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Stack Sworn In As Delegate

WHEELING - The newest member of the West Virginia House of Delegates has been sworn in to office.

Shane Stack, R-Ohio, received his oath Thursday from State Supreme Court Justice H.L. Kirkpatrick at the State Capitol in Charleston.

At his side were his wife Michelle and son Ben, as well as House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, State Sen. Laura Wakim Chapman, R-Ohio, and former Delegate Charlie Reynolds, R-Marshall.

Stack takes over the 4th Delegate seat previously occupied by now State Supreme Court Justice Bill Flanigan. The term expires at the end of the year, and Stack isn't on the ballot in the Nov. 3 general election.

"I wouldn’t say it was a dream realized," he said. "I didn't run for office. I was appointed (by Gov. Patrick Morrisey)."

Stack is a former student body present at West Liberty University and has always been involved with church council.

"I've always been into it (serving people), and I've always loved presidential history," he said. "I'm heavily involved in community organizations like the Masonic Lodge and the Shriners.

"I'm also an auctioneer and small business owner who operates three separate small businesses. As a small business owner, you've got yourself out there on the line. You're not relying on a paycheck each week."

Stack operates Frio and Associates, Island Pawn and Gun and AAA Tri-State Bail Bonding. He is a native of Monroe County, Ohio who has lived in Ohio County since attending WLU.

Stack also hopes there will be a special session before the end of the year so that he can take in the workings of the legislature.

"There are some hot button issues we need to take a look at, such as data centers," he said. "We need to get the facts on the large ones, the medium ones and the small ones and find out what their effects can be on the community.

"The school funding formula is also important. It is not something I've sunk my teeth into, but if there is a special session before the end of the year I will have to get to know it better very quickly."

He does see himself perhaps running for office in the future.

"There is that possibility, especially if there is a special session and I get to see how the process works," Stack explained. "I think that would be the inspiration to carry on with something like this."