2016 Meet the Candidate - The Williamson Daily News

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2016
The Logan Banner
Williamson Daily News
The Gilbert Times
MEET THE CANDIDATE
2 Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Wiliamson Daily News
LOGAN MEET THE CANDIDATES
Darrell Edward Bias
Board of Education
Circuit Judge, Judicial
Circuit 7, Division 1
Joshua
Butcher
Board of Education
W.Va. Senate, 7th District
My name is Darrell
tem and feel I am informed
Edward Bias. I am a
about the issues facing the
native of Chapmanville
school system.
and currently reside at
I believe in: Educating
King Shoals with my
all students by recruiting
wife Debra Glycadgis
and keeping highly qualified
Bias. We have two sons,
teachers as a top priority;
Justin and Gavin.
Supporting ALL school
I graduated from
Darrell Edward personnel, professional and
Chapmanville High
service, by listening to their
Bias
School and Marshall
concerns and addressing
University with degrees
issues to maintain positive
in Elementary Education and
work environments; Maintaining
Elementary Administration.
sound financial practices which
I was employed with Logan
eliminate wasteful spending;
County Schools for 38 years. I
Clear communications between
was a teacher and principal at
the central office, school personLake Grade School and principal
nel, and parents; Giving teachers
at East Chapmanville Grade
a say in what they teach; Board
School. I served as acting princimembers being honest, having
pal at Verdunville Grade School
integrity and being transparduring the 2011-12 school year.
ent in their decisions; Safe and
After much consideration, I
orderly classrooms that yield
have decided to seek a seat on the
climates conducive to learning;
Logan County Board of EducaEliminating wasteful programs;
tion. I feel my experience in the
Providing teachers with local supschools has given me the knowlport instead of contracting costly
edge and ability to understand
consultants; Teaching and not
the issues and concerns of school
over testing students; Providing
personnel and parents. During the parents with opportunities to be
last three years I have attended
involved in the education process;
regularly scheduled meetings of
Removing Common Core from
the Board of Education giving me
our schools.
a good perspective of what has
I would appreciate your supbeen happening in the school sysport and vote on May 10.
Joshua
Butcher
Moss Burgess
Jordan Bridges
My name is Jordan
Bridges and I am running for
state senate, 7th district as a
Republican.
I was born and raised in
Logan County and I am currently 28 years old. I am a
surface coal miner and have
been for about 8 years. I was
raised with traditional, Christian values and stand firm
with the word of God. I am
pro-life, I believe in standing
up for our right to bear arms
and I believe in coal.
I have chosen to run for
office and up until now, I
have never ran for anything,
but don’t let that deter you. I
have always felt very passionate about politics. Last year,
I had the opportunity to go
to DC and give a testimony
before an appropriation committee. That day changed
everything for me. I realized
that if I wanted to make a
difference in my state then I
would have to do more than
just sit back and hope someone would make a difference;
I would have to be that difference.
I am not running to disrespect anyone, nor for recog-
I was raised in a Christian home
by my parents, “Bucky” and Tammy
Butcher. We attended Sunbeam Chapel, where my grandfather, Jim Fortune, is Pastor. Jim also taught industrial electricity at Ralph R. Willis, as
well as his brother Paul Fortune. Paul
would later hire my dad in electrical maintenance for Logan County
Schools – a job my dad has held since
graduating high school.
My dad’s parents were Flem and
nition, I am running because
I believe I can make a difference. I believe that I can be
a voice for the hard working
men and women of this great
state. It’s time for us to stand
up and be the difference we
want to see.
If elected, I plan to
improve our education system by working with the
board members and school
teachers because they know
better than anyone what
needs to be done.
I want to make way for
new industries and job
opportunities. Manufacturing companies, agriculture,
industrial parks, and tourism
are just a few ideas.
I want to clean this place
up and improve the road conditions. The roads are ridiculous. The trash is disgraceful.
I want to make a difference. I love this state and I
want to stay here and raise
my children here. This is
home; I was born and raised
here.
I urge you to consider me
when you vote in the upcoming election on May 10th.
Joretta Butcher who operated the
Whitman Market. My dad has always
worked hard and I am proud he
now serves as Director of Electrical
Maintenance. I strive to have his
work ethic.
I am a first generation college
graduate. After graduating from Beth
Haven Christian School, I had no
understanding of college and no one
to really push me, but it was in the
classrooms of SWVCTC that I fell in
I am Moss R. Burgess,
candidate for Logan County Board of Education.
I am married to Gloria
Burns, a substitute Math
teacher, and have one son,
Christopher, a Biology
Teacher. I am a graduate of
Marshall University with a
Masters in School Administration. I have held leadership roles in teacher’s
organizations and been
involved in Island Creek
flooding concerns. I taught
Science at Man and Logan
High Schools.
I am running for the
Board of Education,
because I support a quality
educational system for our
children. I believe “Education” should be first in our
schools, not last. I am not
a “political puppet” of any
political bosses. I support
involvement of the school
employees in our decision
making. I will if elected,
address concerns about
education, even to the
State Board of Education,
if needed. I will listen,
observe and make deci-
love with learning and took a lesson
from my dad to push myself. I went
on to Marshall University and then
WVU College of Law. I had to work
hard and am still paying on my student loans for both degrees.
After Law School, I worked alongside Judge Roger Perry for nearly
nine years as his Law Clerk, which is
best described as a research attorney.
I worked on thousands of cases from
start to finish – reviewing facts, hear-
sions, I believe are right.
In the past I voted and
took a stand on issues,
even though I was the only
one. I will and have made
mistakes on past votes,
but I will admit that I am
human and will not hesitate to make a decision. I
am concerned about the
future cuts that will have
to take place because of
the economy and finances.
When employee reductions
have to be made, how will
politics enter into the decision, none with me!
When I left the Board 4
years ago, we had a surplus
of 30 million dollars, the
most in the State. I do not
know what the finances are
now! We must be vigilant.
Every school employee has
a job to do, must do their
job, must be backed by the
school board, and should
be supplied the basics and
facilities needed to do that
job.
I provide you a choice
and your vote and support
would be appreciated.
Thank You and God Bless!
ing evidence, and researching law to
assist Judge Perry in his rulings.
I do not believe I “deserve” to be
Judge because I have earned it in
some way. I thank the Lord that I was
able to attend Law School and work
alongside one of the finest and fairest
Judges. I have prayed and I believe
this is a service the Lord is preparing
me to do. If elected, I would begin
each day with prayer for wisdom and
understanding.
MEET THE CANDIDATE
Kelly
Gilmore
Codispoti
Family Court Judge,
Circuit 9, Division 1
Leonard L.
Codispoti
Magistrate, Division 3
Wednesday, April 27, 2016 3
Kelly Gilmore Codispoti,
currently your Family Court
Judge in Division One is seeking re-election to the position
she has served in for two terms.
A resident of Logan County,
West Virginia her entire life,
Codispoti is the wife of Leonard
Codispoti and has two adult
sons, Martin (wife Jennifer) and
Matthew and is grandmother to
Braydon McClung and Dytlon
Codispoti.
Kelly graduated from Man
High School, West Virginia University and Ohio Northern University College of Law. Besides
the private practice of law, Kelly
worked as a Child Advocate
Attorney, a Public Defender, and
an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney before taking the Family
Court Bench.
Family is important to Kelly.
She is one of five children
born to Eloise Gilmore of Man
(now Logan) and the late Fred
Gilmore. Growing up Kelly was
taught good Christian values
through the examples of her
parents. When her father died
in a car accident, her mother
raised Kelly and her siblings as
a single working mother. Codispoti saw first hand the struggles
of a single working mom. Kelly
brings that background to the
Family Court and strives daily
to treat everyone that comes
before her with the dignity and
respect they deserve.
Codispoti is running unopposed in her division and would
like to thank the people of
Logan County for their confidence in her. On May 10, 2016
she humbly asks for your vote
and continued support. Kelly
promises to continue to serve
the people of Logan County as
their Judge acting according to
the law with fairness and impartiality. Codispoti does not take
the honor of serving as your
Family Court Judge lightly, her
commitment to you is to strive
every day to be the Judge you
deserve. She closes by saying
God Bless You and God Bless
Logan County.
Magistrate Leonard Codispoti is running for his tenth
term in office. For the first
time in the history of the
Magistrate Court, Magistrate
candidates run in divisions.
Instead of electing the top
three candidates with the most
votes as your Magistrates, the
candidates choose the Magistrate to oppose in the election.
Magistrate Codispoti has no
opposition, so he will be reelected on May 10, 2016.
Leonard would like to take
this opportunity to express
his gratitude to the voters of
Logan County for trusting him
to serve them since January
1981. Leonard is the longest
serving Magistrate in Logan
County.
Leonard is the one of eleven
children of the late Bernard
and Natalina Codispoti of
Holden, West Virginia. He is
the husband of Kelly Gilmore
Codispoti and together they
have two adult sons and two
grandchildren.
Magistrate Codispoti’s commitment to Logan County will
continue as it always has long
after May 10. Leonard does ask
for you to get out to vote, and
that you remember him when
you do. He closes by saying
Thank you Logan County for
honoring him by allowing him
to serve as your Magistrate.
Danny Ellis
Logan County Comissioner
For over 40 years I
County Board of Eduhave faithfully served
cation and currently
the people of the State
serving as a County
of West Virginia and
Commissioner as well
the people of Logan
as past County AdminCounty, with honor
istrator has given me
and dignity. Elected to
invaluable experience
the Town Council of
and insight into County
Chapmanville nearly
government and how it
Danny Ellis
40 years ago and some
works.
years later serving as
In 2010, I was truly
Governor Manchin’s Cabinet
honored when State Treasurer
Secretary of the WV DOT, this
John Perdue invited me to join
was a great honor and privihim in becoming his Chief of
lege that I will always cherish.
Staff/Assistant State Treasurer.
Having served on the Logan
This allowed me to experience
public finance at the highest
State level.
To the voters of Logan
County, I hope this has given
you some insight into where
I have spent the last 40 years.
If knowledge and experience
matter to you as a voter, I
would ask you to support and
re-elect me as your County
Commissioner. As always, I
will serve you faithfully and
honorably for the next six
years.
Thank you for your consideration.
Elect
Thomas
TAYLOR
mINGo CoUNTY
CommIssIoN
Paid For By The Committee
To Elect Thomas Taylor
Steven "Tib" Cook, Treasurer
60651800
MEET THE CANDIDATE
Jeremy Farley
Paul T. Farrell Jr.
Board of Education
Hello, I’m Jeremy FarSchool graduate. I also
ley, and I’m running for
received a bachelor’s
the Logan County Board
degree from Marshall
of Education.
University and a masI’m asking for your
ter’s degree from West
support to put Logan
Virginia University.
County Schools back on
I currently serve as
the path to success.
director of the PIECES
If elected, my first
Jeremy Farley Coalition, and our coalipriority will always be
tion is leading efforts to
the students. They are
reduce substance abuse
our future, and we must prepare
in Logan County. I’m a former
them to be productive citizens.
WVU faculty member and extenSecond, I’ll work tirelessly
sion agent. During my time at
to make sure Logan County
WVU, I served as the county
Schools recruit, hire, and
director for Energy Express
empower the best employees. A
and as Logan County 4-H camp
school system needs great teachdirector.
ers, but it must also have quality
I’m the youngest son of Elmer
administrators, cooks, bus drivand Barbara Farley of Chapers, and numerous other support manville, WV. I’m the paternal
personnel. They all impact the
grandson of the late James “Jim”
effectiveness of our education
and Coonie Farley of Harts, WV,
system.
and I’m the maternal grandson
Finally, I’ll make sure taxpayof the late Howard and Belva
ers get their money’s worth. In
Farris of Detroit, MI.
these tough economic times, we
Again, I’m Jeremy Farley,
must be as efficient as possible
and I want the opportunity to
without sacrificing educational
be your representative on the
opportunities.
Logan County Board of EducaI’m a Chapmanville High
tion.
Sherman Grimmett
Logan County Commission
My name is Sherman Grimmett, candidate for Logan
County Commission in Logan
County. I have lived in the
county all my life since I was
born near Man.
I have really been blessed
in so many ways since I graduated from Man High School
in 1961. I started working at
a very young age and my first
job that I really enjoyed was
President of the United States
There are no good choices
for President in the Democratic primary. We are being
asked to choose between
Hillary Clinton and Bernie
Sanders. I adamantly disagree
with their positions on gun
control and coal and refuse to
vote for either. That is why I
placed my name on the ballot
and am asking for your vote.
West Virginia’s economy
has been destroyed by the
national Democratic Party
led by President Obama and
Hillary Clinton. Hillary has
vowed to continue Obama’s
illegal Clean Power Plan and
to put the last of our miners
out of work. Meanwhile, the
United States has spent billions of dollars rebuilding Iraq
and Afghanistan, but spent
almost nothing rebuilding
the West Virginia economy
they left in ruins. Regardless
of your position on climate
change, Obama’s illegal action
has negatively affected every
West Virginian. The state’s
current budget crisis is due
at Monaville on the National
Guard Armory being hired as
a construction worker at 17
years of age. I carried bricks
and hauled mortar to do that
building in 1959. That was a
pretty good job since I hadn’t
finished high school at that
time.
After graduating from high
school with a commercial and
Vote for
for
House of Delegates
24th District.
60651775
Michael Johnson
in large part to a $400 million
decrease in coal severance
tax.
Voting for a ‘favorite son’
has benefited West Virginia
in the past. In 1976, the late
Senator Robert Byrd won the
West Virginia Presidential Primary which he used to broker
his rise to Senate majority
leader. This position allowed
Sen. Byrd to created tens of
thousands of jobs for West
Virginians. We did not surrender our vote in 1976 to Jimmy
Carter and the national party
and we should not surrender
it this year. Doing so would
be akin to saying, “thank you
sir, may I have another.”
