Republican candidates take the stage in Northern Panhandle
Trending
WELLSBURG - Area voters gathered at the Crooked Dock Thursday for an opportunity to hear from several Republican candidates seeking office in the upcoming election, ranging from those hoping to be county commissioners to an incumbent member of Congress.
Organized by the Hancock County, Brooke County and Ohio County Republican executive committees, the event included candidates from throughout the Northern Panhandle, with local radio personality Steve Novotney serving as master of ceremonies.
Among those in attendance was U.S. Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.Va., who is seeking his second term in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Moore, who faces a challenge this election from Democrat Ace Parsi, focused much of his time on the need for immigration reform, including his push to adjust the nation's H1B visa program - which is a path for legal immigration, but one he says is filled with opportunities for fraud.
"It's essentially welfare for corporations," Moore said, saying companies use the program to recruit individuals from other countries to fill their open jobs, instead of hiring those already in America.
He pointed, as an example, to Microsoft, which, he said, laid off 3,000 employees, and then turned around an applied for H1B visas to bring in others from overseas, referring to it as a new way of competition for jobs and growth.
"You are really footing the bill for it," he said, adding it provides cheaper labor at the expense of Americans.
He also warned of the potential influx of communism and Islamic influences in the nation, saying it's something which already has been seen in Europe and he doesn't want to see it in the United States, while referring to election victories in recent years by individuals with heritage from the Middle East or who have leaned toward socialism in some of their practices.
He warned of the possibility of those beliefs and cultures spreading in the United States, and taking over what has been built here over the decades, tying his opponent into that warning, and encouraging those in attendance to cast their ballots in favor of preserving the values and heritage of the country.
"I'm sure he's a fine guy," Moore said. "My opponent is from Iran. I'll leave it at that."
Moore was followed by incumbent West Virginia Sen. Laura Wakim Chapman, who noted her efforts to fight for the safety of youth in schools, lower taxes, more opportunities in economic development, and improvements in the state's healthcare systems, along with licensing reciprocity, and infrastructure investment.
"Four years ago, I took a pledge to only vote for the Northern Panhandle," she said, noting $1.4 billion in investment in the region in recent years for various projects. "All of this is just building the foundation."
Chapman is challenged in the election by current delegate Shawn Fluharty.
Del. Pat McGeehan, R-Hancock, spoke on the hope of preserving local small-town culture.
"There aren't many places that still have that kind of culture," he said, promoting the idea of offering incentives to West Virginia-based companies before lending assistance to those coming from another state or another country.
He also noted his goal of attracting a four-year military college to the state, and the encouragement of youth to seek careers in the trades instead of possibly going into debt while seeking a four-year degree.
McGeehan is facing Democrat Quincy Wilson in the election.
Republican candidate for the Second House District, Tony Viola, focused on his three priority areas: Infrastructure investment, economic development and building strong communities, saying, in particular, there is a need to invest in improving water systems and building new housing, while attracting good-paying jobs.
"I believe the Northern Panhandle has an incredible future ahead of it," Viola, who is challenged by Democrat Daniel Day, said.
Del. Jimmy Willis, who represents the Third House District, said there is a need for continued education reform in the state, including amending the state's school aid formula, as well as adjustments in the tax systems, and more focus on economic development, as well as road improvements.
"The roads aren't where they need to be, but we're making great strides," he said.
Willis is challenged in a three-way race by Democrat Mike Robinson and Independent Dave Cantrell.
Derek Ennis is seeking election to the House's Fourth District, facing Democrat Joe Jividen for a seat currently held by Shane Stack, who was appointed earlier this year.
Ennis discussed his hope for reform to the state's Family Court system, claiming unfair rulings in parental disputes.
Another newcomer is Beth Hinebaugh, who is seeking the seat representing the Fifth District against Democrat Karen Shuler Stakem for a seat currently held by Fluharty.
Hinebaugh noted she has worked in law enforcement, fire rescue and emergency medical services, but now is focused on childcare and small business development. She said such support for families through early childcare assistance, can help individuals stay employed while meeting the needs of their families.
"When families are supported, our communities grow stronger," she said.
Attendees also heard from Hancock County Commission candidate Ronnie Jones, who is challenged by Democrat Brianne Bates, and Brooke County Commission candidate Christina White, who is unopposed in her race.