Kent Leonhardt
Political party: Republican
Age: 66
Residence: Fairview, Monongalia County
Family: Wife, Shirley; three sons; six grandchildren.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, master’s in business management, graduate of USMC Command and Staff College, graduate of the Defense Intelligence College and graduate of the Defense Language Institute with a focus on Arabic.
Professional experience: Retired USMC lieutenant colonel.
Political and civic experience: Former West Virginia state senator, Farm Bureau, Marine Corps League, American Legion.
Why did you decide to seek office?
After three and half years at the job, I am seeking re-election to continue to build on everything we have accomplished. Our staff at the Department of Agriculture has worked hard to provide new economic development opportunities for West Virginia farmers while reducing regulations and streamlining processes. We continue to expand programs that help veterans and inspire the next generation of farmers with the end goal to grow agriculture in West Virginia.
What is the most important issue you your office will face in the next year, and how will you address it?
My number one priority, if re-elected, will be to expand the available markets for West Virginia producers. This includes our cattle producers which require more processors and the ability to cross state lines with meats processed in West Virginia-inspected facilities. In addition, we must grow local food systems by promoting our agri-businesses of all sizes. It is crucial we strengthen support for farmers markets which serve as the base for many new start-ups.
Bob Beach
Political party: Democrat
Age: 61
Residence: Monongalia County
Family: Married, father of five.
Education: FSU, political science; Spruce School of Real Estate.
Professional experience: Previously: executive director of Garrett College Foundation, real estate sales, retail manager/supervisor/buyer.
Political and civic experience: Past member of the Monongalia County Planning Commission (10 years); West Virginia House of Delegates 2001-2010; West Virginia State Senate 2011–present; 20 years Legislative Committee on Agriculture, previous chairman; member of the Southern Legislative Conference Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development.
Why did you decide to seek office?
Meetings early in 2019 with farmers from across the state who are dissatisfied with the current administration within the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. They cited a lack of advocacy for the ag community, lack of resources and failed communication, all of which quickly convinced me a change was needed. These same farmers believe as I do, that my 54 years of agricultural experience is something that is long overdue.
What is the most important issue you believe your office will face in the next year, and how will you address it?
The department is primarily a regulatory agency, with the role of ensuring food safety for our residents. The department should also act as an advocate for the ag community, provide the necessary resources and facilitate communication. Only after these three objectives have been achieved shall the department begin to focus on new economic development opportunities. Furthermore, goals and objectives should be clearly identified. A plan to correct known deficiencies is essential and must be implemented day one.