Hillary and Bernie want
our guns, and they want to
bankrupt West Virginia. Do
not vote for the lesser of
evils and do not abstain at
the ballot box. West Virginia
Democrats must show up on
election day in droves and
vote for Paul Farrell Jr., a
West Virginian who shares
your West Virginia values.
business curriculum, I went to
Chicago, Ill., to work. I worked
in a steel factory shop office
as a inventory clerk and cost
clerk, while working there I
went to school in Chicago for
welding and graduated from
the welding class. After working a few years in Chicago I
returned with my wife back to
my hometown and got a job
Steven Gray
Hello, I am Steven
supervisor in coal minGray and currently
ing and other indusserving as the divitries for over 30 years
sion one magistrate in
before the coal econoLogan County.
my caused that job to
My wife, Debbie
no longer be available.
Bowen Gray, and I
I was sworn in as
would like to better
magistrate on August
introduce ourselves to
3 after accepting the
Steven Gray
you. We live in West
appointment to the
Logan and have hununexpired term that
dreds of friends and relatives
was left vacant. I will need
throughout Logan County.
your support to win the May
We both graduated from
tenth election and continue to
Logan High School in 1970
serve as your magistrate.
and all four of our children
My job description is “to
were born here. We also have
interpret and apply the laws
seven grandchildren scattered
that govern us.” The due
throughout West Virginia and
process that our constitution
one in Brazil. My parents,
guarantees us demands that
Zane and Carol Gray, have
the people we elect don’t
lived here since 1949 and still
waver and judge Allegiance
reside at Mitchell Heights.
and our right! My assistant,
I attended West Virginia
Cindy Armstrong, and I are
Institute of Technology and
committed to this right and
Marshall University before
will treat every paper as a permoving back to Logan in 1975
son. I look forward to continuand worked for my father at
ing to serve you for the years
his electrical contracting busiahead and appreciate your
ness in McConnell. I worked
support.
as an electrician and electrical
Thank you, Steven Gray
working on coal tipples as a
construction worker outside,
which I liked very much.
After a few years working
construction work, I bought
a small business in 1968, and
was self-employed for 26 years
in a grocery and deli business.
Also after my wife and I were
self-employed in business I
built several homes in Logan
County as another job that I
enjoyed. I did lots of other jobs
as carpenter besides having the
business until the 90’s. I now
reside in my home I built in
1973. I believe I have a lot of
business experience that would
help me to work as a Logan
County Commissioner and I
would like the opportunity to
do that if I am elected.
MEET THE CANDIDATE
Paul Hardesty
Board of Education
Occupation: Mantop priorities.
aging Member, PDH
Here are a few conPartners LLC
cerns I will work feverIn 1994, and again
ishly to improve:
in 1998, you showed
• Educational
your support and trust
performance; we will
in me by electing me
advocate and administer
to the Logan County
curriculum that actually
Board. At that time,
prepares our children for
Paul
Hardesty
like today, our school
college and life
system was facing
• Morale of our
many challenges. In
school employees; the
1992, the State B.O.E. took
board must actively support
over the Logan County School
and respect every one of our
System, but with hard work and 800+ employees
dedication from me, my fellow
• Have the confidence and
board members, and the teachability to make tough decisions
ers and staff, we were able to
which will result in positive
repair the deficiencies in our
outcomes; this was accomsystem and return control of
plished during my initial terms
our schools back to our Logan
on the board and is needed now
County Board. Now, 24 years
• Provide all schools with
later, the threat of another State the safety and security needed
takeover has arisen again. It
to protect our children, teachwill take determination, comers and staff; a comprehensive
mitment, and most importantly, evaluation and plan needs to
experience, to restore our
be implemented to ensure our
system back to where it should
schools are not vulnerable
be and lead it into the future.
With your valued and appreA quality education for our
ciated support, I will work to
students, being fiscally responhelp guide us in the process
sible to the taxpayers of Logan
of restoring and renewing our
County, and supporting ALL
school system. Together, Let’s
of our school employees, have
Fix It Again!
been, and always will be, my
George Howes
Board of Education
I have announced my
candidacy for nomination
for Logan County Board of
Education. I am a lifelong
resident of Logan County and
have served on the State and
County Democratic Executive
Committee.
I am the son of James
Howes and Thelma Dean
Howes and great-grandson
of the late Devil Anse and
Levicey Hatfield and the late
Lee A. and Mary Dingess.
I am a 1971 graduate
of Logan High School and
attended Southern Community College. I was owner
of Howes Construction and
have been a member of the
Logan County labor force
since beginning work as a
teenager at the old Smoke
House.
I am a member of the AFLCIO Carpenter’s Local No.
1207. I am the past founder
of Omar Crime Watch on
Island Creek and currently
involved in the WE CAN Program for abused children.
I am an earnest, hardworking individual and want to
work for all of Logan County
on a full time basis. Your vote
and support would be greatly
appreciated. Remember to
vote on May 10, 2016.
Evan Jenkins
U.S. House of Representatives
Congressman Evan Jenkins
is honored to serve the people
of the Third Congressional
District of West Virginia in the
114th Congress.
A native of Huntington,
Evan is proud to call West
Virginia his home and has long
been dedicated to serving its
residents. In 1994, Evan was
elected to serve in the West Virginia House of Delegates, where
he represented Cabell and
Wayne counties for three terms
from 1995 to 2001. In 2002, he
was elected to the West Virginia
Senate, where he served three
terms from 2003 to 2015. As
Michael Johnson
House of Delegates, 24th District
My name is Michael
cation and Educational
Johnson. I am a life
Administration.
long resident of Logan
I am Pro life,
County; married to
Pro-union, and ProJeanetta Johnson and
education. I am not
have three children,
a politician but an
two grandchildren. I
educator. I am running
am a retired educator
for a seat in the House
with 39 years in the
of Delegates because
Michael
school system. Curthis state has a dire
Johnson
rently, I worked for
need for an urgency
Marshall University
for change. Our state
as a university supervisor.
is facing a serious crisis situaI graduated from Marshall
tion. The Charleston Gazette
University with an AB in
describes this legislative sesSecondary Education and 2
sion as the “Worst Session in
Master Degree in Special Edu-
Joshua Lyall
Logan County Commission
My name is Joshua
dependent on it,
Lyall and I’m a candithereby alienating
date for County Comall other avenues of
mission. I was born
employment for our
in Man and spent my
workforce.
early years in Man
I plan to focus on
and Logan. I currently
county spending and
reside at Mallory with
creating a joint effort
my wife Erin and our
Joshua Lyall with State agencies
daughter, Olivia.
to bring in jobs and
In 1994 I graduated
other opportunities
from Logan High and joined
to keep Logan County alive.
the U.S. Marines. Upon
Vote Joshua Lyall on May
returning to Logan County
10 for County Commission.
in 2008, I noticed a decline
Facebook.com/LyallForCoin population, the infrastrucmissioner
ture and jobs. For years our
leaders have relied solely
on coal and have become
a state legislator, Evan championed job creation, children’s
issues, public safety and fiscal
responsibility. He was elected to
the United States House of Representatives in 2014 and was
sworn in on Jan. 6, 2015.
Evan has a Bachelor of Science in business administration
from the University of Florida
and a Juris Doctor from the
Cumberland School of Law at
Samford University. He previously served as the executive
director of the West Virginia
State Medical Association and
taught business law at Marshall
University.
Evan and his wife, Elizabeth,
live in Huntington with their
three children. He is active in
the community as a member of
the First Presbyterian Church in
Huntington and has served as a
volunteer leader for the American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of
America and Big Brothers Big
Sisters of the Tri-State Area.
27 Years” and accomplished
very little in regard to the real
problems our state is facing—
creation of jobs, PEIA funding,
Education, highway repairs,
and not to mention a huge
budget deficit. The Governor
and the Legislature failed to
address the top five issues facing our state: transportation,
jobs, crime (drug abuse), the
economy, and infrastructure.
I want to move the state in
a positive direction by attracting new industry, providing
businesses with tools for
success, increasing population, educating students to be
productive in today’s global
economy, paying school personnel competitive wages, fix-
ing highways, providing highspeed Internet and cellphone
service, protecting water supplies, and helping drug addicts
in reinhabilitation centers.
However, our biggest problem
in Southern West Virginia is
the lack of jobs and economic
opportunities. The solutions
to so many of our problems all
point in one direction — Its
About Jobs.
I believe a Delegate has an
obligation and commitment to
be your VOICE of the District.
I want to be that Voice for
all state employees, business
people, school personnel, and
coal miners. I would greatly
appreciate your support on
Tuesday, May 10, 2016.
MEET THE CANDIDATE
Mark McGrew
Joseph Mendez
My name is Mark McGrew and I’m
County Board of Education and was
asking for your support to elect me as
re-elected in 2014. I spent the last two
Circuit Clerk of Logan County.
years serving as Board Vice President.
I am a lifelong resident of Logan
In 2012 I was recognized by West VirCounty and reside in Holden with my
ginia Executive Magazine as a “Young
wife, Tracey, and our children, Lauren
Gun”, an honor given only to a select
and Connor.
group of young business leaders each
I graduated from Logan High School
year.
and attended SWVCTC, The University
My family and I attend New Life FreeMark McGrew
of Charleston and Marshall University.
will Baptist Church in Rossmore where I
Upon returning from college I worked in
serve as a Deacon and a Trustee.
our family owned/operated business, McGrew
I have chosen to run because I wish to conTire, for 22 years before purchasing the busitinue serving people. The current clerk and
ness now known as Mark’s Tire and Auto
her staff have done a fantastic job of serving
located on Dingess Street. We proudly employ
the public, but since she has chosen not to run
several Logan County residents.
again I would love to have the opportunity to
I am a past board member of the We-Can
continue the office’s tradition of serving the
Children’s Program and a member of the
public. As always the public’s input is appreciatLogan County Chamber of Commerce Board
ed, as it is their office. I will have an open-door
of Directors. I have also spent countless hours
policy for citizens and taxpayers and I look forvolunteering with the Children’s Home Society
ward to being your full-time clerk!
and various youth sports and cheerleading
I am humbly asking for your vote and supactivities.
port. Thank you and God bless!
In 2010 I was elected to serve on the Logan
My name is Joseph Lorenzo Mentreating you with respect. Everyone
dez and I am running for the office of
is innocent until proven guilty in my
Magistrate.
eyes, and will be treated as such.
My father is Big John Mendez and
My work ethic is outstanding. In the
my mother is Debbie Mendez. I am
past 10 years at my place of employhappily married to Monica Mendez
ment, I have only missed five days.
and currently reside in Omar, W.Va.
I have always tackled problems put
I have lived in Logan for the majorbefore me with hard work and dedicaity of my 31 years. I have two degrees
tion. I have the resolve to handle the
Joseph
in criminal justice; I am hard-working,
job. This will lead to the results that
Mendez
and community-minded. My campaign
the people of Logan county desire.
is based around three simple words:
I want to bring the next generation
Respect. Resolve. Results. I grew up in the
of justice to Logan. If given the opportunity, I
courthouse. During this time, I saw how my
will give you, the people of Logan, these three
father and the fine staff that worked in the
things — Respect. Resolve. Results.
courthouse treated others. When you come
Mendez for Magistrate 2016.
into my court, nothing will deter me from
Logan County Circuit Clerk
MICHELE L. WEBB
Mingo County Magistrate Candidate, division 3
I am the youngest daughter of former Chief Mingo County Magistrate Billy Joe Webb and Phyllis Jean Bevins Webb. I was raised in West
Williamson with my sister, Marsha Webb-Rumora. Over the last six years, I have been employed as the sole legal assistant/ paralegal at Rumora
& Rumora, L.C., by my sister Marsha and her husband Ronald J. Rumora. This position has provided the opportunity to work closely with many of
the local attorneys, magistrates, Judges, and Clerks, as well as the assistants’ to each of those offices. This has provided invaluable insight to the
Magistrate’s position and the many types of cases including civil, juvenile, and of course, criminal. Other experience I bring to the position include
many years of management, where I have been entrusted to oversee the day to day operations in many fields including retail, banking and even
industrial. As a contract manager for General Motors, I was recognized as a “Support Peer to Peer” by my colleagues for my efforts in excess of corporate
expectations as well as several recognitions and awards for Speedway-Super America, LLC, for whom I managed multiple locations beginning at the
age of 19.
While performing the requirements of my positions fully, and at many times above and beyond expectations, I have been able to complete several
years of college courses in the areas of Psychology and Chemistry, maintaining a 3.97 GPA. Though I placed my education on hold to raise my son,
Jonathan Webb, 17, I still intend to finish my Bachelor of Arts and Science. I feel that it will better equip me for any position I may assume, and also in my
day to day life. I make every effort on a daily basis to learn, grow, but mostly to treat others with respect. Though many politicians participate in slandering
the competition, I choose to express to each resident, that I will not demean my experience and integrity by participating in such antics.
I have been exposed to various aspects of law my entire life. My Dad was both a Constable beginning in the 60’s and 70’s, then later becoming a Deputy
Sheriff and Jailer prior to his service to our county as Chief Magistrate, and my sister and both brother-in-law’s are both attorneys. From each of these
wonderful examples and community leaders, I have learned more what the position of Magistrate requires. I am fully able to perform the requirements of
the office sought, and encourage you to inquire of others as to my integrity, experience, fairness, and ethics. I not only expect these things from myself,
but instill these values in my son, whom I raised as a single mother for 11 years. He too, has become a contributing member of our community, including
his participation in the Mingo County 4 H Program, where he is a teen leader, as well as his participation in the ROTC program at his school. I am truly an
independent candidate seeking the office of Magistrate Division 3. Though it is a political office, and we are required to campaign, each of you have my
word that I would uphold the Oath of Office, treat each and every one of you fairly, and judge each case based not on the number of votes, but rather
on the merits of the case. I seek the office of Magistrate to restore honor, justice, integrity and character back into the public office. It has always been my
firm belief that those of us with the ability to serve our communities, have an obligation to do so. That being said, I am Michele Webb, and I seek your
support for the office of Magistrate of Mingo County Division 3.
