Politics

2018 Mid-Term Election Resource Guide for Kanawha, Roane, and Clay Counties

By: Mark Burdette | Posted Oct. 29, 2018

The 2018 mid-term election is just around the corner. Early voting has already begun and Tuesday, November 6th will be here before we know it. We have pulled together the most comprehensive election guide specifically focused on the Elk River area to help you, the voter, inform and educate yourself on the issues and candidates on the ballot.

To ensure we cover everyone in our service area we will be providing resources on all candidates running for public office in Kanawha, Roane, and Clay Counties in West Virginia. If you are a public official reviewing this article and we do not have any resources or links for you or any information posted is incorrect please submit changes and/or additions via email to clendeninleader@gmail.com and we will be sure to promptly update this article.

We want to make it clear that we do not endorse any political candidate. We are grateful that we live in a country where we have the right to vote and we believe every vote counts. We will include any and all candidates running including third-party candidates.

To find out if you are registered to vote click here.

To find your polling place click here.

To view your sample ballot click here, then choose your county from the list and then select your precinct number.

To view 2018 Early Voting Locations click here. Early voting will go through Saturday, November 3rd.

For the full list of public services regarding the 2018 election in the state of West Virginia please click here to go to WV Secretary of State’s website.

Please share this resource with your friends and family and encourage everyone to get out and vote on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

As of May 2018, West Virginia officially recognized four political parties in the Mountain State: the Democratic, Libertarian, Mountain, and Republican parties. For your convenience, we have listed the four parties below and included their website and social media links.

Please note that all red text throughout the article are hyperlinked and will take you away from The Clendenin Leader website.

Democratic Party

Libertarian Party

Mountain Party

Republican Party


U.S. Senate (Vote For ONE)

Check Live Election Results

Rusty Hollen (L)  – Challenger

Joe Manchin (D)  – Incumbent

Patrick Morrisey (R) – Challenger


West Virginia U.S. Congressional District 2 (Vote For ONE) 

(All of Kanawha, Roane, and Clay counties are in the 2nd Congressional District)

Check Live Election Results

Daniel P. “Danny” Lutz Jr. (M) – Challenger

Alex. X. Mooney (R) – Incumbent

Talley Sergeant (D) – Challenger


West Virginia Supreme Court
Division 1 – Unexpired Term (Vote For ONE)

Tim Armstead

Harry C. “Bo” Bruner Jr.

Robert H. Carlton

Ronald H. Hatfield Jr.

Mark Hunt

Hiram “Buck” Lewis IV

D.C. Offutt Jr.

Joanna I. Tabit

Chris Wilkes

Jeff C. Woods

 

West Virginia Supreme Court
Division 2 – Unexpired Term (Vote For ONE)

Jim Douglas

Robert J. Frank

Evan Jenkins

Jeffrey Kessler

Brenden D. Long

Jim O’Brien

  • Website
  • Campaign Website
  • Facebook
  • Campaign Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Gazette Candidate Profile

William Schwartz

Marty “Redshoes” Sheehan

  • Website
  • Campaign Website
  • Facebook
  • Campaign Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Gazette Candidate Profile

Dennise Renee Smith

William Stewart Thompson

 

Kanawha County

State Senate – District 8 (Vote For ONE)

View Senate District 8 Map HERE

Ed Gaunch (R – Kanawha, 08) – Incumbent

Richard Lindsay (D – Kanawha) – Challenger

Glenn Jeffries (D – Putnam, 08) – Incumbent
Not up for re-election in 2018 (Term ends 2020)


State Senate – District 17 (Vote For ONE)

View Senate District 17 Map HERE

Tom Takubo (R – Kanawha, 17) – Incumbent

Terrell Ellis (D – Kanawha, 17) – Challenger

Corey Palumbo (D – Kanawha, 17) – Incumbent
Not up for re-election in 2018 (Term ends 2020)

  • Website
  • Campaign Website
  • Facebook
  • Campaign Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

House of Delegates – District 39 (Vote For ONE)

View House District 39 Map HERE

Dana J. Ferrell (I – Kanawha, 39) – Challenger

David “Woody” Holmes (D – Kanawha, 39) – Challenger

Jesse Johnson (M – Kanawha, 39) – Challenger

Sharon Lewis Malcolm (R – Kanawha, 39) – Incumbent

House of Delegates – District 40 (Vote For ONE)

View House District 40 Map HERE

Melissa Riggs Huffman (D – Kanawha, 40) – Challenger

Dean Jeffries (R – Kanawha, 40) – Incumbent


Kanawha Circuit Judge
Unexpired Term – 13th Judicial Circuit (Vote For ONE)

