The Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce today announced its first round of candidate endorsements for the 2018 general election, as well as its endorsement of the school excess levy.

The Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce endorses candidates who:

• display leadership to move West Virginia and its citizens forward;
• advocate policies that create good paying jobs for our region and state;
• strive to improve the quality of life for our citizens;
• support the consolidation of government services, and metro-government;
• deliver responsible tax reduction when fiscally prudent; and
• work to keep our hard-working and educated youth in West Virginia.

“By endorsing a candidate, the Charleston Chamber believes that he or she will be a strong and effective partner on policies to advance Kanawha County and West Virginia. It does not mean that we agree with or endorse every position held by the candidate,” said Chamber President Matthew Ballard. “We will pursue constructive dialogue with all candidates – those we endorsed and those who did not receive our endorsement in this election – on meaningful solutions to the challenges facing our region and state.”

Please find the candidates below who are endorsed by the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce in the 2018 general election. Additional endorsements will be announced in the near future.

WV Senate 8th District

Ed Gaunch (R)

WV Senate 17th District

Terrell Ellis (D)

Kanawha County Commission

Kent Carper (D)

Ben Salango (D)

In addition, the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce has endorsed the new school excess levy that would continue to fund teacher and service personnel, school operating expenses, and select improvements or repairs to Kanawha County Schools.

“Businesses looking at our region strongly consider our educational attainment rate,” said Chamber Board Chairman Steve Hedrick. “The levy will improve our facilities and the safety of our schools to ensure our children can maximize the educational opportunities provided by the public school system. With strong investments in our children’s education, we are making strong investments in the Kanawha Valley’s economic future.”

###