60651744
MEET THE CANDIDATE
Estel E. Murray
Major (Ret) Richard Ojeda
Magistrate, Division I
W.Va. Senate, 7th District
Hello, my name is
they would admit it, they
Estel E. Murray and I
would say they love Logan
need your “non-partisan
County just as much as I do.
vote” for the office of
Logan County has had its
Magistrate in Logan
ups and downs, but its home
County.
to me. I can’t think of any
I am a veteran of the
place I would rather live than
U.S. Navy, a coal miner
here, “not in this life”.
for 27 years and worked
This country and its ConEstel E. Murray
as a maintenance man
stitution were built on being
for SWVCTC for 15
a “God” fearing country. If
years. I currently work for Logan
I am elected to this office I will
Country Club. I served eight years
use the same moral values that I
as Municipal Court Judge for the
have used for the last 29 years, it
Town of Chapmanville from Oct. 1, worked for our forefathers so why
2006 to Feb. 28, 2015.
can’t it work for us. My Daddy
I have been a Christian for 29
always said you will never prosper
years. I believe there are still good
from anything you get that you
people in Logan County. The kind
don’t deserve. So let’s all go to the
of good people I’m talking about
“polls” on May 10th and “vote”
are the kind of people that if they
for the candidate of our choice.
would see you stranded they would It is your right as a citizen of the
not pass on by, the kind of people
United States, and it’s a right men
if they knew you or your family
and women die for every day.
were in need they would try to supSo please don’t ever forget: “Bad
ply that need. Yes, I believe those
things happen when good people
kind of people are still around. If
do nothing.”
Major (Ret) Richmeals; removed grafard Ojeda is a father,
fiti; picked up litter,
husband, and a veteran
and responded to
with nearly 24 years of
disasters.
military service, includI will continue to
ing four combat deploylive the Army valments.
ues of loyalty, duty,
Currently, as the
respect, selfless serJROTC instructor
Major Richard vice, honor, integrity
at Chapmanville
and personal courage.
Ojeda
Regional High School,
I am pro jobs, pro
he educates children
life, pro economic
to become better citizens
diversification, pro education,
and places them on a path to
pro term limits and I want to
gradate. He is president and
target the fraud, waste and
co-founder of LEAD Comabuse that has been rampant in
munity Organization that, to
these parts for far too long.
date, has sent more than 2,000
Please support me on May
kids to school with new shoes;
10th by selecting me to be
served more than 10,000
your next State Senator.
Rupie Phillips
W.Va. House of Delegates, 24th District
Hi, I’m Delegate Rupie Phillips from
Man, West Virginia, and I serve you in
the House of Delegates representing
the 24th District.
During this past legislative session I
co-sponsored the Constitutional carry
bill that protects your 2nd Amendment
gun rights, voted in favor of a bill that
Rupie Phillips allows fireworks to be sold in West
Virginia with the fees from vendors
going to the Veteran’s Facility Support
Fund and the Fire Protection Fund, co-sponsored a bill
that increases penalties for teachers that commit sexual
offenses against students, sponsored and co-sponsored
bills to help increase coal jobs, coal production, and give
tax breaks to power plants that burn coal, co-sponsored
a bill to protect your religious freedom, voted against
the West Virginia Workplace Freedom Act, otherwise
known as the Right to Work bill, and voted against the
veto override, and I voted in favor of repealing the state’s
prevailing wage.
My votes on these bills, and all the others, come from
listening to you, the voter. I take into consideration discussions I have had with the citizens of the 24th District,
because I represent you, the voter.
I am asking you to allow me to continue doing your
work in the House of
Delegates. Vote for me, Rupie Phillips, for the West
Virginia House of Delegates, 24th District, on May 10th.
Hatfield
TONYA (MOUNTS)
With 20 years’ experience, Tonya
(Mounts) Hatfield has the maturity,
skills, temperament and work ethic
to be family court judge.
“I made the decision to run for Family Court Judge of Mingo County
because I believe every litigant should be treated equally under the law. A
Family Court Judge is an instrument of the Court. Therefore, impartiality, fair
application of the rule of law, and respect should be afforded every person
who comes before the Court.
You’ll find me to be fair, independent, and trustworthy. I have 20 years’
experience, along with the maturity, skills, temperament and work ethic to
be the family court judge in which our citizens would bestow confidence. I
am not afraid to speak up and judge fairly. I look forward to meeting and
talking to as many of you as I can during this campaign.
Thank you for your consideration!
Tonya (Mounts) Hatfield
Candidate for Family Court Judge
Paid for by the committee to elect Tonya (Mounts) Hatfield.
60651788
MEET THE CANDIDATE
Harold R. Porter Jr.
Logan County Assessor
My name is Harold
Logan County Assessor.
R. Porter, Jr. I am a resiI am currently employed
dent of Whitman and a
in the Logan County
1989 Graduate of Logan
Assessor’s Office and
High School. My parhave been for the past
ents are Harold (Kim)
26 years. I have been
Porter of Logan, and
Chief Appraiser for the
DeEtrice (Gore) Porter
past twelve years. In the
of Holden. I have been
Assessor’s office I have
Harold R.
married to my wife, Jesalso held the positions
Porter Jr.
sica (Spry), for 13 years.
of county mapper and
We have two children,
deputy appraiser. I have
Addyson (9), and Mason (4).
served under three separate
I am an active member of
assessor administrations in the
New Life Freewill Baptist
past two decades, and have the
Church of Rossmore. In addition experience and training necesto spending time outdoors, I am
sary to insure the office is ran
also a member of the National
efficiently and professionally.
Wild Turkey Federation, where
Alongside my coworkers, I have
I have volunteered my time to
served the citizens of Logan
the J.A.K.E.S. program, which
County on a daily basis as an
provides free hunts for qualified
employee and will continue to
youth hunters each spring.
do so if elected Logan County
I am also a parent volunteer
Assessor.
at Holden Central Elementary.
I am asking for your support
I have been fortunate enough
and vote in the 2016 Election.
to be part of two programs that
Vote for me, Harold R. Porter,
change lives, which are the WE
Jr. your most qualified and only
CAN program with The Chilexperienced candidate for Logan
dren’s Home Society and the
County Assessor. I appreciate
Matt Patterson Toy Drive.
your time.
I am seeking the office of
Larry
Rogers
Board of Education
My name is Larry Rogers
and I am running for the Logan
County Board of Education.
I am a life long resident of
Omar, West Virginia. I am married to Janet Kimler Rogers
and we have three children and
six grand children.
Sonya Dingess Porter
Logan County Sheriff
I have had the honor
and privilege to work for
the Logan County Sheriff’s
Department for the past
23 years. I started out as a
Deputy Sheriff in 1993. I
came up through the ranks of
the department where I was
appointed as Chief Deputy in
2011. Then in 2013, you gave
me the honor to be elected as
your Sheriff.
I have an RBA Degree from
W.Va. State University, I am a
graduate from the WV State
Police Academy 87th Basic
Class as a certified officer and
I had been selected by the FBI
to attend the FBI National
Academy in Quantico, Va.,
where I graduated from the
FBINA in 2009.
I am a member of the WV
FBINAA Chapter where I currently coordinate the FBINAA
Youth Leadership Academy
for W.Va. I am currently serving as Vice President of the
W.Va. Sheriffs’ Association. I
also recently had the honor
to be appointed by Governor
Earl Ray Tomblin to serve on
I am a retired coal miner
with 28 years of underground
mining. In 2013 I was name
Volunteer of the year in the
State of West Virginia for community service. In 2014 I was
awarded the Golden Mountaineer Award for my work in our
the Sheriffs’ Bureau of Professional Standard.
It is my belief that the
Sheriff’s Department needs
a passionate and dedicated
leader who is vested in the
community. I am committed
to leading a professional, fiscally responsible and innovative organization that ensures
the safety and security of the
people we serve. As a lifelong
resident of Logan County, I
value this county and what
it represents. I will ensure
that we are a proud and
professional agency. I will be
accessible and accountable to
citizens and employees alike
by making myself available
to listen, review and respond
to any issues and concerns.
I care about the Sheriff’s
Department, its mission and
the people I serve.
On May 10th, I would
be honored if you would
once again support me to be
re-elected as your Sheriff.
Together we can better our
community.
county. In 2008 I co-wrote the
West Virginia Castle Doctrine
Law which gives you a right to
defend yourself if attacked.
I am running for the BOE
to make our schools a better
place for our teachers to teach
and our children to learn. Due
Ralph Rodighiero
W.Va. House of Delegates, Dist. 24
My name is Ralph
Abuse and Neglect)
Rodighiero. I was
program.
born and raised in
I have served in
Logan, WV, and
the House of Delhave resided here
egates for nine years.
my entire life. I am
While serving as one
the son of Ralph (a
of your delegates, I
retired coal miner)
have strived to be a
and Myrtle Rodighievoice for the average
Ralph
ro, from Monaville,
working class man.
Rodighiero
WV. I have been
I have always had
employed as a delivan open door policy,
ery driver for UPS, for 30
and I have always welcomed
years. I currently live in
the opinions and input of
Mitchell Heights, WV with
my constituents concerns
my wife of 32 years, Terri
through email and social
Rodighiero (a registered
media. I was one of the sponnurse) and my youngest son,
sors of the Autism Insurance
Dominic Rodighiero. My old- bill, which allowed children
est son, Rafael Rodighiero
affected by this disorder,
(a physician assistant) and
to receive more healthcare
his wife Joanna Rodighiero
access and benefits. Please
(a teacher) have two beautiallow me to continue to fight
ful children, Roman (4) and
for you and be your voice in
Eva (3). I am of Christian
Charleston. Thank you.
faith, and I am a member of
Ralph Rodighiero
the First Baptist Church of
McConnell. I have been a
Teamster union member for
over 20 years. I have been
involved in the W.E. C.A.N
(Working to Eliminate Child
to the economy, there will be
many tough decisions to make
as a board member. If layoffs
occur, I will make sure that our
teachers and school service
personnel will not be among
those losing their jobs.
There are many places to cut
costs and we will sit down and
determine where those cuts
need to be made.
I love Logan County and I
want our Education system to
be among the best in the state.
With your support on May 10th
we can do just that.
MEET THE CANDIDATE
DOUGLAS
WITTEN
Aaron Stone
House of Delegates, District 24
Aaron Stone is a Republican candidate
Stone’s campaign is focusing on furfor the House of Delegates from the 24th
thering the tourism industry by broadenDistrict. A lifelong resident of Sarah Ann,
ing the revenue base and lowering taxes
he is a graduate of Logan High School
to lighten the burden on the working
and furthered his education at Southern
class.
West Virginia Community and Technical
Aaron Stone knows that our public
College and Marshall University. The
education system is the cornerstone of
son of Janice and the late Elmer, Aaron
West Virginia’s future and teachers are
was introduced to hard work at an early
Aaron Stone the keys to a successful education. An
age. Whether working in the kitchen,
obvious problem in the current school
bussing tables, running a motel, taking
environment is hiring and keeping highly
camping reservations, or cracking jokes,
qualified educators. He will work across
he has always found a way to speak to and with
party lines to ensure that the state of West Vireveryone.
ginia keeps its promise to her employees.
As the youngest of three brothers, he learned
Stone supports attorney general, Patrick Morbargaining, compromise, and how to settle disrissey, in his lawsuit against the Environmental
agreements and is ready to put those skills to the
Protection Agency’s overarching, debilitating
test in Charleston. Aaron is actively involved in
regulations. As a true West Virginian, Stone
the community through his Kiwanis membership
knows that coal mining is crucial to the state,
and volunteerism with Southern Coalition for
but coal miners are the priority. By partnering
the ARTS. This exposure has given him a great
with like-minded delegates, he will champion the
chance to get to know many of the problems faccause of the miners, families, and those who are
ing our area.
supported by the industry.
Tim Tomblin
Logan County Circuit Clerk
Hello, my name is Tim Tomblin and I
High School. She is also a graduate of Maram a candidate for Circuit Clerk of Logan
shall University with a teaching degree in
County. I am the son of Jackie Tomblin and
Elementary Education.
the late Tom “Rose” Tomblin. I have two
My son Colton is 18 years old and he
brothers Tom Tomblin(Lisa) of Barboursalso graduated from Logan High School
ville and Teddy “Ted” Tomblin (Lee Watwith honors. He is currently a student at
son) of Logan. My grandparents are the late
Marshall University.
Buster and Dessie Thompson of Holden,
The Circuit Clerk is a very important
and Odas Tomblin (Earl Rose) and Wayne
part of our county government. The CirTim Tomblin
Mathis of Logan.
cuit Clerk is the administer for the Circuit
I am:
Court. They have the responsibility of
• Lifelong resident of Logan County
maintaining and preserving accurate and complete
• Eagle Scout with troop 217 of Justice Addition
records of the court activities of the Circuit Court
• President of Christmas in the Park for the last 8
to ensure the proper administration of justice.
years
As your next Circuit Clerk of Logan County:
I Have:
• I promise to fulfill the duties of the office.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Management
• I will fulfill my term and obligations.
from Marshall University
• I will be independent
• Over25 years of Management Experience
of any outside political
I have been a single parent and raised my chilinfluences.
dren for the last 16 years. My daughter Taylor is 22
years old and a graduated with honors from Logan
FOR
CIRCUIT
JUDGE
Compare the
experience and
qualification of Circuit
Judge Candidates.
KEEP aN ExPERIENCED & KNoWlEDGEablE JUDGE
• 46 Years as a trial lawyer
• 5 years as an assistant prosecuting attorney in logan
County
• Served as Judge in logan County since august, 2015
• Handled cases in 21 West Virginia counties
• Tried over 75 cases before a jury
KEEP a CaRING CommUNITY lEaDER
boy Scout adult leader for 44 years
Scoutmaster of boy Scout Troop 217 for 30 years
Eagle Scout
Served as president & campaign chairman of logan
County United Fund
• Sunday School teacher and bible Study leader
• lay speaker at Nighbert methodist Church in logan
• Raised and educated in logan County
•
•
•
•
Compare and vote for
Douglas Witten as your
Circuit Judge,
Division One.