Gregory Elliott

Dan Greear

Tera Salango

 

Kanawha County Commissioner (Vote For ONE)

Kent Carper (D) – Incumbent

Bill Huddleston (R) – Challenger

Kanawha County Commissioner
Unexpired Term (Vote For ONE)

Ben Salango (D) – Incumbent
Running Unopposed

 

Roane County

State Senate – District 3 (Vote For ONE)

View Senate District 3 Map HERE

Mike Azinger (R – Wood, 03) – Incumbent

Jim Leach (D – Wood, 03) – Challenger

Donna J. Boley (R – Pleasants, 03) – Incumbent
Not up for re-election in 2018 (Term ends 2020)

  • Website
  • Campaign Website
  • Facebook
  • Campaign Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

State Senate – District 4 (Vote For ONE)

View Senate District 4 Map HERE

Mitch Carmichael (R – Jackson, 04)
Senate President
Not up for re-election in 2018 (Term ends 2020)

Mark Drennan (R – Putnam, 04) – Incumbent
Not on the ballot. Defeated in primary by Eric J. Tarr.

Eric J. Tarr (R – Putnam, 04) – Challenger

Brian Prim (D – Mason, 04) – Challenger

Amy Nichole Grady (I – Mason, 04) – Challenger

House of Delegates – District 11 (Vote For ONE)

View House District 11 Map HERE

Martin Atkinson III (R – Roane, 11) – Incumbent

Sarah Duncan (D – Roane, 11) – Challenger


Roane County Commissioner (Vote For ONE)

Andrew Corkrean (R)

David McCutcheon (D)


Roane County Sheriff
Unexpired Term (Vote For ONE)

L. Todd Cole (D) – Incumbent

  • Website
  • Campaign Website
  • Facebook
  • Campaign Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email


Clay County

State Senate – District 12 (Vote For ONE)

View Senate District 12 Map HERE

Douglas E. Facemire (D – Braxton, 12) – Incumbent
Not up for re-election in 2018 (Term ends 2020)

  • Website
  • Campaign Website
  • Facebook
  • Campaign Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Mike Romano (D – Harrison, 12) – Incumbent

Waymond Cork II (R – Harrison, 12) – Challenger

House of Delegates – District 32 (Vote For Not More Than THREE)

View House District 32 Map HERE

Tom Fast (R – Fayette, 32) – Incumbent

Kayla Kessinger (R – Fayette, 32) – Incumbent

Shirley Love (D – Fayette, 32) – Incumbent
Assistant Minority Whip

Austin Haynes (R – Fayette, 32) – Challenger

Margaret Anne Staggers (D – Fayette, 32) – Challenger

Melvin “Mel” Kessler (D – Fayette, 32) – Challenger

Luke Lively (D – Fayette, 32) – Challenger

David “Elliott” Pritt (M – Fayette, 32) – Challenger

House of Delegates – District 33 (Vote For ONE)

View House District Map 33 HERE

Roger Hanshaw (R – Clay, 33) – Incumbent
Speaker of the House

David Walker (D – Clay, 33) – Challenger

Clay County Commissioner (Vote For ONE)

Connie Kinder (D)

  • Website
  • Campaign Website
  • Facebook
  • Campaign Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Billy R. Truman (I)

  • Website
  • Campaign Website
  • Facebook
  • Campaign Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Here is a list of issues that will be on each ballot by County.

Kanawha County

  • School Levy
  • Amendment No. 1: No Constitutional right to abortion Amendment (Source: Ballotpedia)
    • A “yes” vote supports this amendment to add language to the West Virginia Constitution stating that “nothing in the Constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of abortion.”
    • A “no” vote opposes this amendment to add language to the West Virginia Constitution stating that “nothing in this Constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of abortion.” 
    • VOTE Yes on 1 (Official Website)
    • VOTE No on 1 (Official Website)
  • Amendment No. 2: Judicial Budget Oversight Amendment (Source: Ballotpedia)
    • A “yes” vote supports amending the state constitution to authorize the legislature to reduce the budget of the state judiciary by up to 15 percent.
    • A “no” vote opposes amending the state constitution to authorize the legislature to reduce the budget of the state judiciary, thereby keeping the provisions preventing the legislature from altering the budget of the state judiciary.

