Republican Phillip W. Wiley did not respond to the newspaper’s questions.
Dave Pethtel
Political party: Democrat
Age: 69
Residence: Burton
Family: Wife, Mary Ann Pethtel, married 46 years; two sons, Eric and Kevin, wife Stephanie, and two grandsons, Noah and Trey.
Education: 1969, Hundred High School; 1973, Glenville State College, B.A.; 1977, M.A., West Virginia University; 45-plus graduate hours, West Virginia University.
Professional experience: Teacher, 40 years, Wetzel County Schools, retired, June 2013.
Political and civic experience: I was first elected to the House of Delegates in 1988 and served continuously until 1994. I was once again elected in 1998 and have served continuously to the present time being, re-elected every two years. I have served on the Board of Directors of Clay-Battelle Health Services Association for over 20 years.
Why did you decide to seek office?
I enjoy public service and helping people. I am a moderate and believe in working in a bipartisan manner to pass laws that will make West Virginia a better place to live, work and raise a family.
What is the most important issue you believe your office will face the next year, and how will you address it?
In addition to passing a budget, I will continue to support policies that improve highway infrastructure, broadband and cell service. I am pleased to have worked with Division of Highways, District 4, for the improvement of W.Va. 7 from the Mon/Wetzel line to Morgantown.
Will further develop the oil and natural gas industry in an environmentally sound manner to compete for downstream jobs. Our regulations must be competitive with Ohio and Pennsylvania.
