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WEIRTON - Two political newcomers are hoping to win voters’ favor to represent the Second District in West Virginia’s House.
Republican Tony Viola and Democrat Daniel Day, both of Weirton, are facing off for the seat representing portions of Hancock and Brooke counties. It’s currently held by Mark Zatezalo, whom Viola defeated in May’s primary election.
Day has a background in information technology, having worked over a decade as a software developer. He has a bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State in computer science/mathematics.
Day notes a need to invest in utilities and public education, plus getting high-paid jobs with benefits to the area.
"My plan is to have hope and fight as hard as I can to push for the initiatives that constituents have voiced and propel us into a peaceful and prosperous future," he said.
Viola is a graduate of West Liberty University with a career in real estate. He is active in numerous local organizations.
"My campaign has focused on three priorities from the beginning: improving infrastructure, attracting economic development and strengthening our communities," Viola said.
Both candidates questioned the potential benefits of data centers, in particular following the passage of House Bill 2014.
The legislation would prohibit the enforcement of local zoning regulations concerning data centers, handing the state the final say.
"All levels of government should have a say in the matter when it comes to sound investments in our area," Day said. "That said, the voters want reliable, fruitful investments in our future. The companies proposing the data centers to be built are proving to be unprofitable and use absurd amounts of electricity that are potentially a drain on our precious natural resources.”
Viola also urged a cooperative approach when it comes to development in the region.
"We need to be strategic about how that land is utilized and consider whether a data center generating relatively few permanent jobs is the best use of property that could otherwise support manufacturing, distribution or other industries employing significantly more people," Viola said. "I want West Virginia to remain competitive in emerging industries. But economic development should benefit the people who live here, not come at their expense."
Day further said a good focus for economic development would be those businesses which could improve infrastructure, in particular electricity infrastructure.
Viola sees potential in other industries.
"I would prioritize advanced manufacturing, light industrial operations, logistics and distribution, energy production and businesses that support these industries," Viola said.
Viola also pointed to investing in housing stock throughout the region.
Both candidates identified a need for an "all-hands" approach for improvements to infrastructure, highlighting the importance of partnering with the federal government.
"Local governments understand their infrastructure needs better than anyone and they should play a leading role in identifying priorities," Viola said, pointing to needed upgrades for local water systems as the prime example. "However, many of these projects are simply too expensive for local customers to shoulder alone.
Viola said he will help identify available grants and infrastructure funding while also helping local officials coordinate with state and federal agencies.
Day noted the need for transparency in infrastructure development and encouraged investment in the roads and highways.
"One project in particular that I would like to see come to fruition is the building of a bypass around Weirton and an additional bridge connecting to Ohio," Day said. "There are a lot of opportunities to invite guests to our community and share in our culture. We need to make sure they have the tools necessary to help them continue to flourish."
Several local cities and counties have spent the last year considering the distribution of funding derived from the state’s legal settlements with producers and distributors of pharmaceutical opioids.
Viola said while he would be willing to serve in an advisory role for such discussions, he feels legislators should not be involved in the actual distribution of funds.
Day, meanwhile, expressed concerns whether the funds are going to what it should.
Both candidates emphasized a need for clear communication between elected officials and the community. Day pointed to social media, such as his campaign’s Facebook page, as a way his campaign has provided visibility.
Viola also noted social media for communication, but has plans for community events and direct conversations with residents to keep them informed as well.
"I want the people of Brooke and Hancock counties to know and understand why I voted a certain way on legislation or why I support a particular policy. I believe elected officials have a responsibility to explain their decisions, not simply make them," Viola said.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)