Roane County

  • Amendment No. 2: Judicial Budget Oversight Amendment (Source: Ballotpedia)
    • A “yes” vote supports amending the state constitution to authorize the legislature to reduce the budget of the state judiciary by up to 15 percent.
    • A “no” vote opposes amending the state constitution to authorize the legislature to reduce the budget of the state judiciary, thereby keeping the provisions preventing the legislature from altering the budget of the state judiciary.

Clay County

  • Amendment No. 2: Judicial Budget Oversight Amendment (Source: Ballotpedia)
    • A “yes” vote supports amending the state constitution to authorize the legislature to reduce the budget of the state judiciary by up to 15 percent.
    • A “no” vote opposes amending the state constitution to authorize the legislature to reduce the budget of the state judiciary, thereby keeping the provisions preventing the legislature from altering the budget of the state judiciary.
October 29, 2018 in Community News, NEWS, Politics

Warner Reminds Citizens That October 16th is the Last Day to Register to Vote

 

Charleston, W.Va.  – Secretary of State Mac Warner is issuing a statewide reminder that the last day to register to vote in order to participate in the November 6th General Election is fast approaching. October 16th is the last day for an eligible citizen to register to vote. 

Online registrations must be received by 5:00 p.m. October 16th.  Voter registrations sent in by mail must be postmarked by 5:00 p.m. on the 16th.

To register to vote online or to update your current voter registration, go to www.GoVoteWV.com.

Secretary Warner encourages citizens with questions to contact their county clerk or to call the WV Secretary of State Elections Division at (304) 558-6000.  A listing of all county clerks can be found at https://sos.wv.gov/elections/Pages/CountyClerkDirectory.aspx.

 

October 12, 2018 in NEWS, Politics

Kanawha County Schools Address Bus Driver Shortage

By: Mark Burdette | Posted: Sept. 19, 2018

Recently, The Clendenin Leader sat down with Briana Warner, Communications Director of Kanawha County Schools and Brette Fraley, Executive Director of Kanawha County Schools Pupil Transportation to address the bus driver shortage at the Elkview School Bus Terminal in Elkview, West Virginia.

Below is the full interview where you can learn more about this issue that has been in the news and the topic of online conversation.

We also touched on the change in start time that many parents on Elk River have been vocal about, especially as the weather begins to turn cooler and winter will be upon us.

You can help with the bus driver shortage by encouraging those that need a job to apply at the Kanawha County Schools website. Click on Employment at the top of the page to begin the application process.

We will continue to follow this story so be sure to stay connected to The Clendenin Leader and get engaged and let us know what you think about this these important issues related to our children and schools.

September 19, 2018 in COMMUNITY, Community News, Education News, Local News, NEWS, Politics

Elk River Native Dean Jeffries Sworn In As Newest Member of WV House of Delegates

Dean Jeffries next to his name on roll call board. Photo Credit – Mark Burdette

By: Mark Burdette | Posted: Sept. 7, 2018

On Friday Elk River native Dean Jeffries (R) was sworn in as the newest member of the West Virginia House of Delegates. Jeffries will serve the people of the 40th District which covers the Elk River Valley area in Kanawha County replacing Tim Armstead’s vacancy upon his recent appointment to the WV Supreme Court.

Surrounded by close family and friends, Jeffries was sworn in by Judge Dan Greear as other key members of the House of Delegates were in attendance. The new Speaker of the House, Roger Hanshaw welcomed Jeffries by appointing him to the Joint Committee on Flooding effective immediately.



Dean Jeffries First Committee Assignment Joint Committee on Flooding 9 7 2018 (Text)

Jeffries said,  “It was a great honor and blessing to have my family with me while I was sworn in by Judge Greear this morning to the WV House of Delegates. The response from the Elk River Community since being appointed has been overwhelmingly incredible. I love our people and our community. They were first and foremost in my heart as I took the oath today. The swearing-in ceremony today was for the Elk River Area. Those that were involved from the Legislature are well aware of my passion to serve the people of this District. I was welcomed with an antique photograph of the town of Clendenin and an appointment by the Speaker of the House to the Joint Committee on Flooding. Speaker Hanshaw understands my commitment to the revitalization of the Elk River Community. It was a huge honor to have Speaker Hanshaw’s confidence in me to place me on the Joint Committee for Flooding. I am excited and ready to serve the 40th District and the Great State of West Virginia. Before leaving my new office at the Capitol I placed a river rock from Queen Shoals in my desk drawer. I will never forget why I am there or who I am there to serve. God bless the Elk River Area and the Wonderful State of West Virginia!!”

Jeffries will face Melissa Riggs Huffman (D) in the general election on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

Listen to Dean Jeffries swearing-in ceremony and acceptance speech.

