SHARING VIEWS — Fourteen candidates in the upcoming West Virginia primary participated in a forum event hosted by the Hancock County Republican Executive Committee, at Cove Presbyterian Church in Weirton Thursday. More than 65 area residents attended the event to hear from those on the ballot for the May 10 primary election. — Craig Howell
WEIRTON – More than 65 area residents gathered in the fellowship hall of Cove Presbyterian Church Thursday night to hear directly from a group of candidates set to appear on the May 10 primary ballot in West Virginia.
The candidate forum, hosted by the Hancock County Republican Executive Committee, included candidates for several Hancock County offices, as well as legislative representatives and the state’s Congressional delegation.
“We have in attendance 14 candidates,” explained Tommy Ogden, a member of the committee, who also served as moderator.
The first group of candidates—those for Hancock County Circuit Clerk, Hancock County Clerk, and Hancock County Board of Education—was given three minutes to introduce themselves; the second group—candidates for state Senate, House of Delegates and Hancock County Commission—were given two minutes and then provided a follow-up question from Ogden.
During the third part of the event, candidates were asked questions from the audience.
Those attending included Laura Wakim Chapman and Judi Varner Meyer, both Republicans from Wheeling seeking nomination for state Senate in District 1; Jack Wood, Democrat from Weirton running for District 1 House of Delegates; Mark Zatezalo, Republican from Weirton running for District 2 House of Delegates; Paul Cowey of Weirton and Ted Arneault Jr. of New Cumberland, both Republicans running for Hancock County Commission; Fred Marello Jr. of Weirton and Sandy Casto of New Cumberland, both Republicans running for Hancock County Circuit Court Clerk; Karan Valenti and Valerie Truax, both Republicans from Weirton running for Hancock County Clerk; and Gregory Baldt, Christina Fair and Jim Horstman, all of Weirton seeking a seat on the Hancock County Board of Education.
Mary McKinley, wife of US Rep. David McKinley, RW.Va., also was in attendance, and spoke to the audience about his work in Congress.
In addition to hearing from the gathered candidates, Liz Baldt, chair of the Hancock County Republican Executive Committee, also discussed the importance of the committee, representatives of which also are set to appear on the ballot.
“These people represent you. They take your voice and your concerns,” she said, explaining each county committee works with the state committee to help develop policy and political platforms.
Early voting for the primary begins April 27, with the election on May 10.
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