and the State of West Virginia. With my experi-ence in marketing and public relations I can continue to help promote Lewis County in a positive light. We must have a positive image on the county in order to grow our county in a positive way. I’m willing to work hard for the betterment of all of Lewis County and continue to be a commissioner that is available to the people of the county.


My goal is to continue to work for the positive growth of Lewis County. I plan to work for the betterment of all of the county, regardless of age, political affi liation or religion. I’m dedicated to making this county the best it can be. We need to keep fi ghting for our water projects and work hard for diversifi ed industry. I’ll work hard to make sure our children have safe places to play

and hang out. We need to continue to be a unifi ed governmental body that works together, agrees to disagree and promotes our county in a positive man-ner. And I will continue to work hard to keep the citizens informed and updated on all that is going on in the county.


I admire many people for many dif-ferent reasons. After tossing around all those that have infl uenced me or have inspired me the most, I had to choose Kelly and Charlie Helmick. The reason I admire them is because of the way they have dealt with a very sad tragedy. As a mother, who has had to deal with a child that was very ill, I could not imagine having to deal with the loss of a child. The Helmicks had to do just that. As I have followed this family before, during and after the loss of their young daughter Claire, I can’t help but admire them for their strength and unwavering faith. They could be mad at the world but they’re not. They could have given up on life but they haven’t. Instead they are helping others by educating them and helping them to understand the loss they have shared. They’re truly my greatest inspiration. The strength they have is beyond inspirational.

Why should someone vote for you?I feel that my hard work and dedica-

tion to Lewis County over the past six years has proven I’m the most qualifi ed candidate for the job of Lewis County Commissioner. I’m a full-time commis-sioner that has always been available to help the people. I strive to keep you the people informed and involved in all aspects of the county. We’ve worked hard to improve the county and save the taxpayer money. We pride ourselves on having been able to upgrade and mod-ernize many aspects of the county by using grant funding to offset our costs.

Our offi ce has written and received millions of dollars in grants for Lewis County, which have helped offset the

money spent to grow the county. We used grant funding when new roofs were added to the courthouse, Health Department and Extension Offi ce to help preserve our buildings. A new judicial complex is being built, which again will have hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant money helping to pay for it. Grant funding has helped to modernize most of our county offi ces by helping to offset the cost of adding new computer systems and other systems to help you the tax payer.

We built a 911 tower at Roanoke and are in the process of building a new 911 communications tower on the hill at TALA, all being paid for from grant funds. Grant funding was received to help pay for additional police offi cers, law enforcement equipment and safety equipment for our Sheriff’s department. Thanks to grant funding we also added a new security system to the courthouse complex to help protect you the tax-payer. Our offi ce was instrumental in helping to get a new Water Park for the kids that you the taxpayer voted to pay for. I’m proud to say I also helped our fi re departments by helping offset the costs of fi re trucks in Weston, Pricetown and Walkersville.

Every two years we award money to a department to help with the pur-chase of a new truck. We also helped the Lewis County EMS by giving them funding to help with the purchase of a new ambulance and equipment. Even though we are spending money to help grow Lewis County we are doing it wisely and continue to have millions of dollars in carryover each year.

My goal has always been to work to make Lewis County the best place to live and raise a family. I believe you will agree, with my marketing and public relations background along with my past six years of experience and dedication, I’m your most qualifi ed candidate for the job of Lewis County Commissioner.

COMMISSIONER AGNES QUEEN


Doak Looking for Votes To Be Sheriff

DAVID L. DOAK

David L Doak is the Re-publican Party nominee for the offi ce of Lewis County Sheriff. The county sheriff serves as the chief law en-forcement offi cer, charged with the responsibility of policing the county and keep-ing the peace, including the power to make arrests.

In addition to the duties re-lated to law enforcement, the sheriff also serves as treasurer of the county and collects all taxes levied by the county.

A sheriff must be a resident of the county and is elected every four years. A sheriff can only serve two consecu-tive terms.

David L. Doak and wife Shila (Brown) Doak have been married for 30 years. They are the parents of one son, Adam, a senior at Lewis County High School.