WV State Capitol on Sept. 7, 2018 when Dean Jeffries was sworn-in to serve the 40th District in the WV House of DelegatesDean Jeffries name on the roll call board in green lights. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean Jeffries name on the roll call board in green lights up close. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteHouse Chamber prior to Dean Jeffries Swearing-in Ceremony. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteVacant 40th District Seat in House of Delegates prior to Dean Jeffries being sworn in. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteJudge Dan Greear swearing-in Dean Jeffries with Stacey Jeffries holding The Bible. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean Jeffries with Stacey Jeffries sharing a few words after swearing in ceremony. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean Jeffries signing his oath of office agreement. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteJudge Dan Greear signing Dean Jeffries oath of office agreement. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteSteve Harrison signing Dean Jeffries oath of office agreement. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean and Stacey Jeffries in WV House of Delegates. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean and Stacey Jeffries. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean and Stacey Jeffries with children Brynn, Lexie and Landon. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean Jeffries with brother Bob Jeffries and their mother Mary Williams Jeffries. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean and Stacey Jeffries with wife's family (Jane and Bob Rowsey). Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean Jeffries with former Speaker of the House Tim Armstead. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean Jeffries with Speaker of the House Roger Hanshaw. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean Jeffries being presented with letter to serve on Joint Committee for Flooding. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean Jeffries with Roger Hanshaw and Jeff Billings talking about Joint Committee on Flooding. Photo Credit - Mark BurdettePicture of downtown Clendenin in 1929 being presented to Dean Jeffries for his new office by Chief of Staff Jeff Billings. Photo Credit - Mark BurdetteDean Jeffries with picture of downtown Clendenin in 1929 for his new office. Photo Credit - Mark Burdette
September 10, 2018 in Business News, COMMUNITY, Community News, Local News, NEWS, Politics

Elk River Native Dean Jeffries Appointed to House of Delegates in District 40 by Governor Justice

By: Mark Burdette | Posted: Sept. 5, 2018

CLENDENIN, WV – Earlier today Gov. Jim Justice announced that he has appointed Warren “Dean” Jeffries (R) to the House of Delegates seat in District 40. Jeffries fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Delegate Tim Armstead who himself was recently appointed to the WV Supreme Court.

The Clendenin Leader reached out to Jeffries for immediate comment on his recent appointment to the House of Delegates. Jeffries said, “I am humbled and honored by the governor‘s decision to appoint me to the seat vacated by former Speaker of the House, Tim Armstead. I love the Elk River Area and our great state. West Virginia is making a comeback. I will work as hard as I can to bring jobs to West Virginia so that those who love the state as much as I do can continue to call it home.”

According to Jeffries, his immediate priorities are to address the road issues plaguing Blue Creek area and Little Sandy Road along with school-related issues including the shortage of school bus drivers and the later start time that is specifically affecting Herbert Hoover High School. Jeffries went on to add that his number one priority is to bring jobs back to West Virginia and the Elk River. Jeffries said, “My heart is with Clendenin. Anything I can do for Clendenin I will. We’ve got to revitalize that town. My heart is there, I will tell you that.”

Mayor Shana Clendenin welcomed Jeffries’ appointment by saying, “Dean has been actively involved in the happenings of Clendenin and the Elk River for a long time. His appointment is a sensational victory for all of us in District 40.”

Jeffries’ appointment will conclude at the end of Armstead’s current term at the end of this year. Jeffries will be running against Melissa Riggs Huffman (D) for the 2-year term in District 40 coming up this November.

Jeffries, an insurance agent, resides in Elkview with his wife Stacey and four children, Tyler, Alexis, Brynn and Landon.

September 5, 2018 in Business News, COMMUNITY, Community News, Local News, NEWS, Politics

Kanawha board hires Hoover architect, Crawford relative; no bats found

By: Ryan Quinn | Posted: July 18, 2018 | Source: WV Gazette-Mail

The Kanawha County Board of Education Wednesday hired away an architect on the new Herbert Hoover High who’s also a board member’s relative, and heard no protected bats were found on planned properties for Hoover and the consolidated Bridge/Clendenin elementary.

The elementary school is expected to open in fall 2020, and the new Hoover school in fall 2021.

Charles Wilson, the county school system’s executive director of facilities planning, said he doesn’t expect the absence of bats to move up completion by an entire school year, but perhaps could allow a mid-year finish.