Paid for by: Doug Witten for Circuit Judge, John Counts, Treasurer
60651770
MEET THE CANDIDATE
Dr. Ed White
Dwight Williamson
Board of Education
Lifelong resident of
as a course reviewer for
Logan County; son of
Council on Optometric
Fran Johnson and the
Professional Education,
late Rex White. Sisters
approving continuing
Kathy, Cindy and Karen,
medical education coursstep-brothers Brad,
es for national and interMike, the late Bryn and
national conferences.
Kyler Johnson; married
Community service
to Ellen Mullins White,
Dr. Ed White including Little League,
with sons Tony and Paul,
Justice Grade PTO,
and daughter Joanna;
basketball coach and
grandchildren Shane, Luke,
School Improvement Council,
Roman and Eva; attended JusLions Club, past president, Optitice Elementary, Logan Central
mist Club, past vice president,
Junior High, Logan High School
WECAN ( working to eliminate
and Marshall University; graduchild abuse and neglect ), foundated Southern College of Optoming director of Logan / Mingo
etry with honors as a member of
Child Advocacy Center, several
Beta Sigma Kappa International
terms as a director of Logan
Optometric Honor Society.
County Chamber of Commerce.
Cut grass, delivered newspaAward by Alliance for Children
pers, worked at Penny’s Drive
for outstanding commitment
Inn, performed various duties
and dedication to the children of
with West Virginia Department
Logan County 2005.
of Highways and served as SciRecreational activities include
ence Director at Boys Club of
fishing, camping, shooting, dirt
Memphis to help pay for school.
bikes (with a stack of x-rays and
Currently practicing optomhardware in the ankle), auto racetry in Logan, maintaining the
ing and playing with the grandhighest available license status
children.
throughout his career. Was
Long time commitment to
president-elect of West Virginia
service to Logan County, bypassAssociation of Optometric Phying several attractive opportunisicians before resigning that
ties to take positions elsewhere,
post to accept an appointment
due to a commitment to family,
to the West Virginia Board of
friends, patients, and the comOptometry. Currently serving as
munity.
president of the board. Serving
Logan County Magistrate
Dwight Williamson and his
assistant, Lisa Ellison, have
been serving Logan Countians
for 16 years and it appears
they will be at their positions
for at least another fouryear term as Williamson is
an unopposed candidate in
the upcoming May election.
Due to changes made by the
legislature, Williamson will
be running, like all judicial
candidates in the state, as a
non-partisan candidate. Each
magistrate was placed in
different divisions and candi-
dates for magistrate then had
to choose who they wanted to
run against.
Williamson and his wife,
Janice, reside at Verdunville,
where both were raised from
infancy. Mrs. Williamson currently serves as the principal
at Holden Elementary school
after a lengthy educational
career as either a teacher or
assistant principal at Verdunville, Hugh Dingess, Logan
Middle and Chapmanville
Middle schools.
Williamson said that it is
no secret that illegal drugs are
responsible for most crime
in the county. “The pill mill
doctors of the past are chiefly
responsible for the addictions of most people. Some
“bad” doctors made lots of
money for themselves and
pharmaceutical companies,
while causing misery and
even death for too many other
people.”
Williamson, who has served
in both the Logan County
Sheriff’s Department and
the Logan County Assessor’s
office prior to being elected
magistrate in 2000, also is a
former sports editor and news
editor with The Logan Banner
and still contributes to the
newspaper as a guest writer.
Williamson said he wanted
to thank the many people who
over the years have helped
him to succeed at the position
of Magistrate.
“I’ve been down the campaign road many times for
myself and on behalf of others. It’s a tough little world in
Logan County, but I love the
place, and its people. Thank
you, Logan County. We will
continue to do our best.”
Douglas Witten
Circuit Judge, Judicial Circuit 7, Division 1
Douglas
Witten
Douglas
Witten is
married to
Elizabeth
Wilson Witten and they
have two
daughters
and four
grandchildren.
Education: Graduated
from Logan High School in
1961; in 1966 he received his
B.S. Degree from West Virginia University; in 1969 he
received his J.D. Degree from
West Virginia University College of Law.
Experience: Doug has
worked as a trial lawyer for 46
years; he served as assistant
prosecuting attorney in Logan
County for five years; since
taking office as Judge eight
months ago, he has handled
830 matters in Court; he has
handled cases out of 21 West
Virginia counties and tried
more than 75 cases before a
jury.
Community: Doug served
as an adult leader of Boy
Scouts for 44 years; he was
Scoutmaster of Boy Scout
Troop 217 for 30 years; he is
an Eagle Scout; he has served
as president and campaign
chairman of Logan County
United Fund; he is a Sunday
School teacher, Bible Study
leader and lay speaker at
Nighbert Methodist Church
of Logan.
Christopher Workman
Family Court Judge, Circuit 9, Division 2
Christopher
Workman is the
Family Court
Judge for Logan
County, West
Virginia, Division 2. He has
served as FamChristopher ily Court Judge
Workman
since November, 2015. Since
becoming Family Court Judge,
he has presided over numerous
divorces, child custody disputes,
child support disputes, and
domestic violence proceedings.
Judge Workman has over twelve
years of experience practicing
law. Before becoming Family
Court Judge, he worked as law
clerk to a Circuit Court Judge
in Logan County for four years.
Before that Judge Workman
worked for nearly six years as a
litigation attorney, representing
clients in civil cases throughout
West Virginia and other states.
He also has experience working as an attorney for the West
Virginia Legislature, where he
drafted legislation.
Judge Workman was raised
in Chapmanville, where he
attended the public schools and
worked in his family’s grocery
store, Workman’s IGA. He is the
son of Bob and Velma Workman.
Before they retired, Bob ran the
grocery store and Velma was an
elementary school teacher, who
also worked in the store. It was
these two people who instilled
in their son a hard work ethic,
integrity, and desire for knowledge. Judge Workman is a
graduate of Centre College and
The University of Pittsburgh
School of Law.
MEET THE CANDIDATE
WILLIAMSON MEET THE CANDIDATES
Amber Bishop
candidate for Assessor
Barry Blair
candidate for sheriff
Ronnie L. Blankenship
I, Amber Mounts Bishop am a Gilbert resident
running for Assessor of Mingo County in 2016.
I promise to bring my vision and experience in
business to the position of Assessor. I come from a
family of local business owners. I believe the Assessor of Mingo County has to become pro-active. One
of my duties as Assessor will be to step outside the
box of the traditional Assessor role. Instead of just
assessing property, I plan to maintain lists of available properties that can be used as business and
industrial sites.
When a company comes to visit looking for suitable property, I hope to be able to hand them a list
showing what is vacant and available.I will devote
the necessary time to be certain all assessments are
fair and equitable. There will be no favoritism when
I become Assessor. In that regard, I have seen Mingo
tax tickets that show an individual living at 20 different locations in the county.
I do not know if such assessments are just honest
mistakes or efforts to show favoritism. Whatever it
is, it will stop when I become Assessor.
My campaign slogan is, “Fairness not Favoritism”
because I am determined to have fair taxation in
Mingo. It’s not just a slogan; it will be a policy of
mine. Let me be clear: I’m not for raising taxes. I just
want to be sure everyone is treated the same.
I am married to Chad Bishop, grew up in Gilbert
and graduated from Gilbert High School. We are the
parents of Addison Bishop. I have a vision for Mingo
County that includes job development and
economic opportunities for our youth. Our children
and grandchildren deserve to grow up in a place
where jobs are available to keep
them here. That is my goal as your next Assessor.
Hello, my name is Barry
throughout the county for
Blair and I am currently
a quicker response time to
the Chief of Police in Wilall emergencies
liamson, W. Va. and I am a
4. Establish community
candidate for Mingo Councrime watches throughty Sheriff. I am married to
out the county and work
my beautiful wife, Elaine
closely with each group to
and we have two children,
identify and address probDylan and Daisha.
lems in all areas
Barry Blair
I have a Master of Sci5. Work closely with
ence Degree in Criminal
other elected officials to
Justice and I am a 1995 graduate
help reduce jail costs and overof the W. Va. State Police Acadtime costs associated with court
emy. I have been a polygraph
proceedings
examiner, a firearms instructor,
6. Reduce costs to the county
and I have served as a law enforce- for training and equipment
ment officer for almost 22 years
through state grants and drug
with countless hours of training. I
seizures
am honest, hard- working, depend7. To help citizens with any
able, and a proven leader. I have
concerns and complaints and
good communication and writhelp provide solutions to their
ing skills and I really enjoy law
problems
enforcement. I like being active in
8. Strategically have road
the community and I really enjoy
checks throughout the county by
meeting and working with other
utilizing funding from the Goverpeople. I believe in order to be a
nor’s Highway Safety Program and
successful leader one must be fair
9. A sheriff who will be more
to all people regardless of who
actively involved in the county
they are or their social status. If
and work closely with deputies
elected Sheriff of Mingo County,
So, if you want a strong leader
I have a plan to implement the
who will keep law and order and
following:
require the actions of the sheriff’s
1. Aggressively combat the
department to be more accountcounty wide drug epidemic
able, I’m the man for the job. On
2. Increase law enforcement vis- Election Day, punch #1 on the
ibility and patrols
democrat ballot to Elect Barry
3. Strategically place deputies
Blair for Mingo County Sheriff.
Ronnie L. Blankenter in Dingess. “I know
ship, Jr. is a Demohow to create a business
cratic candidate for
and bring jobs to our
House of Delegates
communities,” Blankenfrom the 20th District,
ship said.
which includes Mingo
He continued, “that’s
County and a small
how we bring the
portion of Logan.
Southern West Virginia
“I am sincerely askeconomy back, one
Ronnie
ing for the vote and
business and one job
Blankenship, Jr.
support of those in the
at a time. Grandiose
20th District who feel
plans like a $10 billion
we have been bypassed in terms highway sound good but the
of progress and economic develstate does not have sufficient
opment,” Blankenship said.
funds to even consider the
Blankenship is 46 years old
possibility of building such a
and resides with his family at
road in Mingo County. A feaRiffe Branch. He is a lifelong
sibility study suggested by the
resident of Mingo County, sharincumbent delegate was turned
ing the values of Mingo County
down in the last session of the
and its people.
Legislature.”
Blankenship is married to
Always civic minded, BlanCrystal Blankenship. They
kenship helped organize the
are the parents of Josh, Caleb,
Kiwanis Club of Lenore in
Calvin and Jonathan. The
2003, still serves as an active
candidate is the son of Ronnie
member and is its President. He
Blankenship of Big Creek; and
has operated the Lenore Buddy
Myrtle and John Preece of Riffe
League for the past 13 years.
Branch.
“I believe in giving back to the
Ronnie Blankenship Jr.
people,” he said. “The Kiwanis
attended Lenore and Tug
has been a real asset to the comValley high schools as well as
munity.”
Pikeville College and Marshall
Blankenship was appointed
University.
to the Mingo County ComBlankenship worked 27
mission in 2014, filling out an
years as a surface miner, with
unexpired term.
22 years of membership in
“My government and civic
the United Mine Workers of
experience, coupled with my
America (UMWA).
coal mining and business backAfter leaving the mining
ground provide unique qualifiindustry, Blankenship became
cations to serve the people in
owner of Dingess Service Centhe state legislature,” he said.
candidate for House of Delegates
SONYA M. DINGESS ★★★
PORTER
DEMOCRAT FOR
SHERIFF
OF LOGAN COUNTY
PAID FOR BY CANDIDATE
Working together, we can make a change!
60651745
MEET THE CANDIDATE
Robert Carlton
Yogi Croaff
Bill Cole
running for Circuit Judge
running for governor
Robert Carlton, JD,
He was a member of
MBA BS, ASB, ASSST,
the Finals Trial Team
ASA, is a graduate of
at ORU. The ContinuOral Roberts Univering Legal Education
sity Law School class of
classes he has taken are
1986. He has six college
too numerous to list
degrees and around 300
individually, however
college and graduate
he received recognition
Robert
school credit hours. He
from the Kentucky Bar
Carlton
graduated eighth out of
for over 62 hours of
an initial class of over
CLE in just one of the
100 international students. He
two year reporting periods. He
is a life long Democrat. Before
is a member of the Kentucky ,
graduation from Law school
North Carolina, and West Virdue to his excellent grades he
ginia Bar Associations.
asked permission of the WV
EXPERIENCE:
Board of Bar Examiners to take
Assistant Prosecuting
the bar exam and was granted
Attorney Mingo County W.Va.
permission to take the WV Bar.
1992-1994
He passed the bar exam before
This position included the
finishing Law School.
prosecution of all manner of
He also has a Master of Busicriminal charges including sevness Administration degree,
eral murder cases that resulted
M.B.A., from West Virginia
in convictions after a trial,
University and four other coland a few murder cases were
lege degrees for a total of six..
resolved by way of a plea agreeHe has practiced law for several
ment.
decades since 86 and is licensed
PLATFORM:
in KY , NC, and WVa. He has a
Carlton Supports:
large private practice in Federal
Impartial Legal System •
Court and State Court.
Avoiding any appearance of
MEMBERSHIPS AND
impropriety. •The creation of a
second Circuit Judge Position.
AWARDS:
• Ensuring impartiality and
He is admitted in Federal
efficiency in the Administraand State Courts and before
tion of Justice. • Fair, Honest
the West Virginia Supreme
& Efficient Administration of
Court. Mr. Carlton received
Justice. • Prompt hearings at a
the American Jurisprudence
designated time to reduce legal
Award in Insurance Law and the
fees to litigants from lawyers
American Jurisprudence Award
waiting in court.
in Wills, Trusts, and Estates.
Bill Cole is a Republican
member of the West Virginia
State Senate, representing District 6. He was first elected to
the chamber in 2012. Cole was
elected as President of the Senate and Lieutenant Governor of
West Virginia at the start of the
2015 legislative session.[1]
Cole is running for governor
of West Virginia in 2016.
