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Republican Dalton Haas says he wants to be a "bridge that creates a better and brighter future" for West Virginia.
Haas, 22, of Wheeling, officially announced his candidacy for the West Virginia House of Delegates 3rd District seat Monday at the entrance to WesBanco Arena in downtown Wheeling.
A recent graduate of West Liberty University, Haas geared his message toward other young people in the state. Among those present for Monday's announcement were members of the WLU cheering squad.
"Some people say that our age is a disadvantage for the office we seek, but I on the other hand see it as a beautiful thing," he said. "Our generation is the future of our state, and it is with great importance that we step up to the plate and start working with people of all ages to put our state where we as West Virginians would like to see it.
"I would like to serve as the bridge to help link our generations together and unify us all to achieve great things," Haas continued.
West Virginia must improve its business climate and tax structure if it wants to be competitive with other states, according to Haas.
"Innovative legislation to attract businesses with incentives and tax benefits can and will create the baseline to provide growing opportunities for all the people in our state," he said.
Haas is employed as an apprentice funeral director at Altmeyer Funeral Home, where he worked throughout his college career. He obtained his bachelor's degree from WLU in three and a half years while working full-time jobs.
He has served as a public-address announcer for the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference, Wheeling Park High School and Wheeling Central Catholic High School, and as a backup public address announcer for the Wheeling Nailers.