October 14, 2000
Candidates for city, county and WV House of Delegates attended a "Meet The Candidates" event at Riverview Methodist Church in Altizer last night.
Those in attendance included all three candidates for Mayor of Huntington, Mayor Jean Kipp Dean (R), David Felinton (D), and James "Vince" Russo (Write-In); Cabell County Sheriff candidates Kim Wolfe (R) and Red Dawson (D); House of Delegates candidates Arley Johnson (D), Chuck Romine (R), Kevin Craig (D), and Kelli Sobonya (R); Huntington City Council candidates Phil Cline (R), Rene Maass (R) and James Insco; and candidate for County Judge, Jane Hustead (D), as well as others.
Mayor Dean spoke the crowd after Cline, stating several new things happening for the city in the coming weeks before the election.
"On October 16th I will release the name of the developer for the Superblock," Dean said. "I haven't made an announcement about the Superblock in the last seven years because we didn't want anything to fall through. This is the first time we've had a signed agreement."
Kevin Craig, (D) candidate for House of Delegates in the 15th District, said we need to do something to stop children from leaving when they grow up.
"Let's give our children every chance to learn early," Craig said. "I do believe we can make a difference and make changes. We need to make some changes and we need to act now."
Kelli Sobonya, (R) candidate for HOD in the 15th District said that the people need the government back.
"We need to restore government back to the people," Sobonya said. "I know the plight of the small business owner in West Virginia, and things need to change."
Darrell Black, (D) candidate for Magistrate, said being a magistrate is a serious business.
"Being a magistrate is so serious," Black said. "You're actually a judge. You need someone there that has good judgement and experience."
Arley Johnson, (D) candidate for HOD, running for a fourth term, said he doesn't fit into any political category.
"I don't fit any particular mold, or try to," Johnson said. "I stand up for what I believe is right, even if I stand alone. No one can twist your arm unless you allow them to."
Johnson also spoke about home rule.
"Most of our legislators are coming from small towns, not cities. And two things they hate are annexation and home rule," Johnson said. "I believe that.......the issues that are facing the state are going to be very vulnerable in the next session. There's been so much money thrown around in this cycle of state elections, I don't where it's coming from. If the citizens stay involved, you need to be our watchdogs. I still believe you need to stand up and fight for the right issues. If (an issue) is wrong, it's always been wrong. It needs to be made right."
Bob Hampton, (R) candidate for Magistrate, said all he needed to do was convince the voters.
"I know I can do the job," Hampton said. "but I've gotta convince you." Hampton then went into a story about people trying to rob his business and only getting a slap on the wrist after they were caught.
"The only legacy I can leave," Hampton said. "Is that I started the YMCA in Clarksburg. In West Virginia, we've elected crooks, drunks and incompetent clods. It's time for a change."
Kim Wolfe, (R) candidate for Cabell County Sheriff, stood behind his record of law enforcement.
"I think the sheriff's dept. is law enforcement," Wolfe said. "Crime in this county is getting larger. I promise you that I'll keep doing what I've been doing for 26 years: being an honest law enforcement officer. I am a career professional law enforcement officer."
Jane Hustead, (D) candidate for Judge, said she knows how to enforce the law.
"I want to be a judge that will hold people accountable," Hustead said. I'm going to be a hand-on judge. I will apply the law. I am 100% confident in my character, and I'm committed to this community. I'm a problem-solver."
Hustead also said she needed the voter's support.
"I need your support," Hustead said. "I'm not endorsed by anyone. That's because I'm an independent thinker. If I'm elected, I will absolutely do my best. I only want what's good for you. I'm not afraid to offend people. I've been holding people responsible for their actions for 24 years."
There will be another event like this at Golden Coral on Nov. 2nd from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. It's open to all candidates in all districts.
There will also be a debate for candidates of city council on Oct. 30th at the Junior League Center.
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T. Michael Murdock & Jessica Dunphy, HNN Staff