The candidate is a graduate of St. Marys High School and the West Virginia State Police Academy.

He is a retired West Vir-ginia State trooper and is a member of the Mt. Morris United Methodist Church.

His favorite pastimes and

hobbies include playing golf and reading.

Candidate Doak’s answers to questions posed by The Weston Democrat are as fol-lows:

What made you run for this particular offi ce?

I have a passion for law enforcement and for helping others. I decided my experi-ence best fi ts the position of sheriff and I could use my experience to help the people of Lewis County.

What do you see as the most important challenge you will face if you are ulti-mately elected to this offi ce?

I feel that there exists a great need for cooperation among everyone working for the common goal of the best service to the people. Facilitating this with other agencies and county offi ces will determine if my term of sheriff would be successful. We must work together to improve and to make a dent in crime, especially drugs.

Why do you think you can

make a difference for West Virginia or Lewis County?

I have over 33 years of experience in law enforce-ment, including seven years of supervision and admin-istration. I have also been trained in law enforcement instruction, supervision and administration. I feel with my experience I can lead our sheriff’s offi ce into the future to make a positive difference for the entire county.


My main goal would be to advance the manpower, technology and equipment of the tax and law enforce-ment offi ces so the people there can do their jobs to the highest level.

Who is someone you ad-mire or look up to? Why?

A person in history I ad-mire is Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Lincoln persevered through many failures to become President in this country’s greatest time of challenge. He showed the leadership to allow this country to survive.


I would be sheriff for the people. I have no personal goals to get in the way of serving the people.

By concentrating on Lewis County’s needs and goals, we, together, can make things

"I have a passion for law enforce-ment and for serving others... I have over 33 years of experience in law enforcement, including seven years of supervision and administration... I would be sheriff for the people."

- David Doak


Adam Gissy Ready To Serve as Sheriff

ADAM M. GISSY

Adam M. Gissy is the Demo-cratic Party nominee for the offi ce of Lewis County Sheriff. The county sheriff serves as the chief law enforcement offi cer, charged with the responsibility of policing the county and keeping the peace, including the power to make arrests.

In addition to the duties related to law enforcement, the sheriff also serves as treasurer of the county and collects all taxes levied by the county.

A sheriff must be a resident of the county and is elected every four years. A sheriff can only serve two consecutive terms.

Gissy is married to Cortney Lynn (Hitt) Gissy. He is a graduate of Lewis County High School, and is an honor graduate of Fairmont State University in criminal justice. He is also a graudate of the West Virginia State Police Academy as a certifi ed police offi cer.

The candidate currently serves as Sergeant with the Sutton Police Department.

He is a member of the Weston Rotary, serves as a board member of the Lewis County Pony League Baseball Association and is a mem-ber of the Central West Virginia Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #114. Gissy is a Roman Catholic by faith and is a member of St. Patrick’s Parish Knights of Columbus.

In his spare time he enjoys outdoor activities; including golf, cycling, jogging and hunting. He is a passionate sports fan and loves watching any sport, espe-cially America’s favorite pastime, baseball.

Candidate Gissy’s answers to questions posed by The Weston

Democrat are as follows:What made you decide to run

for this particular offi ce?Deciding to run for public of-

fi ce was not on my radar several months ago, as I was and am still not particularly comfortable in the political environment. However, after observing the growing chal-lenges we face in our community, I believe it will take an individual who is youthful and energetic, but yet well versed and trained in law enforcement matters to lead the sheriff’s department into the future. With that being said, I know and understand the problems, or as I prefer to call them “challenges”, we face in today’s society and I’m prepared to tackle them head-on.

Also, being born and raised in Lewis County has given me a sense of pride and compassion for the community and a concern for the safety and well being of its members. This is why I chose to seek the position as your sheriff.


Without question, there will be

numerous challenges. However, I believe the most important chal-lenge will be combating and cur-tailing the criminal activity that has become prevalent in our area. Being an active member of law enforce-ment, I see how the growing drug epidemic is plaguing our region. On a regular basis, I have spearheaded several operations to alleviate the distribution of narcotics and have placed the subjects under arrest for handling these drugs.

