Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin
CHARLESTON — Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin (D) and Republican Bill Maloney are battling it out again to be the state’s next governor.
Recently, both men replied to a questionnaire provided by the Point Pleasant Register, asking for the candidate’s family background, work experience and affiliations. The questionnaire also asked two questions of both candidates - “Why are you seeking public office?” As well as, “What is your number one priority if elected? ” Since Tomblin is the incumbent, his responses appear first followed by responses given by Maloney.
Name: Earl Ray Tomblin.
Family background: Wife, Joanne; son, Brent.
General education and work background: Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin is a lifelong West Virginian who has worked as a teacher, businessman and public servant. He has a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Marshall University. He also has served in the West Virginia House of Delegates, West Virginia Senate (including the longest-serving president in state history), and as Governor.
Why are you seeking public office?
“Our state has come so far in addressing its past financial problems, and I believe West Virginia is positioned for a great future. We’ve seen more than $6 billion in investment and 8,500 new jobs just since November 2010 and I will fight to ensure we can continue to use our coal and natural gas to power the nation. We are eliminating the food tax next year, and we’ve cut business taxes to encourage job creation. I know there’s more work to do, and I want to work with Democrats and Republicans, business and labor, to move our state forward.”
Number one priority if elected?
“I’ve worked tirelessly to create more jobs for West Virginians, and I will continue to do that during the next four years. I believe that we must continue our fiscally responsible policies, responsibly reduce taxes, and make sure our education system is the best it can be. We will improve student achievement and teacher compensation to ensure our graduates are prepared for the jobs we’re creating. Whether they receive technical training, an associate’s degree from one of our community and technical colleges or a four-year degree, I want to ensure all of our young people have the opportunity to succeed.”
Name: Bill Maloney of Morgantown
Family background: Wife, Sharon; daughters Christina and Lauren; sons-in-law Chris and Tony; grandson Graham.
Educational background: Graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University.
Organizations: Rotary International, W.Va. Water Well Association, Society of Mining Engineers, Independent Oil and Gas Association of W.Va., Chestnut Ridge Church.
Current occupation: Principal of Cow Run Energy, LLC and Drill Leader, LLC.
Work experience: Co-Founder and executive at North American Drillers, North American Pump and Supply, and Shaft Drillers International. Grew North American Drillers from a two-person startup in 1984 to become the world leader in large diameter shaft drilling for mining and other industries.
Why are you seeking public office?
“In 2010 I had a life-changing experience when I helped rescue 33 miners trapped in Chile. That experience taught me that you can do anything with the right attitude and a great team. I’m running for Governor to fix our state so our children and grandchildren can have the kind of opportunities I had. I can’t imagine a young person today starting a business at the age of 25 like I did. We need to create an environment where young people can be successful and create jobs and opportunity for all West Virginians.”
Number one priority if elected?
“My first priority as Governor will be to create jobs. To do that, we need to reform our tax code and our legal system so that businesses will invest in West Virginia and create jobs. The cronyism and corruption must end as it creates a huge hidden tax on private investment, not to mention a drag on the state economy. Lastly, we need to fix our education system and get more money in the classroom to help attract employers and jobs.”
The Point Pleasant Register will continue to highlight races of interest which were not featured in its recent Mason County Voter’s Guide, provided candidates supply their material.
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