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WEIRTON - It’s a three-way race in the effort to represent West Virginia’s Third District in the House of Delegates.
Incumbent Jimmy Willis, a Republican from Bethany, is challenged in Tuesday’s election by Democrat Mike Robinson of Wellsburg and independent candidate Dave Cantrell of Wheeling for a seat representing areas of Brooke and Ohio counties in the House.
If re-elected, this would be Willis’ third term.
"In my time in office, it has been about four true staples of focus: tax cuts, infrastructure improvements, education reform, and economic development," he said. "They have been my focus since day one and in the last four years we have seen over a quarter of what West Virginians once paid in taxes has been cut, we have seen millions in infrastructure investment, hundreds of jobs come back to the Panhandle, and education outcomes improve. While this progress has been great, I want to continue to work on these areas to improve even more."
Robinson is a life-long resident of Wellsburg, is married and a father, business owner, coach and musician.
"As a business owner and father, I understand the challenges facing working families and small businesses," Robinson said. "I also understand the importance of strong schools, good-paying jobs, and having opportunities close to home. I’m running for the House of Delegates because I believe our region deserves a stronger voice in Charleston. I’m not interested in political division or partisan arguments that accomplish nothing. I believe in common sense, accountability, and working with anyone, Republican or Democrat, who is willing to help move our communities forward."
If elected, Robinson plans to focus on the economy, education and population loss.
Cantrell is a union electrician, a husband, father of two grown sons and a pet parent of two rescue dogs.
"I’m running as an independent, blue collar candidate who’s ready to be a voice for working class families in Charleston," he said. "I’ve been a member of IBEW LU 141 for about 26 years. During my 26 years, I’ve been elected to various positions including now as current president. I’m also a member of the Ohio Valley Trades and Labor. I joined them around 2015 and served as treasurer for a few years and I’m also the current president."
Areas of focus for Cantrell if elected, include fighting for the state’s working families, protecting women and children and strengthening the local economy.
All three candidates feel there are issues with the way data center development is being considered in West Virginia, saying while there may be some benefits, the local communities need to have a voice in the process.
The candidates differ on their thoughts on opioid funding distribution.
"When it comes to opioid funding, I feel like local governments are doing a good job of disbursing the money," Willis said. "There may be some things I might have done differently, but all in all things have moved along well."
Cantrell questioned whether the use of funding was always appropriate.
"I’m sure there might be areas that are spending funds appropriately," he said. "However, I don’t feel it’s justifiable to spend those funds on side-by-sides, four-wheelers or souped up squad cars. I feel that there could be more done to use those funds for mental health programs, drug rehabilitation and other aspects of getting people on the right path forward."
Robinson indicated he would want to take a closer look at the proposals before passing any judgement and urged transparency in the process.
"I believe opioid settlement funds represent an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in communities that have suffered tremendously from addiction," Robinson said. "However, I would want to thoroughly review how those funds are being distributed before making a blanket judgement about whether every allocation has been appropriate. What matters most to me is accountability and results. These funds should be directed toward programs that demonstrate a real ability to help people, including addiction treatment, prevention, recovery services, mental health support, law enforcement, first responders and resources for families affected by substance abuse."
All three candidates pledge to do more to keep the lines of communication open between them and constituents if elected, noting the use of social media and other options.
They also all see potential in the areas of economic development and continued investment in local infrastructure to rebuild the region.
"I believe the Northern Panhandle has tremendous potential, particularly because of our location, our workforce, and our industrial infrastructure," Robinson said. "We’re positioned near major transportation routes and metropolitan markets and we have generations of experience in manufacturing, construction, energy and skilled trades."
Cantrell noted the "good bones" to help rebuild the local economy, pointing to the possible use of idled factories.
"The footprints are still there and in my opinion ready for revitalization," Cantrell said. "Whether that’s new industry (tech, manufacturing, etc.), commercial retail or through tourism, it all starts with good paying jobs."
Willis stresses a need for an all-of-the-above strategy.
"I firmly believe we need to continue to develop a diverse economy in this area so we don’t see the same fallout as we did when the mills began to close," Willis said. "I have been active in economic development for the Northern Panhandle and hope a project or two will be announced very soon. When it comes to attracting them, I don’t take anything off the table, be it simply taking meetings, or actively recruiting, or offering economic support if the project makes sense for the region."
Early voting in West Virginia continues through Saturday, with the general election set for Nov. 3.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)