Rebecca Polis
Political party: Republican
Age: 70
Residence: Fairmont
Family: John Polis
Education: Bachelor of Theology, master’s in strategic leadership; certified life coach, certified counselor.
Professional experience: Administrate, 22-acre apartment complex; coordinate trucking/site management for manufacturing company; counselor, life coach, TV host, local and international teacher and conference speaker; minister.
Political and civic experience: This is my first time to run for office but I have always voted and supported candidates as I could.
Why did you decide to seek office?
I have a great concern about the direction of our country and state. I want to do my part to ensure that the coming generations would have the same freedoms I have enjoyed.
What is the most important issue you believe your office will face in the next year, and how will you address it?
Job generation and educational reform that will teach academics, civility (the ability to solve conflict without berating, bullying and beating); and more civics that will help students know not only their privileges, but responsibilities.
Mike Caputo
Political party: Democrat
Age: 63
Residence: Rivesville
Family: Wife, Tina, and two children, one daughter, Jessica, and one son, Josh.
Education: Graduate of Rivesville High School, Class of 1975.
Professional experience: District 31 International vice president, United Mine Workers of America.
Political and civic experience: Rivesville Town Council, 1981-83. Served the last 24 years in the House of Delegates. Rose to the position of Majority Whip in the House.
Why did you decide to seek office?
I’m running for the state senate in the 13th District because I believes it is time to take north-central West Virginia to the next level. I’m committed to bringing business and labor together in order to improve the economy of Monongalia and Marion counties. I promise you two things: To work as hard as I possibly can for the people of West Virginia and to never forget where I came from.
What is the most important issue you believe your office will face in the next year, and how will you address it?
Our state government should be focusing on supporting West Virginia workers and their families, especially through this COVID-19 crisis. I want to ensure we have our priorities straight. Because I know when you invest in the people of West Virginia, the return is better than you could have ever imagined