Cole served in the West
Virginia House of Delegates,
representing District 24 after
his appointment on May 28,
2010, until the term expired on
November 2, 2010.
BIOGRAPHY:
Bill Cole was born in 1956 in
Massachusetts. He is married
and has four children. He is
Lutheran.[2]
Education:
Cole earned his B.A. in
business administration from
Northwood University, with
a minor in accounting. He
holds an associate degree in
automotive marketing from
Northwood Institute.[2]
Career:
Cole is an automobile
dealer and owner of Cole
Automotive Group in Bluefield and Bill Cole Automall
in Ashland, Kentucky.
running for County Clerk
Lifelong
Mingo
County
resident
Larry Croaff
is seeking
election to
the office
of Mingo
Larry “Yogi”
County
Croaff
Clerk.
Croaff,
better known to his friends
as “Yogi”, was raised in
Edgarton by his parents,
Larry and Christine Baker
Croaff. Croaff’s parents
raised him to have a passion for volunteerism and
public service, which he
has exhibited throughout
his adult life. A former
officer with the Matewan
Police Department, Croaff
became employed by the
Mingo County Commission
as a court marshal in 2004.
In 2009, he was named
chief court marshal and still
serves in that position.
When Croaff is not on
the job securing the county
courts, he volunteers his
time working in his community. He currently serves
as president of Jeanette
Boyd Park and is a former
volunteer firefighter with
the Matewan Volunteer Fire
Department.
Croaff believes the people
of Mingo County have an
opportunity to truly make
a difference in the upcoming primary election. His
platform, which he believes
the people of Mingo County
need and deserves, is to see
that the people are better
served by modernizing the
clerk’s office to include digitizing public records such
as deeds and making them
available online and establishing a mobile office in
Stafford District to provide
convenience to residents in
outlying areas of the county.
Croaff says that if he is
elected Mingo County Clerk
he will be honored to serve
and he promises to always
observe an open door policy.
Croaff says he is committed
to doing his part to improve
the future of Mingo County
and believes that while we
must respect the past, it is
time to take the necessary
steps to embrace the future.
ELECT
Phyllis Riffe White
House of
Delegates
21st District
Paid for by the Candidate
60652211
MEET THE CANDIDATE
Sabrina Deskins
Dave Farley
candidate for Mingo BOE
candidate for Family Court Judge
Judge Sabrina L. Deskins
is a life-long
resident of
Mingo County.
She attended
Dingess Grade
School, Lenore
Jr High, and
Sabrina
graduated from
Deskins
Williamson
High School in
1994. She received her bachelor’s
degree in criminal justice from
Marshall University in 1998 and
her law degree from the Appalachian School of Law in 2002. She
currently resides in the Lenore
area with her two children.
Judge Deskins was appointed
to the bench by the Governor
in September 2014 and took
office on October 27, 2014. Prior
to becoming judge, she was an
Assistant Prosecutor. There, she
prosecuted thousands of cases
involving the safety and wellbeing of children while doing
everything in her power to make
sure those children had the best
opportunity to succeed in a
safe and healthy environment.
Additionally, she has represented
hundreds of children in family
court as their guardian ad litem
for Lincoln, Logan, and Mingo
Counties. She is also an approved
family court mediator for the
West Virginia Supreme Court of
Appeals. Along with her roles
as an Assistant Prosecutor and
guardian ad litem, she was an
adjunct criminal professor at
Southern Community and Technical College from 2011 to 2013
and was also the city attorney for
the town of West Logan in 2013
and 2014.
Judge Deskins’ entire legal
career has been concentrated on
doing what is best for families
and children. She has spent
countless hours over the past
several years volunteering
for the Tug Valley Recovery
Shelter, the Logan All Girls
Basketball League, the Logan
County Circuit Court Teen Drug
Court, the Supreme Court of
Appeals of West Virginia’s Court
Improvement Program, and the
WE CAN program where she
assisted in raising thousands of
dollars to provide children with
Christmas gifts and clothing.
Additionally, she volunteers
at a camp for foster children
every summer for the WE CAN
program.
If experience and dedication
to the rights of children, parents,
and grandparents are important to you, then vote to keep
Sabrina Deskins as your Mingo
County Family Court Judge. She
will continue to make Mingo
County better for our citizens,
and for our children’s future.
Camilla Walters Ellis
running for Circuit Clerk
The past
few years have
been hard on
the county in
lots of ways,
but I believe
our future can
be bright and
that our best
Camilla
moments can
Walters Ellis
be ahead of us.
Mingo County
has hard-working people, and
I’ve always believed that there
aren’t many problems that can’t
be solved by commitment,
integrity, and old-fashioned hard
work. That’s why I’m running to
be your next Circuit Clerk.
During my eighteen years
working as the Chief Deputy/
Office Manager I’ve spent my
time finding ways to make the
office work better for the people
of our county. I have managed
several grants that have saved
our taxpayers thousands of dollars. In fact, this July, we will
receive our fifth grant from the
West Virginia Historical and
Preservation Board to help with
our documents in our possession. Including invaluable court
records from the days of the
Hatfield-McCoy Feud and the
Matewan Massacre.
As Chief Deputy/Office
Manager I requested scanners
from the County Commission
for the Clerk’s office. We started
scanning in 2010, and presently
scan every document filed in the
Circuit Clerks Office.
I will work honestly for you,
the people of Mingo County,
and will strive to have a strong,
hard working relationship with
the Circuit Judge, Family Court
Judge, WV Supreme Court, and
the County Commission.
The Circuit Clerks Office
will work hard for the people of
Mingo County and respect the
confidentiality of this office and
the citizens.
We need someone who is
experienced and ready on day
one to be about the business of
serving the people, a working
Clerk, not a political power. I’m
that candidate and ask for your
vote: Camilla Walters Ellis for
Circuit Clerk.
My name is
James David
“Dave” Farley.
I reside on
Elk Creek
Road near
Delbarton
with my wife
Dave Farley of 41 years,
Beth Baldwin
Farley, and we
have one son, J. R. Farley II.
I am a graduate of Burch
High School, Marshall University, W. Va. Basic Police Academy and the Norfolk Southern
Police Academy. I served
in the WV Army National
Guard where I was honorably
discharged after 7 years of
service.
All my life I have strived to
give to my community and to
help improve our area to make
it a better place to live. Some
of the activities that I have
been involved with are: Delbar-
ton Kiwanis Club, Tug Valley
Chamber of Commerce, Tug
Valley Friendship Foundation,
Mingo County Library Board
and Tug Valley ARH’s Advisory
Council. I am currently a Trustee with the Connolly Memorial
Baptist Church.
Four years ago, I decided
to run for a seat on the Mingo
County BOE due to my belief
that we could and should regain
control of the local board from
the state. This has been accomplished and today I am asking
your support for re-election to
this position. I am currently
serving as President of the
BOE.
A lot of successes have
been accomplished during the
time period that the BOE has
been under local control. An
early learning center has been
established at Gilbert for our
young children which is one
of only three in West Virginia.
A speaker bureau has been
established with the Tug Valley
Chamber of Commerce to have
business leaders talk with our
students to prepare them for the
future. I was recently asked to
serve on an advisory education
committee by Congressman
Evan Jenkins with the purpose
of reviewing key educational
issues important to the Third
Congressional District.
We have many goals for the
next four years. We have already
been recognized for our success in the graduation rates for
our high schools. We want to
continue to improve the student
outcomes in terms of test scores
and other success criteria. Safety of our students is the number
one priority. We want to continue to be fiscally responsible,
and we want to use our financial
resources to upgrade buildings
and to improve or add to our
athletic facilities.
Vote for
Jonathan
"Duke" Jewell
for Prosecuting Attorney
Jewell Law Office,
PLLC
304-235-DUKE
(3853)
Paid for by the Committee to Elect Duke Jewell.
60651777
MEET THE CANDIDATE
Paul Farrell
running for president
Larry
Ferguson
running for Mingo BOE
I am Larry Ferguson, 49
years old, a candidate for Board
of Education. I have been a
Mingo County resident all of
There are no good choices
for President in the Democratic
primary. We are being asked to
choose between Hillary Clinton
and Bernie Sanders. I adamantly disagree with their positions
on gun control and coal and
refuse to vote for either. That is
why I placed my name on the
ballot and am asking for your
vote.
West Virginia’s economy
has been destroyed by the
national Democratic Party led
my life.
Gilbert, W.
Va. has also
been my
hometown
since birth.
I have
always had
an interest
Larry Ferguson in education
since the
later years of high school and
my journey into college. I graduated high school in 1984 from
by President Obama and Hillary
Clinton. Hillary has vowed to
continue Obama’s illegal Clean
Power Plan and to put the last
of our miners out of work.
Meanwhile, the United States
has spent billions of dollars
rebuilding Iraq and Afghanistan, but spent almost nothing
rebuilding the West Virginia
economy they left in ruins.
Regardless of your position on
climate change, Obama’s illegal
action has negatively affected
Gilbert High and continued my
college career at Marshall University with a Bachelors of Arts
(Emphasis in Elem. Education)
in 1993.
I began my work career at
Logan-Mingo Area Mental
Health as a case-manager for
the MR/DD (Mental Retardation/Developmental Disability).
I worked there for 13 years
and found the job very rewarding. From there, I began my
career as a Social Worker for
running for Magistrate
tice should be served.
My parents are Helen Fugett
and (the late) L. D. Fugett of
Borderland. I have a brother
“Larry” and sister “Naomi” of
Indiana, and a brother “Hobie”
and a sister “Mary Helen” of
Mingo County. I have a daughter “Farrah” in Florida whom
is a lawyer and a stepdaughter
“Katherine” in Texas and a son
“James II” whom will be graduating from WVU and later
every West Virginian. The
state’s current budget crisis is
due in large part to a $400 million decrease in coal severance
tax.
Voting for a ‘favorite son’
has benefited West Virginia in
the past. In 1976, the late Senator Robert Byrd won the West
Virginia Presidential Primary
which he used to broker his rise
to Senate majority leader. This
position allowed Sen. Byrd to
created tens of thousands of
a foster care agency in Logan
for 10 years. This too was very
rewarding.
In 2007, I went back to
college and completed my
Master’s Degree in Counseling/
Education. I began working
in Boone Co, as a Substance
Abuse counselor for 2 years and
then to the Williamson Treatment Center also as substance
abuse counselor for 1 year.
Now I am in my 3rd year, as a
case-manager for Vance Family
jobs for West Virginians. We did
not surrender our vote in 1976
to Jimmy Carter and the national party and we should not
surrender it this year. Doing so
would be akin to saying, “thank
you sir, may I have another.”
Hillary and Bernie want our
guns, and they want to bankrupt West Virginia. Do not vote
for the lesser of evils and do not
abstain at the ballot box. West
Virginia Democrats must show
up on election day in droves
Services. This agency is a contracting service with DHHR to
provide parenting classes/adult
life skills that is related to CPS.
The reason for being a member
for the BOE, is that I believe in
confronting challenges to rise
above them and help students
in the Mingo Co communities
succeed. I can be flexible and
responsive to the needs of the
students and parents.
The need would be for all to
share a vision for the future of
and vote for Paul Farrell Jr., a
West Virginian who shares your
West Virginia values.
Profile Information:
Name: Paul T. Farrell Jr.
Hometown: Huntington, WV
Occupation: Attorney at
Greene, Ketchum, Farrell, Bailey & Tweel
Office: President of the
United States
Website: www.facebook.com/
PaulForWV
education along with support
a healthy Mingo Co school
district culture for work and
learning. This means that we as
a board would need to maintain
strong ethical standards with
an additional training. I am an
effective communicator and
an information processor and
team player for all the that are
informed. In closing, please
consider me as a board member
for Mingo County. “The Voice
of Mingo County”
Dr. Ed White
James Fugett
Hello, my
name is James
H. “Tick”
Fugett and I
live at Dan’s
Branch in Borderland, W.Va.
I am running
James Fugett for Magistrate
in Division
two. I believe
in treating everyone fairly and
equally and I believe that jus-
Board of Education
attending medical school.
I was a laid- off underground
coal miner in Jan. 2016. I
have around 33 years in and
around coal mines. I was also
a correction officer for Mingo
County Jail and the Regional
Jail Authority for ten years
(1996-2006).
Your vote and support would
be greatly appreciated.
Vote
For Our
Grandpa!
I desire a seat on the Board of Education because I want to have a positive impact on
Logan County Schools for our children by improving all facets of our school system,
so that our students may be well-prepared to become productive adults. An improved
education system will have a positive impact on our local economy down the road,
making our county more desirable for new business, as well as producing competent
workers from our school system. I also want to be a voice for the teachers and other
personnel hired by the BOE. Our teachers are trained experts, and it is time to listen to
their needs as to how we can improve their schools and class-rooms so that they can
better teach our children. I appreciate your support and your vote!
60651759
MEET THE CANDIDATE
REELECT
MIKI
THOMPSON
★
RESPECT FOR PEOPLE
RESPECT FOR THE LAW ★
RESPECT FOR FAMILY
Paid for by the friends of Miki Thompson.
60651827
CIRCUIT
JUDGE!!
MEET THE CANDIDATE
SABRINA DESKINS
Family
Court
Judge
★
vote
May
10th
60651835
Paid for by the Candidate
MEET THE CANDIDATE
Booth Goodwin
running for governor
Booth Goodwin was the U.S.
Attorney for the past 5 years,
and a federal prosecutor for 10
years before that. Booth has
prosecuted and sent to jail corrupt politicians and gone after
prescription drug abuse. He’s
fought for safer schools and
reached out to kids to keep them
from going down the wrong
path. He’s helped rebuild communities plagued by drugs and
violence. He’s prosecuted criminals who prey on our elderly and
our children.
Booth grew up in Ripley and
is married to Amy Goodwin, a
Wheeling native. Booth and Amy
now live in Charleston with their
boys — Joe and Sam. When
Booth and Amy are not watching
their boys play hockey or run
cross country they can be found
mountain biking, camping at one
of their favorite state parks, skiing the hillsides of the Mountain
State, or hiking with their very
large lab, Gus.
