Bill Schwartz did not respond.
Lora Ann Dyer
Age: 44
Residence: Ripley
Education: I was the first member of my family to attend college. I graduated from Marshall University. I then studied environmental engineering in England and ultimately earned my law degree at West Virginia University.
Political and civic experience: Elected circuit judge in 2016, worked on number of initiatives since taking office. As a public servant, I created the Jackson County Drug Court, initiated programs to tackle truancy and worked with local churches and organizations to find solutions to the drug crisis. One of my greatest joys in service is speaking to our children at schools and other events about their dreams and goals for a bright future.
Professional experience: My first legal job was with the West Virginia Supreme Court where I worked for Justice Albright. I also worked as a law clerk for Judge Stucky, and then as an assistant prosecutor before leaving for private practice, where I represented a diverse group of clients, from large companies to police officers. I also worked as general counsel for the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office before being elected circuit judge.
Top priorities: Justices on the supreme court are the leaders of the West Virginia judiciary — the administrative office, circuit clerks, magistrate, family and circuit courts. As the leader, it is imperative that the supreme court provide guidance and training, communicate objectives effectively, put together cohesive teams and adopt appropriate rules to deal with the challenges facing the court system, especially the current abuse and neglect crisis.
John A. Hutchison
Age: 69
Residence: Beckley
Education: B.A., Davis & Elkins College; J.D., West Virginia University Law School.
Professional experience: Assistant basketball coach, Davis & Elkins College, 1972-1974; teacher, Raleigh County Public Schools, 1974–1975; dorm director and assistant basketball coach, Concord University, 1975–1977; partner, Gorman, Sheatsley and Hutchison, 1985–1990; Nationwide Insurance, West Virginia Trial Division Office, 1991–2019; worked as a construction laborer, carpenter’s helper, framing carpenter and steelworker on the bridge construction over the New River in Hinton during holidays and summer breaks from school.
Campaign statement: I’m running for the supreme court of appeals because we must restore confidence in a judiciary wracked by scandal and tainted by politics. Justices must strictly adhere to the Code of Judicial Conduct and avoid not only conflicts of interests but even the appearance of conflicts of interests. Every litigant who appears before the court deserves to know that their case will be decided fairly, impartially and according to the rule of law.
Top priorities: The court must move proactively to reduce recidivism and its resulting cost by expanding the use of special courts such as the adult and juvenile drug court, family treatment courts and service members courts. Evidence shows these courts hold offenders accountable while helping to keep them from re-offending. Finally, the courts should partner with law enforcement and schools to help keep our kids in the classroom and out of the courtroom.