The school board voted 4-0 to hire Charleston-based Williamson Shriver Architects employee Andrew Crawford, effective Aug. 13, as one of the county’s two facility planning coordinators. Board member Jim Crawford, who recused himself from the vote, said Andrew Crawford is his brother’s grandson.

Carol Hamric, Kanawha’s human resources executive director, said…

CONTINUE TO READ FULL STORY AT WVGAZETTEMAIL.COM

July 18, 2018 in Community News, Education News, Local News, NEWS, Politics

Seven homes now complete after two years of long-term flood recovery

Shauna Johnson/WVMetroNews.com
Clendenin’s main street as it looked two days after the flood.

By: Brad McElhinny | Posted: July 13, 2018 | Source: WV MetroNews

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Rise West Virginia program has completed seven homes during the two years after hundreds of West Virginians lost their homes in devastating floods.

That’s the bottom line in an update today by Adjutant Gen. James Hoyer of the West Virginia National Guard.

West Virginia’s long-term flood recovery program has been beset by delays and frustration. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which approved the state’s use of $149 million in disaster relief grants on Feb. 20, continues to label the state a slow spender.

HUD has labeled West Virginia a slow spender at the beginning of July, June, May and April.

On June 4, after simmering controversy over the…

CONTINUE TO READ FULL STORY ON WVMETRONEWS.COM

July 13, 2018 in 2016 FLOOD, Community News, Local News, Long Term Aftermath & Recovery, NEWS, Politics

With new school construction in Kanawha County, neighbors might have to move

By: Lauren Talotta | Posted: July 12, 2018 | Source: WVAH

Plans are moving forward for the construction of a new school for students who previously attended Clendenin Elementary School and Bridge Elementary School.

KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WCHS/WVAH) — Plans are moving forward for the construction of a new school for students who previously attended Clendenin Elementary School and Bridge Elementary School. But neighbors near Wolverton Mountain Road are up in arms after they were informed that their property might be considered for development, forcing them to move.

Jack Swiney has lived on Fairwater Road since 1962. His family has owned the property even longer.

“This was my grandparents’ home built around 1890,” Swiney said.

Then came the flood of 2016.

“I had about 18 inches in my house; four-and-a-half feet in the garage,” Swiney said.

Thousands of dollars later, Swiney moved back into his renovated home where he and his family intended to spend the rest of their days – until they received a letter from Kanawha County Schools.

“This is absolutely the worst part of my job,” said Charles Wilson of Kanawha County Schools. “Eminent Domain is defined…

CONTINUE TO READ THE FULL STORY AT WVAH.COM

July 12, 2018 in 2016 FLOOD, Community News, Local News, Long Term Aftermath & Recovery, NEWS, Politics

WV State Board of Education Votes To Close Bridge Elementary, Merge With New Clendenin Elementary School

CLENDENIN, W.Va. – The West Virginia State Board of Education voted to close Bridge Elementary at their monthly meeting on July 11, 2018. This vote allows Bridge to be merged into the new Clendenin Elementary School.

According to Jeff Jenkins, reporter with WCHS News Network, stated in his latest article, “The vote was approval of a change in the Kanawha County school system’s facilities plan.”

Clendenin Elementary was destroyed in the June 2016 flood and has been a tremendous loss to the Clendenin community. Since then, students have been attending school in portables that were constructed to accommodate them at the current Bridge Elementary location in Elkview. The two schools will become one once the new building is constructed. It’s expected to be completed by the fall of 2020.

July 12, 2018 in COMMUNITY, Community News, Education News, Local News, NEWS, Politics

WV Legislature Issues Two Subpoenas in Failed Flood Aid

By: Mark Curtis | Posted: July 11, 2018 | Source: WOWKTV

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The controversial “RISE West Virginia” flood relief program is back before the legislature. The joint house-senate committee on flooding convenes again at 9:00 Thursday morning. Members are trying to find out why millions of dollars in federal aid under the RISE program was never handed out to many victims of the 2016 floods. The Department of Commerce was managing “RISE” but a number of key employees have resigned. One has now been subpoenaed to testify before the committee Thursday.

“Of course, very much outraged. It’s just unconscionable that we’ve allowed some of our citizens to languish in agony when we have these dollars to spend and help is available,” said State Sen. Ed  Gaunch, Co-chair, (R) Joint Flooding Committee.

Because of the problems at RISE, other agencies and volunteer groups had to jump in to help.

CONTINUE TO READ THE FULL STORY AT WOWKTV.COM

July 11, 2018 in 2016 FLOOD, Community News, Local News, Long Term Aftermath & Recovery, NEWS, Politics