With cooperation amongst all law enforcement personnel, work-ing side-by-side with a strong leader, this challenge can be ad-dressed and ultimately curtailed making our community a safer place for the citizens of Lewis County and for those who visit.


I believe I can make a difference for West Virginia and Lewis County because I have the ability and con-fi dence to lead by example. I am a young man who not only has a vi-sion, but a plan to make our sheriff’s offi ce second to none. I feel with my education, law enforcement experience, and most importantly unrelenting motivation and desire, I can lead the sheriff’s offi ce into the future while providing the best public service for the citizens of Lewis County. Being a native and proud Lewis Countian, I want to bridge the gap between the youth and aging individuals to make our community one. I will work hand-in-hand with the sheriff’s and tax deputies, as well as our community members to ensure the department is being productive while serving

with the greatest intent.What major goal would you

like to meet if elected to this position?

I have numerous goals I would like to meet ranging from increas-ing manpower to providing a more economical and accessible way for citizens to pay taxes by establish-ing satellite locations in our rural communities for ease with tax collection.

However, the major goal I would like to achieve would be to aggressively combat the drug problem in our area and bring it to a halt. We have a small faction of people in our community who are transporting and selling drugs to our family, friends and neighbors. Unfortunately, I have received several calls from concerned fam-ily members affected by this who were seeking advice. When I hear the concern in a relative’s voice, it drives me to address the epidemic and to clean up our streets. I par-ticipate in tactical operations that put drug handlers behind bars on a daily basis, and I would love the opportunity to do the same work in my home county.


There have been many people in my life whom I have admired as role models; too many to mention. But, if I mimic the patience of my father,

the respect and courtesy of Coach Whitey Adolphson, the generosity and charity of Father Edward Mc-Donald, and the work ethic of my grandfather, Bill Hinter, I, without question, would be successful and productive in my life and my career. Those men have instilled in me strong values and moral virtues that I believe are paramount to being a hard worker and solid leader.


This upcoming election is a time that you should ask yourself a few questions: Do we need a youthful energetic leader? Is it time for an active, experienced police offi cer to lead our sheriff’s department into the future? Is it time for someone who is prepared and trained to com-bat the “war on drugs”? Is it time to have a sheriff who is capable and willing to work hand-in-hand with deputy sheriffs and tax deputies? If your answers are yes, then I ask you to vote for me; vote Adam Gissy for Sheriff of Lewis County.

The times we live in are continu-ously changing and we need some-one with the energy and experience to keep up with those changes. I am the person for that job. I want to bring about a proven philosophy of community-oriented policing to our home.

Examples of this philosophy are proactive patrols like foot patrols, neighborhood watch programs and outreach programs in our school systems that enable law enforce-ment to educate our youth and establish positive relationships.

I am proud to be a Lewis Coun-tian and would be honored and blessed to serve you as your sheriff.

"I am proud to be a Lewis Countian and would be honored and blessed to serve you as your sheriff."

-Adam Gissy


Assessor Chad Kelley Running for Reelection

ASSESSOR T. CHAD KELLEY

T. Chad Kelley is the Democratic Party nominee for the offi ce of Lewis County Assessor. Assessors annually appraise or place a true and actual value on all real estate and personal property for tax purposes and from that determine the assessed value for the calculation of taxes. They are responsible for listing all property in the county, both real estate and personal property.

In addition, assessors are respon-sible for listing all properties exempt from taxation, collecting county and local dog taxes, determining eligibility of property owners for the homestead exemption, maintaining tax maps and property records and making them available for public use.

T. Chad Kelley and wife Chanda, are the parents of one son, Caden. Chad is the son of Tim and Cheryl Kelley.

He is a 1996 graduate of Lewis County High and attended Glenville State College.

He is the current Lewis County Assessor.

