-Differences emerge on development, Hope Scholarship
By Patrick Hurston
With the May 12 primary approaching, state and local candidates outlined priorities ranging from economic development to education at an Apr. 16 candidate forum.
The forum, hosted by the Hardy County Republican Executive Committee Party at Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College, featured candidates for State Senate, House of Delegates, County Commission, County Clerk, Board of Education, and State Supreme Court.
Though not a candidate, Senate President Randy Smith also attended and answered several questions from attendees. Attendees also heard from several candidates for West Virginia Supreme Court.
Some consistent themes emerged across races as candidates emphasized economic growth, transparency in government, and public services. Discussions of large-scale solar projects, data centers, and education policy, particularly the state’s Hope Scholarship program, however; highlighted some sharper contrasts.
The event was opened by County Republican Party Chair Sherri Hof with introductions, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Hof herself is a candidate to replace Schetrom on the Commission.
Candidates were given a few minutes to introduce themselves, followed by a Q&A session.
Current County Commission President and State Delegate candidate Steve Schetrom kicked things off by highlighting his service on the County Commission since 2001 and his role on several committees of the National Association of Counties. He also stressed his commitment to local representation in Charleston.
He pointed to his experience navigating issues from EMS services to land use debates, arguing that Hardy County needs a stronger voice at the state level.
“There’s a uniqueness to Hardy County,” he said, referencing ongoing tensions around agriculture, development, and energy policy. “You can hear that in the debates that take place related to development.”
One of his priorities, he said, would be to continue working to strengthen public safety, specifically EMS services. He noted that he serves as the interim chair of the Hardy County Emergency Ambulance Authority which has made “marked improvement” without a fee increase. A levy to increase the county’s ambulance fee was rejected by voters in 2024.
In the State Senate race, candidates Marc Harman and Jay Taylor offered different approaches to both economic and education policy.
Harman focused heavily on infrastructure and schools, calling for completion of Corridor H and development of “site-ready” properties to attract industry. He also raised concerns about the state’s approach to school choice.
“I have nothing against school choice,” Harman said, adding that the issue is a lack of “guidelines, transparency” and oversight. He specifically pointed to the Hope Scholarship program, arguing the state “can’t continue to throw money” at it without stronger accountability.
Harman also tied those concerns to local realities, noting that Hardy County schools are navigating increasingly complex student populations, including language diversity that can impact testing and funding. He pointed to a model in Rockingham County, Va. “that sets the test scores for those students aside so that it does not affect their state funding.”
Building on that he added, “We need to take a deep dive into the school aid formula,” adding that it “hasn’t been revised significantly in a number of years, and I know the prosperous counties of Eastern West Virginia suffer from it.” Harman also noted he served 10 years in the House of Delegates.
His opponent, incumbent Senator Jay Taylor, by contrast, emphasized his legislative record, including tax cuts, deregulation, Second Amendment rights, and workforce expansion, while highlighting collaboration with local officials.
Among other things, Taylor pointed to his assistance in securing funds for the Moorefield Middle School track and additional resources for local fire departments.
He also pointed to efforts to support education and workforce pipelines, though his remarks focused more broadly on economic growth and reducing barriers for businesses.
Taylor said that as Senate President Pro Tempore he was key to helping Smith secure his election to Senate President, adding “I’m the only candidate in the race who has stood with him. And together, we’re focused on moving West Virginia in a more conservative, results-driven direction.”
Taylor concluded his remarks by noting the endorsements of West Virginians for Life, the Family Policy Council, West Virginians for Health Freedom, and the West Virginia Coal Association.
Next, Justin Evans, Sherri Hof, and Mike Phillips all made their case for County Commission.
Each addressed government accountability and economic opportunity.
Evans, currently serving as Executive Director of the Hardy County Chamber of Commerce, called for greater transparency, arguing that residents should not have to search for information about county decisions.
“It’s the County Commission’s responsibility to tell the citizens what is going on in the county, not the citizen’s job to seek out information in some website,” he said.
Evans also emphasized workforce development, including the need to retain young residents by expanding both trade and professional job opportunities. He applauded the work done by Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College with apprenticeships. “We need trades people in Hardy County,” he said, driving his point home by adding, “Has anybody tried to hire a plumber lately?”
Hof shared an overview of her background in the health insurance industry, including her master’s degree in public health. She also stressed her volunteerism, beginning with the Republican Executive Committee, with which she’s been involved since 2018, serving as chair for the last four years. Hof also serves on the State Executive Committee which is the governing body for the West Virginia Republican Party.
She noted her involvement with the Wardensville Lions Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Hardy County Rod and Gun Club, and Faith Mission Church, among others.
Hof said she considers herself a “conservative with a voice of reason.” She also noted that her values of “faith, freedom, and family” align with the national party.
Phillips emphasized that he “is not going to be a ‘yes’ man.” He stressed the importance of listening and hearing varying viewpoints before making a decision.
