Pictured are State Sen. Mitch Carmichael, Delegate Scott Cadle and Delegate Jim Butler who were recently given the oath of office at the State Capitol complex in Charleston. This is the first time in history Mason County will have not one but two representatives in the W.Va. House of Delegates who actually live in Mason County.

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CHARLESTON — Mason County’s two, new state delegates and new state senator were recently sworn in at the Capitol in Charleston.

Delegates Scott Cadle of Letart and Jim Butler of Gallipolis Ferry were given their oath of office by Judge Thomas Evans of the Fifth Judicial Court, which includes Mason, Jackson, Roane, and Calhoun Counties.

Evans also administered the oath of office to Mason County’s new State Senator Mitch Carmichael of Ripley. Carmichael represents the counties of Mason, Jackson, and parts of Putnam and Roane Counties.

For the first time in history, Mason County has not one but two representatives in the West Virginia House of Delegates. Cadle represents the 13th District, which includes Northern Mason County, along with part of Putnam and Jackson Counties. Butler represents the 14th district with includes Southern Mason County and part of Putnam County.

Prior to November’s general election, Butler, Cadle and Carmichael were asked by the Point Pleasant Register what their number one priority would be if elected. Their answers appear below.

Carmichael

“I believe any definition of a successful life must include service to others. I have a deep desire to help every West Virginian achieve their full potential. If you share my desire to launch our state on an exciting journey of growth and opportunity, then join me in creating thousands of great jobs for our citizens. We can do so by reducing taxes and regulations that are strangling the WV economy. My proposal is to enable citizens and businesses to keep more of their hard-earned money and allow capitalism to flourish in our state.”

Cadle

“With high unemployment throughout the state jobs are sorely needed having lost many these past four years. Our population is lower than it was in 1980 which means our children have gone elsewhere for work. Not until our state becomes more business friendly by changing the present climate, i.e. regulations, appellate courts, EPA, will we ever be able to keep our children here. My intention is to work with others in the legislature to ensure that West Virginia utilizes all it’s available resources, including our children, to make this the best place to live and work.”

Butler

“The number one priority is jobs. The income generated by working people is the basis for all that people and government can do. As your Delegate I would improve job opportunities by reducing unreasonable regulations, reducing taxes to make us competitive, making our legal system more fair, and supporting teachers, and a school curriculum that better prepares our graduates for work or for college. I will then support legislation that allocates our tax dollars wisely so that we have the ability to honor our obligations to seniors, veterans, children and others that need assistance.”

The first day of the 2013 Legislative Session will be Jan. 9, followed by a break until Feb. 13 when the 60-day session begins.