Candidate Kelley is involved in several community organizations in-cluding theWeston Rotary Club, Lewis County Farm Bureau, West Virginia Association of Counties, Assessor’s Association of West Virginia and the Lewis County Baseball Association, where he serves as a coach.

His favorite pastimes and hobbies include bowling, attending WVU games, dirt track racing, hunting, col-lecting guns and coaching his son in baseball.

Candidate Kelley answered ques-tions posed by The Weston Democrat as follows:

What made you run for this par-ticular offi ce?

Sixteen years experience fi rst and foremost. I was employed at the Lewis County Assessor’s Offi ce on June 10, 1996, at the age of 18. In August 2009, I was appointed to the position of Lewis County Assessor. Being assessor is not a job that can be learned by reading a book or taking advice. It is a job that takes many years of training and on-

the-job exposure to understand. Different agendas and new guide-

lines seem to change daily with the offi ce of assessor in regards to the West Virginia State Tax Department. The next few years will continue to be very pivotal for the Lewis County Assessor’s Offi ce. It will be very important to keep myself and my offi ce staff intact in order to meet the mandates. This process could affect valuations throughout our entire county and your taxes. My knowledge and the experience of my staff will help protect you, the citizens of Lewis County, from any mistakes that could be costly to the taxpayer. I stress once again the importance of having a knowledgeable assessor and staff with the challenges we have facing Lewis County.


I still have four key obstacles that I consider challenges, the fi rst being communication - There has to be a continued understanding about the assessor’s offi ce. A lot of times people don’t understand why their taxes go up (new construction, new vehicles, oil and gas royalties, etc.) these are all examples that most of us know and understand.

Now, the ones we don’t understand. Values that went up for no reason, Ex-ample: (I did nothing new to my home but my value went up). We have 23 different taxing neighborhoods within Lewis County that cover 16,217 parcels. We have to perform a yearly study of sales which dictates whether the area you live in will be affected overall. If sales are high, more than likely there will be an overall increase. It is very important for the taxpayers of Lewis County to provide us the proper in-formation to help us with our overall communication to keep taxes as fair and equitable as possible.

The second is fairness – since be-coming assessor I have had many talks with the citizens of Lewis County about fairness. The talks that come to mind

are farm value. Example: (My neighbor down the road has 100 acres and I only have 3 acres with a house and his taxes are less). In order to classify as a farm you must have over 5 acres and be legitimately farming the property and provide proper documentation to our offi ce supporting farm valuation. As many of you know already, we have been monitoring all areas of taxation more closely so we can ensure fair and equitable taxes for all citizens of Lewis County.

The third is vision - it is my goal that my youth, experience and vision will continue to bring assessment into the 21st century. One plan, already in place and currently being implemented as we speak, is the upgrading of our mapping system to a GIS (Geographical Information System). This system will allow the county to use aerial photog-raphy and allow the assessor’s offi ce to overlay its parcel data. This system will promote more precise accuracy in tax assessment, ultimately a benefi t for other county agencies and all citizens of our county in the years ahead.

Fourth is education – One of my main goals is to continue to educate the citizens of Lewis County about the assessor’s offi ce. Many times, I have seen citizens unaware of the duties of an assessor and the assessor’s offi ce.

As assessor, I am mandated by the State Tax Department to follow the guidelines set forth by the West Virginia State Code. As assessor your hands are tied when it comes to increasing and decreasing property values. We send out many forms during the course of the year with different deadlines. My staff and I believe, from experience, that the more we educate taxpayers about our work and how to follow deadlines the better off we all will be in the future.


I feel that my offi ce experience is a huge asset to Lewis County as well my employees. I have worked in all elements of the assessor’s offi ce, since

being hired here in 1996 from the ground up. Many positive things have taken place since I was appointed to the position in August of 2009. I want to uphold my pledge of communica-tion, fairness, vision, as well making my staff and myself as educated as we can be in the ever changing rules of the assessor’s offi ce.


