Ben Salango
Political party: Democrat
Age: 47
Residence: Charleston
Family: Wife, Tera; two sons, T.J. and Caden.
Education: Political science from West Virginia University, 1994; J.D., West Virginia University College of Law, 1998; Shady Spring High School, 1991.
Professional experience: Attorney, founding partner of Preston & Salango, PLLC; founder and owner, 304Tees.
Political and civic experience: Kanawha County Commissioner.
Why did you decide to seek office?
West Virginia needs new leadership. I’m a Kanawha County Commissioner, attorney and small business owner, and I know how to get things done. I’ve spent my career fighting for the little guy and working families. I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty in order to do what’s right for West Virginia. I’ll bring people together to move West Virginia forward.
What is the most important issue you believe your office will face in the next year, and how will you address it?
Rebuilding our state after COVID-19 subsides. I am dedicated to moving West Virginia forward by prioritizing investments in public education, expanding broadband, helping small businesses, creating more jobs in the Mountain State, protecting health care, fixing the roads and combating the opioid epidemic. I will diversify the economy and strengthen our workforce by expanding vocational and technical training. Jim Justice is all about self-service; I’ll be focused on public service.
Daniel P. “Danny” Lutz Jr.
Political party: Mountain Party
Age: 71
Residence: Charles Town
Family: First ancestors began farming in (West) Virginia in 1761.
Education: Undergraduate, WVU, 1972; graduate studies, The American University, Washington, D.C.
Professional Experience: Dealer development coordinator, Allis Chalmers Corp.; registered representative, NYSE, Baker, Watts & Co.; family farm, Jefferson County.
Political experience: Presently Jefferson County Conservation District Supervisor, Eastern Panhandle Conservation District; presidential elector, 1996; appointed to program board, Eastern Economic Association; West Virginia delegate, United Farmers’ and Ranchers’ Conference; Presbyterian Church; Kiwanis Club, 41 years, presently Lt. Governor and twice Distinguished Past President
Why did you decide to seek office?
To bring West Virginia into the 21st century; to offer West Virginians “A Choice, Not an Echo,” (penned by the late Karl Hess for Barry Goldwater 1964).
What is the most important issue you believe your office will face in the next year, and how will you address it?
Within six months of a contract, create Broadband Cooperative for all West Virginians, etc., for under $150 million; fund facilities and research to produce nanocellulose sustainably, eco friendly and renewably; create Pollution Control Credits Exchange System for air, soils and waters contaminants; Pollution Control Shares issued to West Virginia households with one-plus registered voters (no vacation homes, etc.), firms must buy credits for best price agreeable; recover and sell rare earth elements, some worth $30,000 per pound.
Erika Kolenich
Political party: Libertarian
Age: 41
Residence: Buckhannon
Family: Karl Kolenich, husband, and, Iris Kolenich, daughter.
Education: B.A. West Virginia Wesleyan College; J.D. University of Akron School of Law.
Professional experience: Managing member at Klie Law Offices, PLLC 2005-present.
Political and civic experience: Past executive producer, Buckhannon Community Theatre; Upshur Human Resources, Inc. (Head Start) Board of Directors; City of Buckhannon Historic Landmarks Commission; Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; district president, Zeta Tau Alpha; past president, Upshur Arts Alliance.
Why did you decide to seek office?
I am running because I am frustrated with politics. Democrats and Republicans have become consumed with party politics and are not representing West Virginians. The good people of our state are getting lost in that process. Failure to compromise is crippling West Virginia. I want to give people an option to finally vote for someone they can relate to, trust and believe in as opposed to the lesser of two evils.
What is the most important issue you believe your office will face in the next year, and how will you address it?
We will face an economic and societal crisis following COVID-19. Removing mandates and allowing people and businesses to make decisions best for themselves is the top priority. Secondly, I will address the decline in the economy by eliminating unnecessary licensing and regulations which make it difficult for business to operate. I will help families by cutting the personal income tax to keep more money in the pockets of West Virginians.
Jim Justice
Political party: Republican
Age: 69
Residence: Lewisburg
Family: Married to Cathy Justice. Two children, James (Jay) C. Justice III, who is married to Catherine Grainger Justice; and daughter Dr. Jill Justice, who is married to Adam Long.
Education: Master of Business Administration, Marshall University.
Professional experience: Before being elected governor, I served as the president and CEO of 102 different companies and employed thousands of West Virginians. Before my election and during my time leading my family’s companies, I launched a massive expansion of multiple businesses, including significant coal reserve expansion, Christmas tree farms, cotton gins, turfgrass operations, golf courses, timber enhancement and land development projects.
Political and civic experience: Like President Donald J. Trump, I am not a politician. I’ve worked my entire life creating jobs, starting businesses and helping communities across West Virginia. God has blessed me, and I love West Virginia. I led the Mountain State Coal Classic Basketball Tournament to help raise scholarship dollars for kids, given Christmas gifts to thousands of children and helped communities across the state during horrific natural disasters.
Why did you decide to seek office?
It is the honor of my life to serve as your governor. I am running for re-election to continue the tremendous progress we have made during my first term. We’re turning West Virginia’s economy around, and we’re investing in our roads and schools. There is still work to be done, and I’m just getting started because I want jobs, opportunity and hope for all West Virginians.
What is the most important issue you believe your office will face in the next year, and how will you address it?
Thanks to my leadership, the state’s economy is strong and growing stronger every day. We must continue to grow our economy, attract jobs, fix our roads and highways, address the drug crisis and recover from the COVID-19 global pandemic. I work every day to attract more people, more jobs and more opportunities to West Virginia. Visit my website at www.justiceforwv.com to learn more about my achievements and priorities.