Booth is honest. He is smart.
He’s not afraid of anyone, and
won’t be afraid to stand up to the
special interests.
Booth is truly the best choice
for us. He’s someone who wants
to continue to serve the people
of West Virginia, not someone
who wants to buy a position of
power.
I decided to run to make
West Virginia a better place.
I don’t want to wait. So I’m
making this campaign for West
Virginia, its communities, and
its people - a campaign made
up of “good wins” for West
Virginia’s people and its communities. I’m setting out to
harness the resources, energy,
creativity and sense of community embodied in West Virginians for the benefit of West
Virginia - because Good always
Wins in the end. Through this
campaign there will be “good
wins” in communities across
the state.
Jim Harvey
candidate for Mingo County Magistrate
Jim Harvey
Jim Harvey
Mingo County
Magistrate
Fair but Firm –
Those words
are the platform
that Chattaroy
resident Jim Harvey is promising
to uphold should
he be successful in
his bid for re-election to the May
2016 Primary Election.
Jim and his wife Judy, a veteran
employee of the Mingo County
Clerk’s office describe themselves
as ordinary folks who want to do
their part to make Mingo County
a better place to live, and one that
all residents can once again, be
proud to call home.
Judicial officers take the oath
Brandy Baisden Haney
runs for Circuit Clerk
Our 2016 Primary Election
may be a stressful situation
is right around the corner and
they are going through.. They
I want to introduce myself
deserve a working clerk that
to the fine people of Mingo
greets them with a smile,
County, whom I hope to serve
treats them with respect,
as your Circuit Clerk.
shows concern for their needs,
I am Brandy Baisden
and alleviates their worries by
Haney, current deputy clerk
assisting them in a timely and
in the office I seek. I have
Brandy Haney just manner. I can proudly say
8 years in this department,
I have done all of this.
and serve in the job capacity
The Circuit clerk is a very
normally filled by the clerk himself,
important position. You must be trustworking alongside our Judge in
worthy, fair and unbiased, as you are
courtroom proceedings.. It has been
handling legal documents that contain
a tremendous honor to have this
private, personal information, as well
responsibility and I perform it to the
as court records that are public. Knowbest of my ability.
ing how to separate this information is
I’m the daughter of Keri Estepp
crucial. As the clerk, you should know
(Lacy Muncy) and Johnny Estepp
all the ins and outs of the job descrip(Linda Estepp), wife of Jamie Haney
tion, You should never be a bench
and proud mother of two daughters,
warmer who hands the responsibility
Haylee and Emily Baisden and stepto your staff while sitting back and
daughters Brooke and Elizabeth
drawing a nice salary.
Haney. I was raised in Matewan and
I look forward to meeting you as I
graduated school from Williamson
campaign throughout the county, and
High.
I ask for your support in the 2016 PriWhen a person enters our office
mary Election. I hope to be your next
they are there for answers, and it
Circuit Clerk.
of office and swear on a Bible
that they will do what’s right. If I
am the one standing and raising
my right hand while I place my
left hand on the Bible during the
swearing in ceremony, I promise
you the people of Mingo County
that I will do what’s right.
We have got to move Mingo
County into the future and overcome the shame and humiliation
that has been caused by the
crooked politicians. The citizens
of Mingo County are some of the
finest folks you will find anywhere
in the world. They are honest,
God serving, law abiding, goodhearted people that care about
one another and stand together in
times of trouble. Now it’s time to
elect candidates for office that will
stand and represent you, defend
you and go to bat for you each and
every day.
I encourage you to let your
voice be heard…let your feelings
be known and cast your vote for
the people that you know in your
heart have nothing but your best
interest in mind. I stand before
you today asking for your support
and your vote on May 10, 2016.
Let integrity and honesty be the
traits you look for when you make
your decision…
May God bless Mingo County.
Lonnie Hannah
candidate for Mingo County Circuit
Court
Lonnie D. Hannah was born
in Holden, W.Va. to the late
Hayden Hannah and Alberta
Meade Hannah. I was raised
and have lived in Mingo County all my life.
I graduated from Burch
High School and married my
childhood sweetheart and the
Lonnie
love of my life, Darlene Hall.
Hannah
We have been married for 39
years and have a wonderful son
Jason Darrell and daughter- in – law, Deanna
and grandson, Jayden Robert. I have seven
brothers and one sister.
I was elected as Mingo County’s Sheriff in
2004 and again in 2008. I was elected as Treasurer to the W.Va. State Sheriff’s Association in
2006 and 2007. I graduated from the National
Sheriff’s Institute in Longmont Colorado in
2006. I was appointed to the W.Va. State Sheriff’s Bureau in 2006 by Governor Manchin. I
completed training in Rural Law Enforcement
in San Diego, California in 2008.
I am aa member and past president of the
Tug Valley Shrine Club, a member of Calista
Boyd Chapter 104 in Red Jacket, W.Va., member of the Beni Kedem Shrine Temple, The
Scottish Rite, Honorable Order of Ky. Colonels
and a pilot and member of the 523 Flying Club
in Williamson W.Va. I am also a member of
the Freedom United Baptist Church at Laurel
Creek, W.Va.
I worked for 10 years for Pittson Coal
Company at Rum Creek, W.Va. where I was a
member of the UMWA. I worked in the trucking and wood industry in Mingo County. I am
now serving as Manager of Gilco International
Lumber.
I love Mingo County. That is why I ran for
office in 2004. I wanted to make this county a
safer place to live and raise our children and
grandchildren. This is why I am running for
Circuit Clerk. I want to continue working for
the people of Mingo County. I am asking for
your support to elect me to the Mingo county
Circuit Court.
Thank you and God bless you.
MEET THE CANDIDATE
Nathan Hatfield
‘Big’ Jim Hatfield
running for Mingo County Board of Education
My name is Nathan Hatfield,
behind the scenes to make
I was born and raised in Gilsure the children get what they
bert, W.Va. and I now reside in
need too. I am talking about
Naugatuck, W.Va. I am married
our bus drivers, cooks, janiand have a beautiful steptors, and secretaries that get
daughter. I currently work as
over looked and without them,
a bailiff in the Family Court of
the children would suffer. The
Mingo County.
Maintenance Department for
I am a former firefighter
Mingo County Schools, school
Nathan
where I served 14 years, also
nurses, and our coaches; I
Hatfield
a former police officer for the
know there are people I forgot
town of Matewan and Gilbert.
to mention but my point is
I am a big supporter of our
they are a team that work for
school activities like sports, band,
the children of Mingo County and I
cheerleading and many others in the
would appreciate a chance to join this
county. Our children in this area need
team.
these activities to look forward to.
Please elect me, Nathan Hatfield,
I want to serve on the Mingo
for your Mingo County Board of EduCounty Board of Education to help the cation. Thank you for your time and
students and teachers. Not only them,
support.
but there are a lot of people that work
runs for County Clerk
Mingo County
Clerk “Big Jim” Hatfield is again asking
for your vote in the
Primary Election of
2016, to return him
to that office. Hatfield
has held the position
since 2002,but most
‘Big’ Jim
recently re-elected
Hatfield
in the 2010 general
election. He considers
himself just an ordinary man, who has
humbly, but proudly, strived to operate
the clerk’s office with integrity and
excellence. He believes that the everyday operations of the County Clerk’s
office can play an important role in
helping move Mingo County forward.
Hatfield is a life-long resident of
Mingo County, in the community of
Gilbert Creek. “Big Jim” is very proud
of having worked as coal miner for 23
years, in and around the hometown
he loves. He also ran businesses in the
Gilbert and Justice areas. The candidate
first vied for a position in public service
in 1990 and was successful in that bid
to become a county commissioner. He
served in that position until he became
county clerk, the office he holds today.
During his tenure as County Clerk,
Hatfield has maintained an open-door
policy, making sure that the citizens are
always welcomed by him, and also by
the staff. Hatfield feels strongly that the
County Clerk’s office is not his office,
but one that belongs to the people of
Mingo County. By re-electing “Big Jim”
Hatfield, that welcoming atmosphere
will continue.
Not only are the citizens welcomed
to the office, but they can put their trust
in Hatfield to maintain transparency in
the responsibilities of the job. Over the
years, he has earned the trust his constituents and the hard working employees of the office. The county Clerk’s
office handles vital statistic records
such as birth and death certificates, and
marriage licenses. Documenting these
statistics properly is important in ensuring voting records are up to date. In
addition, the office offers on-line voter
registration to empower the citizens in
the election process.
“Big Jim” Hatfield wants to sincerely
thank all the good people of Mingo
County for voting for him and trusting
him to take care of their best interests.
He would like to use his continued
service to do all he can in his capacity
as County Clerk, to bring a brighter
tomorrow to Mingo County.
MEET THE CANDIDATE
“Duke” Jewell
Evan Jenkins
candidate for Prosecuting Attorney
Incumbent running for congress
HUNTINGTON - Conto the United States House of Repgressman Evan Jenkins is
resentatives in 2014 and was sworn
honored to serve the people
in on Jan. 6, 2015.
of the Third Congressional
Evan has a Bachelor of Science
District of West Virginia in
in business administration from the
the 114th Congress.
University of Florida and a Juris
A native of Huntington,
Doctor from the Cumberland School
Evan is proud to call West
of Law at Samford University. He
Virginia his home and
Evan Jenkins previously served as the executive
has long been dedicated
director of the West Virginia State
to serving its residents.
Medical Association and taught
In 1994, Evan was elected to serve in
business law at Marshall University.
the West Virginia House of Delegates,
Evan and his wife, Elizabeth, live
where he represented Cabell and Wayne in Huntington with their three chilcounties for three terms from 1995 to
dren. He is active in the community
2001. In 2002, he was elected to the
as a member of the First Presbyterian
West Virginia Senate, where he served
Church in Huntington and has served
three terms from 2003 to 2015. As a
as a volunteer leader for the American
state legislator, Evan championed job
Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America and
creation, children’s issues, public safety
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State
and fiscal responsibility. He was elected
Area.
Jonathan “Duke” Jewell is a
clients in Abuse and Neglect
Democrat candidate for Mingo
cases. He frequently serves as the
County Prosecuting Attorney in
attorney/Guardian Ad Litem for
the May 10 primary election.
minor children in Family Court.
Duke graduated from WilDuke is the owner of Jewell
liamson High School in 1991
Law Office, PLLC, located at
and he earned his B.A. from
5 East Second Avenue in WilBrandeis University in Waltham,
liamson. His law practice also
Massachusetts, a suburb of
encompasses personal injury
Duke Jewell cases, divorce and child custody
Boston, in 1994. In 2001, he
earned his law degree from Ohio
matters, and various other areas
Northern University.
of law. He is passionate about the law
Duke is licensed to practice law
and helping people and believes that
in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Mingo County desperately needs positive
Throughout his 15 years of attorney
change.
experience, he has focused on litigation
If elected as Prosecuting Attorney,
in both civil and criminal cases. He has
he will maintain an “open door” policy,
handled thousands of felony and misdewhere the public will have access to him
meanor criminal cases including numerin person and over the telephone to disous jury trials. In addition, he represents
cuss their concerns. Duke understands
juvenile clients in juvenile matters and
that elected officials work for the people
re-elect
Justin
MarcuM
House
Coal built Southern West Virginia.
It is vital to the future of our state.
Delegate Justin Marcum has worked
to protect miners, build our energy
economy and plan for our future.
60651822
Paid for by Justin MarcuM for House 2016.
of Mingo County and he promises to
work hard and to serve the people in a
fair, honest and ethical manner.
In addition to other community-based
activities, Duke coaches buddy league
sports, volunteers with the Read Aloud
program in the local schools, and is a
member of the Board of Directors for the
Tug Valley Recovery Shelter. He enjoys
CrossFit training and he is a member
of the Tug Valley Road Runners Club.
Duke frequently runs in 5k, 10k, and Half
Marathon (13.1 miles) races both locally
and across the country.
Duke is the son of Millard Jewell and
the late DeeAnna (Hammond) Jewell.
Duke and his wife, Christina (Anderson),
reside in Williamson with their two children, Jackson and Samuel.
Jobs, Coal, and a Better
Southern West Virginia.
MEET THE CANDIDATE
David Justice
running for Division 2 Magistrate
Hello, I am David
in an honest upright
Justice and I am a canmanner never thinking
didate for Magistrate in
twice about helping
Division Two. I am askanyone in our county,
ing the voters of Mingo
especially children.
County to elect me as
Mingo County must
their Magistrate on May
have a fair and equal
10, 2016. I am a lifejustice system for our
long resident of Mingo
David Justice people and I will endeavCounty and live at Varor to be one of the best
ney where I have driven
magistrates I can be
a Mingo county School Bus for
because the magistrate court
the past 23 years. I am married
is often the only court some
to my wife Donna and we have
people ever appear before.
been married for 34 years and
I want Mingo County to shed
have three children and two
its image of past corruption and
grandchildren. I have also have
all people of Mingo County can
been a truck driver and dozer
count on me to do this job with
operator and have been a workhonest, friendly and fair service.
ing man all of my life.
I would greatly appreciate your
I will be fair to everyone that
vote as I am a working man of
comes before me as magistrate
the people, by people, for Mingo
and I have always lived my life
County.
Jerry Lyall
running for Mingo BOE
My name is Jerry Lyall
and I am a candidate for
the Mingo County Board of
Education. I am a graduate of
Gilbert High School, Berea
College, WVU and the Appalachian School of Law. I have
a law office in Williamson and
I reside with my wife Katie,
at Baisden (Gilbert Creek).
Together, Katie and I have
six children and 11 grandchildren.
Before enrolling in WVU
and obtaining a Mining Engineer degree, I was a school
teacher at Williamson High
School for three years. While
attending WVU, I worked each
summer as an underground
laborer for Consolidation Coal
Company. I have held various
jobs in the mining industry,
including being a mining
engineer, chief engineer, sec-
tion foreman, mine foreman
and superintendent. While
awaiting approval to practice
law from the W.Va. State Bar,
I was a substitute teacher for
the Mingo County Board of
Education.