When I took offi ce in 2010 there were numerous goals I set for the offi ce. They included:

> A computerized supplemental tax system to assist the sheriff’s tax offi ce

> A computerized dog tag program to assist animal control

> Two county vehicles for data col-lection which provide public awareness and employee safety

> We started outreach programs with the Lewis County Senior Center and some satellite programs for onsite assessing due to accessibility issues for

the elderly at the courthouse.> We have done a major overhaul

of computer systems within the offi ce > Striven for taxpayer awareness

and deadlines by advertising locally on the radio, in the newspaper, and on social networking sites

> Last but not least, a GIS Mapping system that is currently being installed on our computers as we speak. This provides unlimited tools, to many dif-ferent governing agencies throughout the county. The director of E-911, Bill Rowan and his staff, along with the Lewis County Commission has played a huge role in making this happen. Without their help with funding it would have never been possible.

Along with these completed goals, I will continue to set new goals and lead our offi ce into the 21st century by keeping our offi ce updated with the most up-to-date technology in order to provide better customer service to the taxpayer.

Who is someone you admire and look up to? Why?

I don’t think I could do this without honoring four people, my wife Chanda, son Caden, and parents Tim and Cheryl Kelley.

Through my fi rst election in 2010 and this current election, they have been a major part in my success. Their support, loyalty and confi dence in me are what gives me the strength to serve Lewis County on a daily basis. They have shown me the meaning of family and that is the thing I cherish the most.

Why should someone vote for you?The complex nature of the West

Virginia State Tax Assessment System cannot be understood without experi-ence. The citizens of Lewis County deserve the protection offered by an experienced assessor. We have made huge strides in the assessor’s offi ce in the last few years. It has been an honor to serve Lewis County residents the past 16 years and I look forward to serving all in the future. I ask for your support on November 6, 2012.


Magistrate Dan Moody Seeks Reelection

MAGISTRATE JAMES D. "DAN" MOODY

Magistrate James D. “Dan’ Moody is a Republican can-didate for one of two Lewis County Magistrate positions up for election on Nov. 6.

Magistrates are judges, and because magistrates have the most contact with the public, magistrate court is known as the “people’s court.” To serve as magistrate one must be at least 21 years of age, must have a high school education or its equivalent, and shall not have been convicted of any felony or any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.

They must also complete all courses of education required by supervisory rules of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Ap-peals. Magistrates must reside in the county they serve and they are elected to a four-year term of offi ce.

There are 158 magistrates in West Virginia, at least two for every county. They hear misdemeanor criminal cases, conduct preliminary examina-tions in felony cases and hear civil argument with $5,000 or less in dispute. Cases lost in magistrate court can be appealed to circuit court.

Candidate Moody and his wife Susan Hyre Moody have been married for 25 years. They are the parents of four children; son J.D., and daughters Amber,

Megan and Sarah. The Moody’s have one granddaughter, Audrey Westfall.

He is a 1974 graduate of Lewis County High School and has attended and successfully completed 35 required training conferences for magistrates conducted by the West Virginia Supreme Court and has passed all required exams given at those conferences.

He has served as Lewis County Magistrate since the magistrate court system was created in West Virginia in 1977.

Moody is a Christian by faith, and over the years has been ac-tive in local civic affairs helping with Little League baseball, youth soccer and boys soccer and has helped promote sports

in Lewis County through the Downtown Athletic Club.

His favorite pastimes and hobbies include riding side by side with his wife, going to sporting events in Lewis County, hunting, fi shing and hiking.

Candidate Moody answered questions posed by The Weston Democrat as follows:


Since 1977, when I took offi ce serving as the youngest magis-trate in West Virginia history at the age of 22, I have liked the challenges this job has to offer. I always wanted the tough cases, and enjoy going to the law library researching a case that is coming up. For the past 35 years this has been my life and I have always tried to make things better.


Drug abuse is the number one problem and I am doing all that I can do to help people get treatment with what I have to work with. We have had suc-cess getting people into drug and alcohol treatment facilities, and have had good success with our community corrections day report center. We average 40 clients on day report. Some

have not been clean for years and many now have been clean for several months, going on to fi nd work and keeping jobs that they could not do before. We are making a difference.


