Democrat Shawn Fluharty looks ahead to state delegate election | News, sports, jobs

Photo courtesy of WV Legislative Photography House of Delegates Minority Whip Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio, said this legislative session is one of the slowest he has ever been a part of.

WHEELING – West Virginia House member Shawn Fluharty is one of just 11 Democrats in the 100-member House seeking to return for a fourth term.

Fluharty, 40, faces a challenge from Republican Tom Salkovick in the Nov. 5 general election in what is expected to be a challenging year for Democrats.

“Regardless of party, my advice to anyone seeking office is simple: Be yourself,” he said. “Voters are smart. They want authenticity. They want someone who is real and isn’t afraid to make political decisions and defend their positions, regardless of whether it makes political sense or not. You will never agree with someone 100%.

“I have received bipartisan support over the years because I am not afraid to stand up

to Charleston on behalf of all of us in the Northern Panhandle. Hard work is rewarded and people see the work I have done over the years.”

Fluharty was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2014. An attorney, he graduated from West Virginia University College of Law in 2009 with a law degree.

Fluharty serves as House Minority Leader and is the vice minority leader for both the House Rules Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. Outside the legislative session, he was elected president of the National Council of Legislators of Gaming States.

“Every time there’s a presidential election, it takes up all the room in the room,” he said. It’s important to remind voters what’s happening in Charleston and why it deserves their attention even more than Washington, DC

“I brought our Northern Panhandle values ​​to Charleston as your legislator. We stand up for what we believe in and we care about our neighbors. We work together, and so should our representatives. I am vocal in defending our people and working effectively to bring home results.”

There’s one guy Bill Fluharty really wants to get over the finish line.

“I followed Raylee’s Law passionately. I managed to get it through the House last session,” he said. “The topic of childcare is diverse and also includes this important aspect – the protection of our children. We have a loophole in our law that allows child abusers to expel children from public schools even if they are under investigation for abuse.

“This happened to Raylee Browning. We have read about numerous other examples. It made national headlines. It’s time for us to make national headlines for the right reasons by passing this legislation next session.”

According to Fluharty, West Virginia is constantly competing with its neighboring states.

“We always have to be one step ahead on many issues. We have made progress, but one issue that stands out is child care,” he said. “I met with local child care providers. I’ve spoken to families who are struggling to keep up with costs.

“In West Virginia, the average cost (of child care) is over 40% of annual income. This is higher than in our neighboring countries and is not a sustainable model. We want families to stay

We are here to help us rebuild and thrive for generations to come.”

He wants to continue his work in Charleston.

“I’m not just asking for your vote. I want you to be proud of making it,” Fluharty said. “I have proven that I will serve with the determination that embodies our community.”