If I am elected as a member of the Mingo the County
Board of Education, I will
work as a team member with
other board members, administrators and communities to
focus on student achievement
and provide equal opportunities for all students.
I would seek to form partnerships with businesses to
raise funds for athletic fields
for our high schools and middle schools. I will also strive
to enhance early literacy programs and promote summer
programs for the students.
Vivian Livingood
Lossie Mahone
candidate for House of Delegates
21st District
My name is Vivian Livingood
and I would like to tell you why
I am running for the House of
Delegates 21st District. I have
lived in this area my entire
life and plan to remain here.
This part of the state and the
country has some of the nicest
and hardest working people you
will ever meet, but we have also
been neglected; forgotten; and
taken advantage of for as long as
I can remember. I have always
asked, “Why not us?” Do we
not deserve what others take for
granted? I believe we do and I
will fight with everything in my
power to see that we are no longer neglected.
One can look around this
region and see a lack of jobs and
economic development for our
workers to remain in the area
and provide for their families; the
absence of cell towers that the
majority of the country has in
abundance; roads that are in desperate need of repair or replacement; and a near expectation
that nothing will ever change. I
want to change these situations,
and I fully believe I can. I will
not promise that in my two year
term all of these things will be
accomplished but I can promise
you that I will fight for you and
I will be your voice. Every effort
will be made to make this region
all that it can be and should be.
You will not find my campaign
signs in illegal places like public
intersections or hillsides (unless
placed without my permission).
You will not see me selling my
political stance to businesses or
other group interests; I will owe
zero favors to anyone, nor will I
put their interests over those of
our citizens and tax payers. My
campaign is based on my work
ethic and history of accomplishments for the area as Mayor of
Gilbert as well as my desire to
advance this region and our way
of life.
One thing is for certain, I will
not stop fighting for those that
I represent. I deal in reality and
the truth, and I am not afraid
to stand up for what I believe
in, and I believe in this region
and its people. If you are tired of
being neglected; if you are tired
of the usual politics; and if you
feel no one has fought for you
and your way of life, then I am
asking for your vote. It would be
my pleasure to represent you.
runs for Board of Education
Lossie Mahone, a resident of
Chattaroy, W. Va., is running for
a position on the Mingo County
Board of Education. He grew
up in Mingo County; he is a
graduate of Lenore High School,
University of Charleston, and
Marshall University. He retired
as an assistant superintendent
from Mingo County Schools
after serving as teacher, coach,
and principal.
Mahone has stayed interested
in current trends in education
ever since he served two terms
on the Board of Education, some
of which are very disturbing to
him. He said that the emphasis
in education has switched from
teaching students to satisfying
bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.
“We need to get back to
teaching the fundamentals
in education: reading, writing and arithmetic,” Mahone
said. “Common Core should
be repealed; it doesn’t prepare
students for more advanced
degrees, especially in the STEM
fields. Teaching our children
can be compared to building
a house. First, there must be
a solid foundation in basic,
everyday common sense and
knowledge. Then, as blocks of
maturity and wisdom are laid,
more diversity can be added.
We need to teach students, not
subjects.”
Mahone noted that teachers
are overwhelmed with too much
paper work, too little control
over student discipline, and a
lack of respect for their knowledge of what a student should
know. “This is a result of the federal government’s interference of
how a classroom should be run.
Control of education needs to
return to the local level and not
in the hands of those who have
never taught,” Mahone added.
Mahone is tired of seeing
our schools rated in the bottom
five of the state. He emphasized
that principals should be visible
throughout their buildings during the day instead of in their
offices. “Visiting each classroom
on a daily basis creates a safer,
more disciplined atmosphere,”
he said.
Finally, Mahone has made
a promise to all the citizens of
Mingo County. “I promise not
to litter our highways and communities with political signs,”
Mahone concluded.
Ramona Mahon
Incumbent Assessor
Mingo County Assessor
Ramona Mahon will be seeking her third consecutive term
in office during this year’s
primary election.
The Delbarton native is,
by far, the most qualified
candidate as she has been
employed with the assessor’s
office since 1979. Mahon was
hired on a part-time basis
through a program offering
employment opportunities to
low-income high school graduates and eventually earned
a full-time position. During
her career she learned
to fulfill Baisden’s
every aspect of work
unexpired term. In
in the assessor’s office
doing so, she became
– from data entry to
Mingo County’s first
knocking on doors in
female assessor.
the field – and earned
Mahon successfully
the position of chief
sought election to the
deputy assessor.
assessor’s position
Mahon was serving
in 2008 and has conRamona
as chief deputy assestinued to faithfully
Mahon
sor when, in 2007,
serve the residents of
then-Assessor David
Mingo County, despite
w won a bid to become a
the hard economic times the
member of the Mingo County
county has faced in recent
Commission. Mahon was
years. If re-elected, Mahon
appointed by the commission
says she will continue to work
to serve Mingo Countians
with the respect and consideration they deserve. She also
plans to modernize her office
by digitizing files and eventually making them available
through an online system.
“I am honored to serve
as Mingo County Assessor,”
Mahon said. “I take service
to the citizens of our county
very seriously and make their
concerns my top priority. I
will continue to do so if I am
blessed to be re-elected in
2016.”
MEET THE CANDIDATE
Barry C. Marcum
Justin J. Marcum
Teresa Maynard
Barry C. Marcum
dren, Nicholas, Katie
of Williamson, WV
and Trista. His daughcurrently serves as a
ter Katie is currently
Magistrate in Mingo
enrolled in the nursing
County. Prior to becomprogram at Fairmont St.
ing Magistrate, he faithUniversity, Nicholas is a
fully served in the West
student at Southern WV
Virginia State Police for
Community College and
over 25 years. MagisBarry Marcum his youngest daughter,
trate Marcum served as
Trista, is a student at
a Sergeant of the State
Williamson Prek-8th.
Police and was stationed in
What can the citizens of
Mingo County from 1998-2002.
Mingo County expect from
He retired as a Captain from
Magistrate Barry C. Marcum?
the State Police in June of 2015
Honesty, Integrity, Fairness,
and was later appointed by
and most importantly, legal and
Judge Miki Thompson to fulfill
proper rulings. “It is important
the remaining term of long
to me that the citizens of Mingo
time serving Magistrate Pamela
County know that they will
Newsome. Magistrate Marcum
be treated fairly in my court.
assumed his position as MagisI firmly believe that to be an
trate on July 1st 2015 and has
effective Magistrate, the job
been serving the citizens of
demands a working understandMingo County ever since.
ing of the law and judicial
Magistrate Marcum has an
integrity that is above reproach.
associate’s degree in criminal
Based on my education, legal
justice from Marshall Universiknowledge and experience, I
ty as well as a bachelor’s degree
am the most qualified candidate
in business from Pikeville Colfor this important position
lege. He resides in Williamson,
where decisions must be made
WV along with his family. Magdaily that affect the lives of
istrate Marcum has three chilMingo County families.”
Delegate Justin J.
Furthermore, Marcum
Marcum is a current
has fought to improve
member of the House of
the education system
Delegates where he has
of the State and is dediserved for two terms.
cated to its continued
He is an attorney at
improvements.
Marcum Law Office,
Marcum fought
PLLC and also serves
against the Right to
as an Assistant Mingo
Work and repeal of
Justin Marcum prevailing wage legislaCounty Prosecutor.
Marcum lives in Chattion passed during the
taroy with his wife, Latisha and
recent legislative session. He
two children, Tenley and Kiptyn. believes in the middle class and
He is also a Deacon and Sunthinks the attack on labor unions
day School teacher at his local
will lower workers wages and
church.
decrease workplace safety. DeleSince being in the legislature,
gate Marcum stands committed
Justin Marcum has focused on
to fighting for good paying, blue
jobs, coal, and diversifying the
collar jobs.
economy. He believes in saving
Other notable pieces of legcoal jobs and bringing other
islation sponsored by Delegate
blue-collar jobs to the area. MarMarcum include fighting against
cum has focused on improving
drugs and crime. Marcum was
the roads and infrastructure in
named “Legislator of the Year”
the 20th District and recently
in 2013 for his efforts to fight
had a piece of legislation passed
against drugs. He also sponthat will complete a modern,
sored and passed legislation that
four lane highway from Pikeville, will fight against out-of-state
KY to Beckley, WV.
drug dealers and recently passed
Justin Marcum has set forth
the House.
a platform that is focused on
Justin Marcum is currently
the future of the 20th District.
running for re-election for the
He has passed legislation and
House of Delegates. He serves
continually fought for Veterans,
on the powerful Judiciary ComSeniors, Teachers, and the midmittee and has built up the
dle class. Marcum is proud of his seniority required to move the
Bill that passed the House giving area forward.
senior citizens a cost of living
Delegate Justin Marcum is
increase. He is equally proud
dedicated to the future and will
to have worked on legislation
always fight for the area.
to help build a veterans’ home.
Teresa D. Mayelevated to the position
nard is the first
of Prosecuting Attorfemale Prosecuting
ney in October 2013
Attorney of Mingo
and was elected to
County. With over
serve the remainder of
eleven years of prosthe unexpired term in
ecutorial experiNovember 2014. Teresa
ence, she is known
has served the citizens
for her tough stance
of Mingo County faithTeresa
on violet crimes
fully since her appointMaynard
and crimes involvment.
ing child victims.
During her time
Teresa has successfully prosin the Prosecutor’s Office,
ecuted well over one hundred Teresa has demonstrated a
child abuse, child neglect,
passion for the prosecution
and sexual assault cases.
of crimes against children.
Her professional career is
She is a member of Fight
highlighted by the 2014
Crime: Invest in Kids, a
conviction of Donald Kevin
national anti-crime organizaMedley for first degree murtion. Teresa was instrumender. She is currently running
tal in the restructuring of the
for re-election to the office of
Mingo County Investigative
Prosecuting Attorney.
Multidisciplinary Team, an
Teresa, a life-long resident
active group of professionals
of Mingo County, graduated
dedicated to the eradication
from Tug Valley High School
of child abuse and neglect.
in 1988. She then attended
She is currently partnering
West Virginia University
with school personnel and
where she double majored in
local law enforcement to
political science and sociolbring the Handle with Care
ogy. After graduating summa
program to Mingo County.
cum laude in 1992, Teresa
Teresa, a democrat, lives
entered the West Virginia
in Naugatuck, West Virginia,
University College of Law
with her husband, Joe, and
and earned her law degree
son, Evan, a student at
in 1995.
Lenore K-8. She loves to
After a decade of private
volunteer and is a proud
practice, Teresa accepted a
member of the Williamson
position as an Assistant Pros- Women’s Club.
ecuting Attorney. She was
Magistrate of Mingo County (Division II)
runs for House of Delegates
running for Prosecutor
Teresa McCune
running for Circuit Judge
Mingo County is
and many other orgaready for justice — not
nizations, especially
politics. That’s why
those that help Mingo
Mingo County needs
County’s at-risk chilTeresa McCune for Cirdren. In 2015, Teresa
cuit Judge.
received the King Coal
“My number one priHumanitarian Award,
ority is taking politics
and was named the Wiloff the bench,” McCune
liamson Woman’s Club’s
pledges. “Circuit Judge Teresa McCune “Club Woman of the
is an elected office, but
Year.” Says Teresa: “My
it shouldn’t be a politiparents raised me to
cal office. A judge shouldn’t
believe that service to others is
be involved in running county
an important part of my Chrispolitics, and I’m not on anytian journey.”
body’s ‘team.’”
With Teresa, you get a
Teresa has been defending
highly-respected lawyer with
the Constitution as Mingo
a solid reputation for honCounty’s Chief Public Defender
esty and fairness. In 2014,
for more than thirty years. She
the Judicial Vacancy Commisfirst came to Mingo County in
sion named Teresa the “most
1977 to help rebuild after the
qualified” candidate in a field
flood, and now she’s ready to
including both of her current
help rebuild Mingo County’s
opponents. WV MetroNews
justice system.
called her the “squeaky clean”
She says there’s a big difchoice.
ference between her and the
Both of Teresa’s opponents
career politicians: “I’m not
are long-time Mingo County
asking people to believe any
politicians. If you want real
promises about how I will serve change and a candidate from
the Mingo County. I’m askoutside from the good-ole-boy
ing them to remember how I
network, Teresa is the only
always have.”
choice who can put an end to
Teresa is an active volunteer
“business as usual.”
for Christian Help of Mingo
Vote Teresa McCune: for
County, On Track for College,
Justice, Not Politics.
MEET THE CANDIDATE
Tonya Mounts Hatfield
runs for Family Court Judge
Tonya Mounts Hatfield is a local
She is a 1987 graduate of Gilbert
attorney who has been successfully
High School; a 1991 graduate of
practicing law for over 20 years.
Berea College with a Bachelor of
“I understand what families face
Arts degree; and a 1995 graduate of
in the courtroom. I am a straight
the University of Kentucky’s College
shooter and I owe no one any favors.”
of Law, having earned her Doctorate
Licensed in both West Virginia and
of Jurisprudence. Licensed in both
Kentucky, Hatfield emphasized her
Kentucky and West Virginia, she has
legal experience working on behalf
practiced in a wide variety of legal
Tonya Mounts areas and before many judges in
of children: “I’ve been appointed by
Hatfield
other judges as Guardian Ad Litem
several courts and court systems in
for the specific purpose of protecting
both states.
children’s rights.”
“I am not afraid to speak up and do what is
“I have been blessed with parents who
just and fair, regardless of politics; I strongly
taught me a strong work ethic and good core
believe the court should treat every litigant
values.” Hatfield is a resident of Browning
with dignity and respect,” said Hatfield. She
Fork in Gilbert, W.Va. She is the daughter of
is of the philosophy that a courtroom is not
the late Boyd Mounts and Barbara Mounts.
