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Candidates for office make pitches at Weirton forum

MEET THE CANDIDATES — Kent Leonhardt, state agriculture commissioner, addresses those in attendance, Wednesday, during a candidate forum held at Cove Presbyterian Church in Weirton. Nine candidates, or their representatives, were in attendance. (Photo by Craig Howell)

WEIRTON — Area residents had an opportunity Wednesday to meet and hear from several candidates seeking local and state office.

Nine candidates, or their representatives, attended a forum in the social hall of Cove Presbyterian Church, in Weirton, hosted by the Hancock County Republican Executive Committee and sponsored by Homeland Firearms.

The forum was moderated by Tommy Ogden, who discussed the rules for the evening.

“It’s broken into three parts,” Ogden said, explaining each candidate would be given a two-minute introductory period, followed by 90 seconds to answer a set of pre-submitted questions, and then time for questions from the audience. “Both the Democratic and Republican executive committees were invited to submit questions.”

Taking part in Wednesday’s forum were state Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt; state Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Wellsburg; Del. Pat McGeehan, R-Hancock; Republican House of Delegates candidate Mark Zatezalo; Republican candidate for Hancock County Commission Eron Chek; Hancock County Prosecuting Attorney James Davis and his Republican challenger Steve Dragisich.

U.S. Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., was represented by his wife, Mary, who explained the congressman was unable to attend because of other obligations.

Davis, the lone Democrat on stage, relayed his years of experience as both the county prosecutor and an assistant prosecutor prior to that. He said it is a difficult job, but one he finds fulfilling.

“Looking in the eyes of a victim you’ve helped is more rewarding than you can imagine,” he said, adding the area has problems with drugs and related crimes and he wants to continue to fight them.

Dragisich noted his experience as an attorney, a former Weirton city judge and as an assistant attorney general in West Virginia, saying he wants to work to provide a safe community and to treat residents fairly and with respect.

“Public safety is of the utmost importance,” he said.

Chek explained she had spent some time away from the Ohio Valley, but when she returned she saw obstacles to business growth, and wants to find ways to provide opportunity.

“I want to make Hancock County a place businesses want to come,” she said.

McGeehan focused his comments on concerns over governors across the nation, including West Virginia, he said were improperly using their authority, making decisions without consulting the state legislature. He also noted little has been done to address the federal debt.

“We need good men in office who understand the classics and lessons of history,” he said.

Zatezalo, who is seeking a return to the House, noted his background in geology and the opportunities available with the development of energy-related industries.

“It is critical, more critical than when I first ran,” Zatezalo said, noting the state needs to do a better job of adding value to its resources.

Zatezalo also noted his plans to work on the Route 2 project in New Cumberland, touting his support for Alternative 5A. The state recently announced its preference for a different plan on the road project.

Weld noted in his first term in the Senate he has been able to get 39 bills passed, many focusing on areas such as substance abuse, veterans issues and mental health. He said he enjoys the sense of community and being the voice of area residents.

“When you call me, I answer. When you email me, I respond,” he said.

Leonhardt, the Republican incumbent, praised the growth of agriculture in West Virginia, noting expansions in the West Virginia Growing program and aquaponics, such as the local Bluestream Farms. He said, unlike in other states, West Virginia has not wasted any of its agricultural products during the pandemic.

“We’ve kept agriculture open in West Virginia,” he said.

Scott Gittings, a Republican candidate running unopposed for Hancock County Sheriff, also was in attendance, but sat in the audience.

Peggy Baldt, vice chair of the Hancock County Republican Executive Committee, stated Randy Swartzmiller, Democratic candidate for state Senate, Ronnie Jones, Democratic candidate for House of Delegates and Hancock County Commissioner Joe Barnabei also had been invited.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)

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