Forum invites Democratic primary candidates

FOLLANSBEE -- One month before the May 14 primary election, Democratic candidates introduced themselves and their platforms Friday during a forum in the Follansbee Municipal Park Community House.

Drawing participation from federal, state and county candidates, the forum was hosted by the Brooke and Hancock county Democratic executive committees, with assistance from the two counties' Democratic women's clubs.

Glenn Elliot and Zachary Shrewsbury, candidates for U.S. Senator, were represented at the forum. They will compete against each other and Don Blankenship for the Democratic nomination in May. The victor will move on to the Nov. 7 general election and compete for the seat currently held by Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin, who is not seeking re-election.

Elliot, who is currently completing his eighth year as mayor of Wheeling, said he had left the city for some time as a young man before returning and becoming part of the downtown's revitalization, eventually beating the incumbent mayor for his seat in 2016. Elliot said he believes he can "keep the senate seat blue" by focusing on ensuring women's reproductive freedom.

Danielle Walker, former West Virginia delegate, spoke on behalf of Shrewsbury, for whom she is a senior adviser. A retired Marine, Shrewsbury will fight for public education and unions, seeking to provide members with re-education for the green sector, Walker said.

Running unopposed, Steve Williams is the Democratic nominee in West Virginia's gubernatorial election. Come November, Williams will compete for the governor's seat to be vacated by Republican Gov. Jim Justice, who is running for U.S. Senate.

Mayor of Huntington for the last 12 years, Williams said his background in finance has empowered him to leverage a $3 million prize -- received from the America's Best Communities competition in 2017 -- and turn it into $514.7 billion for the city. With that in mind, he challenged listeners to imagine what he could do as governor for other communities.

Teresa Toriseva and Richie Robb are running for the Democratic nomination for attorney general of West Virginia. The winner will compete for the seat being vacated by Republican Patrick Morrisey.

Vice chair of the West Virignia Democratic Party, Teresa Toriseva said leaning into independents -- who make up 24 percent of West Virginia voters -- will be the key to taking power for the party. Pro-choice and pro-gun, Toriseva said, "I don't need the government deciding for me."

A Vietnam War veteran who was awarded the Bronze Star, Richie Robb was the mayor of South Charleston for eight consecutive terms. Robb said his priorities are attacking public corruption and white-collar crime, going against consumer fraud and fighting utility rates, which in West Virginia are the fourth highest in the nation.

Retired from the Navy after nearly 40 years, Steve Wendelin is running unopposed in the primary for U.S. House of Representatives Second Congressional District. He will compete for the seat held by Republican Alexander Mooney.

Wendelin said he is currently building momentum in the election and will reach out to independents and disenfranchised Republicans who share many of his beliefs -- a balanced budget, health care and representation. Wendelin said he is pro-choice, adding, "Mountaineers are always free to choose. We don't legislate that at any level. Period."

Former District 3 delegate Phil Diserio spoke on behalf of David Cantrell, who is running for the same seat, currently held by incumbent Jimmy Willis. Diserio said Cantrell, a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, is a "good family man, worker (and) citizen and would be an excellent delegate."

A senior at West Virginia University, Olivia Dowler is seeking the Democratic nomination for West Virginia House of Delegates District 2, a seat being sought by two Republicans, including incumbent Mike Zatezalo. Dowler said her priorities include empowering workers, combating food inequality and creating safer communities by promoting gun safety.

With experience in a corrections officer, volunteer fireman and 9/11 dispatcher, Darin Pizer is seeking the Democratic nomination for Brooke County commissioner. His goal, he said, is to bring jobs back and help keep youth in the area through more abundant resources, while also addressing infrastructure.

Former Brooke County Sheriff Rich Ferguson is seeking the Democratic nomination for the same position. Ferguson said his previous experience will allow him to tackle important issues like mental health and keeping up with technology.

Dezso Polgar, a former prevention resource officer at Oak Glen High School, is running for the Democratic nomination for Hancock County sheriff. Particularly concerned about kids' safety, Polgar said more charges must be brought in drug cases, with the charges being the first step to getting the individuals the help they need.

Having worked in various departments of criminal justice, Miranda Keeder is running against Steve Svokas in a non-partisan election for Hancock County Division 3 magistrate, an election that will be decided in May, when voters will be able to vote for two candidates over the three magistrate division races. Keeder said making decisions based on "the letter of the law, not by feelings" is critical to her.

Attendees also heard from Michael Traubert, candidate for Brooke County Board of Education, and Randy Swartzmiller, candidate for Hancock County Board of Education.