“the judge’s courtroom” but rather a venue
She is married to Roger Hatfield.
belonging to “the people.”
“In my 20-plus years of practice, folks have
repeatedly said that they would’ve liked more
time to be heard at their property or custody
hearing. I can work to improve people’s satisfaction with the court system. I would not
run if I did not believe that I could improve
the Family Court experience for the citizens
of Mingo County.”
Hatfield has argued before the W. Va.
Supreme Court and won back client’s Parental Rights. She has successfully tried cases
in State and Federal Court. She brings a love
and respect for her coal field community and
represented the widows who lost their husbands in the 2006 Aracoma mine fire disaster.
“I have the necessary values; maturity; skills;
knowledge; experience; temperament; and
wisdom to make me the clear choice for
Mingo County’s Family Court Judge. “
Donald Sansom
running for Mingo County Magistrate
Hello, my name is
Donald Sansom. I am
a lifelong resident of
Mingo County, born and
raised in Red Jacket.
I am the youngest son
of Gaston and Matoma
Sansom.
I am one of five chilDonald
dren, my brothers and
Sansom
sisters are Ronnie, Harry,
Lisa, and Brenda. I am
happily married to my wife of twenty
years, Johnna Hubbard Sansom. We have
one daughter and son in law, Brittney
and Joe Ray. The light of our lives is our
grandson, Asher Michael Ray.
I have been an employee at Food City
in South Williamson for thirty-three years,
where I am now assistant manager. My
goals in serving Mingo County include
fairness and justice for all, combating the
drug issues we are facing within the county, working through the court systems in
getting the inmates work program up and
going. In addition, I will work hard to pre-
vent and combat child abuse and neglect
and strengthen Mingo county families.
If I am chosen as a magistrate I will
have an open door policy, you can come
and talk to me at any time. It would be
my honor to serve you as Mingo County
Magistrate Division 1.
I would more than appreciate your vote
in order to help make a difference in our
area. I will strive to be the very best magistrate Mingo County has ever had.
MEET THE CANDIDATE
Billy Sexton
Don Stevens
runs for magistrate
Every arrest has a
story, every story had
two sides and each side
deserves to be heard.
The responsibility of a
magistrate is to do exactly that - in a just, impartial and fair manner.
I’m Billy Sexton, a lifeBilly Sexton long resident of Mingo
County. I’m a 20 plus
year business owner who
sees the need for justice for all in our
judicial system. I have made the decision
to seek the office of Magistrate in Division 1.
As the owner of Duba’s Service Station, I know what it takes to be a public
servant. You are on call 24/7, and gladly
meet the needs of those asking for help.
This is the same foundation and principles I will build on as your magistrate.
I’m the husband of Tammy Sexton and
the proud father of one daughter, Brooklyn. I was born and raised in Lenore, the
son of Bill Sexton and Brenda Kay Sexton Gillman.
I have deep roots in our county, and
know that every aspect of our judicial system must come together for everything to
operate smoothly. I have a deep respect
for local and state law enforcement who
put their lives on the line daily. I also
respect the needs of defendants and their
families and will address each case fairly.
Every person is innocent until proven
guilty, not the other way around.
In the coming months, I hope to meet
as many of you face to face as possible,
and welcome you to stop by my business
in East Williamson should you have concerns you’d like to address. It would be
my humble pleasure to serve you, your
family and your community as your next
magistrate.
Thank you for your support and for
your vote. May God bless you, our county, our state and our great nation.
Earl Spence
running for Sheriff of Mingo County
I am Earl C. Spence,
and I am running for Sheriff of Mingo County. I was
born and raised in Delbarton, W.Va. I graduated
from Burch High School. I
served in the United States
Army for two years as an
Armored Intelligence SpeEarl Spence cialist and E-5 Technician.
I chose to return home
to raise my family here in Mingo County. I
worked as a school bus driver and transportation supervisor for Mingo County Board
of Education before retiring in 2001. I have
served as the Chief of Police in Delbarton
from 1973 to 1979, 1989 to 1994 and 2014
to present. I was elected the Mayor Delbarton for three terms from 1983 to1989. My
family and I have operated a small business
in the town of Delbarton for 30 years.
I believe my work history shows I have
the knowledge and experience to run the
office of Sheriff of Mingo County. If elected, I
intend to be a sheriff that is available 24/7 to
you and your needs. I intend to be a working
sheriff who will be out in your communities
working closely and improving working rela-
tionships with local law enforcement agencies. I will be fair, honest and dependable and
will always stand for what is right. It is an
honor and privilege to serve as your sheriff.
If you elect me, I will do everything within
my ability not to let you down. It has always
been my belief that a good leader leads by
doing and not by ordering. I will earn the
trust of my deputies and each of you. If
elected, I know it is because you chose me
to serve you and uphold the laws to the best
of my ability. That is exactly what I intend
to do.
Vote for Earl C. Spence on May 10.
Scott Smith
candidate for magistrate
My name is Scott
Smith, and I am running
for Magistrate in District 3 in Mingo County.
A life-long native of
Kermit, I am the son of
Floyd and Alice Smith;
the father of Delena
Smith Maynard; and the
Scott Smith proud grandfather of
Brantley Maynard.
I currently serve as a 911 dispatcher
in Mingo County, and have spent most of
my career serving others, having served
as the Chief of Police for the town of Kermit (four years) and volunteer firefighter
(12 years). Like many of you, I have
worked in the coal industry – as a miner
and a coal hauler.
With unemployment rates more than
double the national average, it has waged
a war on humanity, specifically our
children. Drugs and alcohol offenses are
rampant and the lack of opportunity has
opened the doors of addiction and bondage.
The office of magistrate is meant to
uphold and enforce the law, however,
equally as important, is the role to raise
those up who need a helping hand;
provide an ear to hear; and the compassion to allow those, who are willing, the
opportunity for a second chance.
If elected, I want to bring stakeholders,
those who have a vested interest in the
future of our county (you, non-profit/civic
organizations, businesses, churches, etc.)
together to form a mentoring program
(like a Big Brothers and Big Sisters) to
combat the epidemic of drugs through
a network of people who care and who
would serve as mentors to not only those
who have broken the law, but those who
lack the mentorship and guidance. In
short, I want to address crime before it
enters my court and address the issues
plaguing our youth at its core. I ask not
only for your vote, but your commitment
to join me in this effort. I alone, cannot
accomplish anything but Together, we
can accomplish anything.
Donald Stevens was
tive recovery business.
born May 2, 1957 in
Mr. Stevens has investiLorain Ohio. He has
gated several high pro32 plus years of workfile criminal cases here
ing closely with law
in Mingo County.
enforcement and the
Although Stevens
courts system.
was born and raised
He is a fugitive
in Ohio, he has strong
recovery agent as well
roots here in Mingo
Donald
as a private investigaCounty. Both sets of his
Stevens
tor.
grandparents were from
Mr. Stevens was also
this area and as a small
Vice President of Secuchild Mr. Stevens spent
rity for the private investigamost of his summers here with
tion association of W.Va. for six them. As each summer passed,
years. He stepped down from
he developed a greater love for
said position to run for Sheriff
this area and the people that
in 2012.
live in Mingo County.
He received his bail bonding
Stevens primary goal in his
certification at Hondoros Collife and career is to make sure
lege in Columbus Ohio, where
he continued to work as a fugiare all treated with respect and
tive recovery agent.
fairness. His belief is that there
Upon relocating to Mingo
should and must be equalCounty, W.Va. he received his
ity for all. He stands on his
Private Investigation License
conviction that a person is not
and has also worked at said
defined by wealth nor power,
career for the past 13 years. He but by his character.
has also maintained his fugi-
MEET THE CANDIDATE
Thomas Taylor
Judge Miki Thompson
Thomas Taylor is a
member of the First
candidate for Mingo
Baptist Church in WilCounty Commission.
liamson and is active
Thomas brings a fresh
in the Tug Valley Road
face and new ideas to
Runners Club. Thomas
the voter. If elected,
is a graduate of PikevTaylor will strive to
ille College with a
provide accessible and
degree in Business
transparent governAdministration. It was
Thomas Taylor in his senior year at
ment, support and
recruit both small and
Pikeville College, with
commercial businesses,
encouragement from
focus on keeping our county
faculty members, that Thomas
clean, promoting tourism, and
ventured into the business of
adding recreational activities.
tire recycling. In its infancy
“I’m very passionate about
this business was located in
my home and county,” says
Pike County, Ky., but, soon
Taylor, “so much so, that at the
Taylor was able to move it to
first opportunity to move my
the present location in Matebusiness from Pike County, KY
wan. Mountain State Tire Prointo Mingo County, I did just
cessing has allowed Thomas
that.”
to gain a deep appreciation for
While some might call it
the hard work and struggles
ambitious to run for a seat on
one faces when owning his
the County Commission, Tayown business. “It hasn’t always
lor believes that he is just the
been easy and there have been
man for the job. “I feel like we
many occasions where I wantare at a very critical turning
ed to give up, but that just isn’t
point in Mingo County. We can
an option.” Taylor promises if
either stay the course we’re on, elected to bring this spirit of
or change and make our home
determination to the people of
the best it can be,” says Taylor.
Mingo County.
He is married to the former
To learn more about Taylor
Natalie Young of Williamson
and his campaign, find him on
and is the son of Tom and Judy
Facebook at www.facebook.
Taylor of Matewan. He is a
com/thomastaylor08
Miki Thompson
professional photographer.
has proudly served
Kara’s 7 year old daughter
the people of Mingo
Darby, now lives with the
County as Circuit
Thompsons.
Judge since June 11,
Judge Thompson has
2014. Thompson
extensive experience in
was elected by the
all areas of the law… from
people of Mingo
personal injury and medical
County by special
negligence, to automobile
Miki
election May 10,
accidents and property
Thompson
2014, and was
disputes, as well as crimishortly thereafter
nal cases from DUIs to 1st
appointed by the
degree murder. Thompsons
governor to take the bench
experience has been hands on
early. Prior to becoming Mingo
and not from an administrative
County Circuit Judge, Thompperspective.
son served as Family Court
Thompson reports the CirJudge for 5 years. She was in
cuit Court is in better shape
private practice for more than
now than it has been in years.
17 years, while serving as an
The docket is under control
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
and cases are moving faster and
for 12 of those years. Thompmore efficiently through the
son is particularly proud of the
court system. This means lower
8 years she taught school before costs to the county and giving
attending law school. Thompthe people of Mingo County a
son believes her wide range of
Circuit Court of which they can
experience makes her uniquely
be proud.
qualified to serve as Circuit
Thompson believes with her
Judge.
experience on the bench, her
Thompson is married to
integrity and reputation for
Gary Thompson from Chatfairness, that she is the most
taroy. They have two daughters, qualified candidate on the balLauren Thompson, who is an
lot and would be honored to
attorney in Williamson, and
be re-elected to serve another
the late Kara Vance, who was a
term as Circuit Judge.
candidate for Mingo County Commission
seeking re-election
as Mingo County Circuit Judge
Michele Webb
Many of us agree that politics have held
Justice hostage in our county for far too
long.
I, Michele Webb, am running for Magistrate of Mingo County Division 3 to help
restore public service into our elected
offices. Through my current position as
the only assistant to two attorneys, I have
gained invaluable experience with all of
Michele Webb the types of cases which first must be presented to a Magistrate.
I have worked closely with many of
the attorneys, Judges, Magistrates, Clerks as well as each
of their assistants, and would trust that any of them could
attest to my ability, work ethic, and integrity. I stand to
uphold Justice, which should be blind to everything, including the number of votes a person can provide.
The ability to discern the merits of a case, must be
upheld. For those of you who have expressed your discontent with the current state of our county, especially, come
out on May 10, 2016, or during early voting, and cast your
ballot for those candidates who will represent you, not just
a small select few. I hope you will consider me for the seat
of Mingo County Magistrate, Division 3.
I will uphold the Oath of Office, and represent Justice in
our courts.
Phyllis White
running for House of Delegates
I graduated from
My name is PhylMarshall University
lis Riffe White,
received a MA in
serving in the 21st
Elementary EducaHouse of Delegate
tion and Education
district. I am askAdministration and
ing for your supspent 32 years as an
port and vote!
The Coalfields
Phyllis White educator in Mingo
County.
are where I have
Throughout my
always made my
years in the education
home. My father who
was a disabled coal miner system, I have spent time
as a classroom teacher,
and my mother, a stay at
assistant principal and
home mom who raised 8
children, would be so very principal. In 2015, I
received two outstandproud of my accomplishing recognitions: Region
ments.
2 Principal of the Year
and Office of Education
Performance Audits Distinguished Principal. I
was also named Gilbert
Elementary Teacher of
the Year in 1999. During
my tenure as Principal,
Gilbert Elementary was
named a Success School
in 2013, High Progress
Reward School in 2014
and one of five WV Catalyst Schools in 2014.
Technology was made
a priority at Gilbert
Elementary. Funding
was secured to furnish
the school with the
technology needed to
give students an equal
opportunity to compete
with students elsewhere.
The state took notice of
my accomplishment and
in 2009, I worked with
Legislative Leaders and
Governor Manchin to
establish the statewide
Technology System Specialist Program. This has
proven to be very successful.
I have worked on the
local, state and national
level on behalf of families
and communities of our
area. I am YOUR delegate
representing the 21st
district in the House of
Delegates. I have worked
with Tug Valley Friendship Partnership for
assisting needy children,
Gilbert Elementary
PTO to secure matching
grant funds for playground equipment, and
several other organizations. My leadership role
in the community has
helped secure more than
$150,000 in grant money
for Gilbert Elementary. I
have also served as a Delegate to the Democratic
National Convention on
several occasions. Governor Tomblin appointed
me to fill the 21st district
vacant seat in the W. Va.
House of Delegates in
January 2016 after the
retirement of my husband, Harry Keith White.
I now ask for your support and vote on May 10.

2016 Meet the Candidate - The Williamson Daily News

Transcription

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