Experience, Experience, Ex-perience! Experience to conduct bench and jury trials, experience presiding over criminal, civil, juvenile, mental hygiene, land-lord and tenant cases. All must be conducted properly and with the training I have received I

feel qualifi ed to get the job done fairly and properly.


Keep working on combatting drug abuse and pushing state leaders to give us more options and more treatment facilities for addiction.

Who is someone you admire or look up to?

That is really tough, because I had good parents, teachers, coaches that infl uenced my life and made me work hard and be respectful. In my life here at work lately, I have a great ad-miration for Justice Thomas M. McHugh. Before he returned to the West Virginia Supreme Court they had a lot of problems, a lot of internal fi ghting. He restored the integrity and honor of the court. I have a lot of respect for that man, a real gentleman.


Experience, Experience, Experience! There is going to be at least one new magistrate in Lewis County. Two new magistrates would be a major problem. The need for experi-ence is of upmost importance at this time. The need is for Moody, now more than ever.

"Drug abuse is the num-ber one problem and I am doing all that I can do to help people get treatment...There is going to be at least one new magistrate in Lewis County. Two new magistrates would be a major problem. The need for experience is of upmost importance at this time. The need is for Moody, now more than ever."

- Dan Moody


Roger Clem Seeks Job of Magistrate

ROGER D. "ROB" CLEM, JR.

Roger D. “Rob” Clem is a Republican candidate for one of two Lewis County Magis-trate positions up for election on Nov. 6.

Magistrates are judges, and because magistrates have the most contact with the public, magistrate court is known as the “people’s court.”

To serve as magistrate one must be at least 21-years-of-age, must have a high school education or its equivalent, and shall not have been convicted of any felony or any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. They must also complete all courses of education required by supervisory rules of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Ap-peals. Magistrates must reside in the county they serve and they are elected to a four-year term of offi ce.


Rob Clem is a 1990 graduate of Lewis County High School, and of the West Virginia State Police Academy in 1998.

He is a former police chief for Weston and is currently employed by the city.

He is a member of St. Pat-rick’s Catholic Church, the Lewis Co. Farm Bureau, and the International Police As-sociation.

His favorite pastimes and hobbies include hunting and fi shing.

Candidate Clem answered the questions posed by The Weston Democrat as follows:


In my past 15 years as Chief

of Police in Weston, I have seen crime rates climb and also have seen a signifi cant increase in repeat offenders. Currently the Lewis County Magistrate Court only hears criminal cases one day per week. If elected, I would like to see criminal cases heard at lest two days a week to allow for a more effi cient and effective court system. Also, as chief of police, I saw a lack of appropriate punishments being handed out to offenders. As magistrate, I pledge to hand out stiffer sentences for criminal and repeat offenders.


most important challenge you will face if you are ultimately elected to this offi ce?

Cooperation with the cir-cuit court, working with law enforcement agencies on the illegal prescription drug epi-demic, working the the board of education on truancy issues, working with seniors on scams are all important challenges for a person holding this offi ce.

Why do you think you could make a difference for WV or Lewis County?

The reason I could make a difference for Lewis County is that I was fi rst elected Weston Chief of Police in 1997 and graduated from the WV State Police Academy in 1998 giving me valuable experience. In my years of service, I have worked in various court systems including circuit court, magistrate court, federal court and family court by doing criminal complaints and providing testimony. Also, I am a lifelong resident of Lewis County and know many people in the county. I have worked with federal grants in excess of half a million dollars.


My foremost goal is to utilize

the penalties provided by WV Code that allows the magistrate to impose proper penalties on criminal offenders. I feel that stiffer penalties need to be imposed on those who are com-mitting crimes in our county to hold them accountable for their actions. I would also like to work on getting a two-day a week court system for magistrate court so that more criminal cases can be heard in a timely manner. I want to be a magistrate where people’s concerns will be heard.

Who is someone you admire and look up to and why?

My late grandfather, Hugh “Lefty” Clem, for he taught us to treat people the way we would want to be treated, and my father, the late Roger Clem. My dad taught me my work ethic and morals and to treat people fairly.


