Four incumbents will face one challenger for the Democratic nomination. Only four will be selected to run in the general election in November. Two Republicans are running without opposition for the nomination of their party and will appear on the November ballot.
In interviews with The Dominion Post, the candidates talked about roads, public transit and what to do now that voters have rejected a $2 service fee. They also addressed salaries for public employees, which some have said are low in comparison with surrounding states.
Candidates were also asked whether school districts should be allowed to alter their schedules to ensure students get the full 180 days of instruction each year. Many local districts have been forced to cancel classes because of weather, and students have lost days of instruction.
Cindy Frich, 48, is trying to return to the Legislature after losing her seat in 2006. She had served four years in the Legislature and has been on the Republican Executive Committee since 1998.
Frich said that while in the House she voted against the legislation authorizing the $2 service fee, and still opposes burdening local residents with another tax. She said that she voted to remove some road projects from the state's budget and voted for general revenue to go toward funding roads.
Frich said the funding system for roads should be changed to ensure that Monongalia County gets its fair share.
Frich said she supports giving local school districts the right to set their own schedules according to local needs. Indexing salaries is problematic, Frich said, because it can be undone by another Legislature or governor.
Frich said that other main concerns include reducing taxes and improving health care delivery.
"The House of Delegates needs to get back on a positive track improving West Virginia's economy so jobs are available for people to earn a good living wage," Frich said. "The Legislature must stop passing laws requiring Monongalia County citizens to pay more to Charleston while receiving less."
PARTY: Republican
AGE: 48
RESIDENCE: Morgantown area
FAMILY: Single, with two dogs and cats
OCCUPATION: Writer, sales
EDUCATION: B.A., Miami of Ohio; post graduate, WVU
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Former member of the House of Delegates (44th), 2003-2006; state Republican Executive Committee (13th), 1998-2010; Republican National Convention Delegate, 2004