The majority of West Virginians would likely agree that much about state government over the past seven to eight years has been good: Revenue is up; government services continue; and in some ways transparency has increased.
But there is always room for improvement, so as voters choose their party’s nominees in the May 14 primary election, they need to consider the past, but also look to the future.
Come 2025, West Virginia will have a new governor, a new secretary of state, a new attorney general, a new treasurer and a new auditor.
Some of the names competing for those offices are familiar because they’ve held other offices. But those who have served in those key roles for the past two terms are attempting to move up or at least on.
The secretary of state’s race is wide open, as none of the leading candidates have held a constitutional office. A couple have been members of the Legislature, and one has county clerk experience. Still another has shown strong business acumen and also worked in government before.
As noted on the secretary of state’s website, the office “serves as the state’s chief election officer, registrar of business and charities, keeper of the great seal of our state, oversees public notary commissions and much more.”
It takes a person versed in elections, business and politics to do the secretary of state’s job well, and West Virginia has been blessed to have had a line of strong people fill the role.
And while there are several secretary of state candidates who would be strong choices for Republicans to consider on May 14, we believe Doug Skaff is the best choice.
Skaff’s role as a lawmaker for the past 11 years, as well as his strong business acumen, move him ahead of the competition, giving him the skills needed to advance the work that has been done by current Secretary of State Mac Warner.
Skaff says that if he’s elected, he will work to improve the office in terms of both elections and business development.
On elections, he says his first step will be working in concert with county clerks to provide more resources.
“We must stop federal government overreach and provide the county clerks with more support and resources they need to pay poll workers more and keep our elections secure,” Skaff said, adding that he is against same-day voter registration.
He also vowed to purge voter rolls and increase efforts to combat potential cyberattacks on the election system.
Skaff also said he will clean up the office’s website, making it more user-friendly, and develop an app that would allow small business owners to access the information they need on their phones.
It is clear that Skaff is looking to move the Secretary of State’s Office forward, and he has a track record of success in his past efforts.
He’s a good choice for Republicans.
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