My history in law enforce-ment, knowing the law, my work ethic and good morals, readiness to do the job, knowing the citi-zens of Lewis County, bringing common sense to the magistrate court, and bringing stiffer penal-ties to offenders are all reasons people should consider when deciding who they want in this important position.

"I feel that stiffer penalties need to be imposed on those who are committing crimes in our county to hold them accountable for their actions. I would also like to work on getting a two-day a week court system for magistrate court so that more criminal cases can be heard in a timely manner."

- Rob Clem


Michael Gissy Running for Magistrate

SHERIFF MICHAEL R. GISSY

Michael “Mike” Gissy is the Democratic Party nominee for one of two Lewis County Mag-istrate positions up for election on Nov. 6.

Magistrates are judges, and because magistrates have the most contact with the public, magistrate court is known as the “people’s court.”

To serve as magistrate one must be at least 21-years of age, must have a high school education or its equivalent, and shall not have been convicted of any felony or any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.

They must also complete all courses of education required by supervisory rules of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Ap-peals. Magistrates must reside in the county they serve and they are elected to a four-year term of offi ce.


Mike Gissy is the son of the late Matthew J. and Mary Catherine McDonald Gissy. He is married to the former Nancy

Hinter. The Gissys have two sons; Matthew W. Gissy and Adam M. Gissy, married this year to Cortney L. Hitt. The Gissy’s also have a daughter, Courtney L. Gissy Moore, and the candidate has one sibling, Sheila Rexroad.

He is a graduate of Weston St. Pat’s High School and throughout his law enforcement tenure he has successfully com-pleted numerous career related educational/training courses that include the Sheriff’s train-ing course and WV Auditor Tax Courses. He has extensive train-ing in management, drug, crime, Homeland Security, Incident Command and NIMS related courses, to name a few.

Gissy is currently employed

by the citizens of Lewis County in an elected position of Sheriff.

Active in community affairs, he is a previous member of the Lewis County Senior Citizens Board of Directors, current member of the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce, current 911 Board of Director, current Community Corrections Board Director, current member of the local LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Committee), current Knights of Columbus, current WV Sheriff’s Association Board of Directors, current member of Neighborhood Watch - Hal-eville and Alum Bridge, current member of the Child Abuse Task Force, current member of the Crime Victims Advocate program, and current member of the Attorney General’s Ad-visory Committee. He is an ac-tive parishioner of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

His favorite pastimes include boating, fi shing, hunting, golf and gardening/yard care.

Candidate Gissy answered questions posed by The Weston Democrat as follows:


I have a solid background in law enforcement and the judicial system through my four terms as sheriff. During that time I have

had a very high regard for the judiciary positions.


I do not look at the Magis-trate position as a challenge but instead as a change, a very positive change.


My past work experience adds to my qualifi cations for the offi ce of magistrate. I have spent several hundred hours in the courtrooms and have testifi ed in magistrate, circuit and federal courts. My work history gives me experience in all aspects of the court system. I will use my

experience, education, work ethic and integrity to serve the people of Lewis County and West Virginia.


If elected my court will oper-ate with dignity and trust, fair-ness and fi rmness. I will demand respect for all.


I admire and have the utmost respect for the Honorable Judge Thomas H. Keadle. I am very privileged to have served his court. He is a man of great integ-rity, credibility, resourcefulness and forthright judgment.

If I may add, I would include my mother and father - two of the greatest infl uences on my life. They were the people I wanted to be when I grew up.


Because of my extensive background in the criminal justice system having served sixteen years as sheriff. My knowledge of the people of Lewis County and my under-standing of the laws and rules of the WV Judicial System.

I have "extensive background in the criminal justice sys-tem having served 16 years as sheriff... andknowledge of the peo-ple of Lewis County and understanding of the laws and rules of the WV Judicial Sys-tem." -Michael Gissy

Election Guide 2012 - The Weston Democrat

Documents

Transcript of Election Guide 2012 - The Weston Democrat