Johnny Haught

WHEELING – Democrat Johnny Haught doesn’t think West Virginia’s workers as a whole are getting paid what they deserve.

Haught, 43, is a candidate for the District 4 seat in the West Virginia House of Delegates, and will face Republican Bill Flanigan on the Nov. 5 general election ballot.

“It’s time for West Virginia to pull itself up and demand better for our workforce,” he said. “Most (family) conversations end up being about money per household. The average income in our state doesn’t even start to compare with some of the states we border.

“Most people just want their kids to be able to stay here and succeed. The next two years would be spent fighting for Wheeling, the Northern Panhandle, and the state of West Virginia to be everything it can be. I’d like to bring wages up and trim the fat of money wasted in Charleston.”

Haught, a professional fighter, is owner of Ohio Valley MMA in downtown Wheeling — where he is a fight training coach, and offers personal and cardio training. On the side, he also is involved in property maintenance and landscaping.

Haught sees a need to improve state highways as a major issue in West Virginia.

“Right now, infrastructure is on the forefront,” he explained. “We have allowed our state to decay until we were last overall in infrastructure. We see improvements, but there is still a lot to be done.”

Haught grew up in Marshall and Wetzel counties before moving to Bethlehem 21 years ago.

“I’m from here,” he said. “My opponent is a nice guy, but I’m Ohio Valley through and through. I know what the wants and needs of our area are, and if not, I’m one of the most accessible people in our community and will have an ear for anyone of any party affiliation.”