Riley Moore
Political party: Republican
Age: 40
Residence: Harpers Ferry
Family: Wife, Mina, and two daughters.
Education: Undergraduate degree in government and international politics from George Mason University and a master’s degree in strategic security studies from the National Defense University at Fort McNair.
Professional experience: Began as a welder in a rock quarry and then went to work as a welder at a defense manufacturer for the U.S. Army and Navy. Previously served as a national security advisor and oversight staff on the House of Foreign Affairs Committee. Currently work as a director at Textron supporting Marine Corps programs.
Political and civic experience: Served in the House of Delegates for Jefferson County from 2017-19. Served as the Assistant Majority Whip and in 2018 was named next Majority Leader. Member of the Shepherdstown Rotary Club, Shepherdstown Community Club, the West Virginia Society of Sons of the American Revolution, the West Virginia Farm Bureau, the Eastern Panhandle Business Association and the Knights of Columbus.
Why did you decide to seek office?
There has been a stagnation of innovation and new ideas in the office. This is an office that is often overlooked by the average West Virginian but has great potential to bolster our working class and economy. I would do this with my Jump Start Savings Plan that would allow individuals graduating from vocation or trade schools to start savings accounts to purchase tools, equipment, licenses or certifications. We would be the first state in the country to undertake a program like this.
What is the most important issue you believe your office will face in the next year, and how will you address it?
The effects of COVID on the economy and the investments of the state. The office is going to have to effectively communicate to the taxpayers of West Virginia how our investments are being safeguarded and provide insights into the effective use of additional federal assistance. To date, this is something the treasurer’s office has done a poor job of. If elected, we will create a more transparent and accountable office to the people of West Virginia and ensure they understand how their money is being spent.
John D. Perdue
Political Party: Democrat
Age: 70
Residence: Cross Lanes
Family: Wife, Robin, and two adult children, Emily and Jessica.
Education: Graduated from Scott High School and received a B.S. from WVU in 1972.
Professional and political experience: Grew up in Boone County, West Virginia, started working for the Department of Agriculture in 1973, then moved to Gov. Caperton’s office as his senior aide in 1989. In 1996, I was elected state treasurer and have held the position since.
Why did you decide to seek office?
I love my job as state treasurer and I love what I am doing. We are constantly upgrading technology in the office and improving upon the many programs that we administer, such as the Smart529 program and unclaimed property. We have returned over 70% of unclaimed property that we have received. We are working closely with the governor’s office on a new initiative to bring broadband services to rural West Virginia.
What is the most important issue you believe your office will face in the next year, and how will you address it?
I think most people in the state know many of the programs we manage, but they may not know that we are the bank of state government. We manage $18 billion of the state’s money and our office has received the highest rating from Standard & Poor. We’ve modernized the office and brought in expert money managers. I am proud to say that in 24 years I have served as treasurer, we haven’t lost one penny of the state’s money.
