Cory Chase
Political party: Democrat
Age: 37
Residence: Dryfork
Family: One daughter, 10.
Education: Davis-Thomas Elementary School; Tucker County High School; B.S. liberal arts and sciences, Magna Cum Laude, WVU, 2009.
Professional experience: Small business owner since 2003, licensed massage therapist; project coordinator, Heart of the Highlands Trail System.
Political and civic experience: Active board member, Tucker County Development Authority; Tucker County Cultural District Authority; Mountain Laurel Learning Cooperative Fundraising Committee.
Why did you decide to seek office?
I don’t feel like everyday people are being represented, and I wanted to be a voice for change in Charleston. Opioids have ruined entire communities across the state, yet cannabis is still illegal. Teachers had to go on strike twice, yet PEIA has hardly been addressed. Wages have stagnated for too long, yet our governor owes millions in back taxes. We aren’t going to get real representation unless we elect young, new leadership.
What is the most important issue you believe your office will face in the next year, and how will you address it?
West Virginia already has far too many ongoing crises that COVID-19 has only made worse. I believe the most important issue is corruption within the government. How can we expect change if we don’t stop the corruption? No one party is going to save us. If we don’t regulate lobbyists and prosecute political and white collar crime, then many of the other important issues like education, health care, broadband, good jobs, etc. will not be fixed.
D.R. “Buck” Jennings
Political party: Republican
Age: 69
Residence: Scotch Hill
Family: Wife, Evelyn, of 50 years. Children: Chris Jennings of Newburg, Stacey Marshall and Laird of Shepherdstown, and Craig Jennings and Jessica of Kingwood. Grandchildren: Cory Jennings and Darcy of Scotch Hill, Blake Jennings, and Evelyn “Charlee” Jennings. Great-grandchildren: Casen Jennings and Huntlea Jennings.
Education: High school diploma, and multiple fire, paramedic and rescue hours.
Professional experience: 42 years in construction, Emergency Medical Technician and Firefighter Instructor.
Political and civic experience: President of Fellowsville Volunteer Fire Department, president of Mountaineer Ambulance, and 3 1/2 years House Delegate District 53.
Why did you decide to seek office?
I want to help my community.
What is the most important issue you believe your office will face in the next year, and how will you address it?
Our children’s future will be the most important issue every year. I want to expand economic opportunities through job growth by developing our infrastructure, support small classroom sizes not only for students, but also teachers, and help individuals get clean from drug abuse to support strong two-parent families.