One of his top priorities he said would be ongoing EMS issues, including the need for greater transparency, not just to citizens, but between the agencies themselves.
Though he said he is not for raising taxes, referring to the ambulance fee he said “Unfortunately the fees are going to go up. Since the situation was enacted, they never figured the cost of living into the version of fees for the ambulance fee.”
He also stressed the need for keeping younger generations in the county rather than losing them to better or more abundant jobs elsewhere.
Candidates for the unexpired County Clerk term, Loretta Humberston and Trevor Southerly, focused on experience and day-to-day responsibilities of the office.
Humberston, the current Clerk, emphasized her background working in the clerk’s office and the importance of maintaining accurate public records and election integrity.
“These are the foundation of trust between our citizens and their government,” she said. Humbertson said as important as the duties of clerk are, it’s just as important how the office serves the community.
“This is the office where people come during some of life’s most important moments, getting married, buying a home, or handling the loss of a loved one.”
Southerly highlighted his local roots and commitment to serving the county, positioning himself as a candidate grounded in the community, noting his lifelong residency, membership in the Moorefield Lions Club, the Moorefield Church of the Brethren, and the Hardy County Republican Executive Committee.
Southerly said he is the “only lifelong conservative Republican” in the race, adding “I have stood by my values. I have not switched parties for political convenience,” in apparent reference to Humbertson changing her party registration in order to assume the job following the retirement of former clerk, Gregg Ely.
He also emphasized his financial management experience including an MBA from WVU.
Only three of the 10 candidates for Board of Education attended the forum: Samantha Davis, Mark Ray, and Dallas Wilkins.
Dennis said she has two children at Moorefield Intermediate and believes that “There’s a lot of things going on higher up than just Hardy County in the state that are ruining a lot of their potential futures,” though she did not specify what she was referring to. She stressed her willingness to listen and her commitment to delivering the best education to the kids of Hardy County.
Ray pointed to his six grandkids in Hardy County Schools as his reason for running.
He said he will “stand up for what’s right” as he is “more of a buck the system type guy.”
Ray was the first to address the school levy that will be on the May 12 ballot, saying, “As much as I admit we do need it, I am kind of against it.” He pointed to the two school bonds currently being paid for by taxpayers and the burden it can place on someone living paycheck to paycheck.
Despite his objections, Ray said, “Me personally, I’m going to vote for it, but I can see why nobody wants it. I think it’d be better if we look at other alternatives.”
Wilkins highlighted his roots in Hardy County, noting he is a seventh-generation resident. In contrast to Dennis, he said he homeschools his four children, adding that he believes “families who choose an alternative to public education deserve a seat at the table.”
He said that the number of kids being homeschooled has doubled, making West Virginia one of the fastest growing states for homeschoolers while adding, “I am also about to become the most hated person; a proponent of the Hope Scholarship, I believe that if the government is going to pay for some children’s education, they should at least be willing to pay for all children’s education.”
Following the presentations, a question from the audience about the proposed large-scale solar project in Old Fields prompted some of the most pointed exchanges of the night.
Marc Harman, candidate for state senate, raised concerns about land use, environmental risks, and limited local benefit, noting that energy produced could be routed outside the county.
Those concerns extended to data centers, which several candidates linked to large-scale energy development. Estimates cited during the discussion suggested water usage could range from hundreds of gallons per day for smaller facilities to millions for large-scale operations.
Senator Taylor offered a more favorable view, describing data centers as a potential economic driver.
“If we just get a few of them, the state income tax is going to be gone,” he said, pointing to newer facilities that use recycled water and operate with minimal noise or visibility.
He also cited a proposed project in Tucker County as an example of an opportunity he believes is being overlooked.
The exchange put a finer point on a broader philosophical divide, namely whether large-scale development decisions should be driven locally or shaped by state level priorities.
All three candidates for County Commission expressed their opposition to the Old Fields solar project, citing zoning, environmental and safety concerns, and a need to weigh progress with the county’s rural lifestyle and culture.
Schetrom said that given local opposition it would be “political suicide” to support the solar project but noted the recent trend in legislation out of Charleston that continues to erode local authority and decision-making on these large projects. He again stressed that he is a proponent of local voices and will continue to support decisions being driven at the municipal level.
Harman agreed and expressed concern about the loss of farmland, saying “you do not want to lose local control.”
Another question receiving discussion pertained to the legislature’s inability to pass an E-Verify law.
E-Verify is a federal, internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration that allows employers to electronically confirm the legal residency status and employment eligibility of new hires.
All candidates expressed support for the system and emphasized the importance of lawful employment status and expressed support for Hardy County’s partnership and cooperation with DHS.
Early voting runs Apr. 29 – May 9. Primary election day is May 12. Visit www.GoVoteWV.com for more information.
