Editor’s note: The following is part of a series of profiles on candidates participating in West Virginia’s June 9 primary election.
SHINNSTON — Clay Riley is a Republican running for the West Virginia House of Delegates — 48th District.
1) Please provide a brief biography/synopsis of your resume:
Clay Riley is a husband of 21 years to his wife Whitney, and together they’ve raised four children. He grew up in Shinnston and graduated from WVU with two engineering degrees. Clay is a registered professional engineer in seven states and with the national council. He is also an owner in The Thrasher Group. Clay is a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, United Way of Harrison Co. Board., Harrison Co. Chamber, WV Farm Bureau, NRA, Shale Crescent USA Board, ACEC-WV president-elect, Leadership West Virginia Board and a volunteer coach at Lincoln High School for 20 years.
2) How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted your campaign and your ability to fundraise?
“The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted my ability to get out to see, talk, and listen to people in the 48th District, which is the best part of campaigning. I also believe it’s one of the most important responsibilities we have as a state leader and delegate. With regards to fundraising, it has not been a priority of mine, and COVID-19 hasn’t made an impact on that aspect on my candidacy.”
3) If elected, what will you do to address the current financial situation of the state?
“Fiscal responsibility will be a focus of mine to address the current financial situation; and, it will be a must for the next Legislature. The Legislature will need to take a hard look at all expenditures. I also expect that West Virginia will need to use some of the rainy day funds to get through this pandemic, which is appropriate. But, it will also be appropriate that the Legislature develop a plan to replenish the rainy day fund over a period of time, because we’ll need it again someday. I will push for this plan and use this principle in the decision-making process.”
4) What do you feel is the most important non-COVID-19-related issue facing the state currently and what will you do to address it if elected?
“West Virginia’s continued loss of population is our most important problem and, unfortunately, there is no single solution. One issue that can be resolved to help stem the tide of population loss is increased access to broadband and the digital world. A distributed workforce will become the norm, and West Virginia is geographically positioned well with a high quality of life. Enhancing the ability of people to move to West Virginia while retaining their job and working remotely is a real opportunity.”
Senior Staff Writer Charles Young can be reached at 304-626-1447 or [email protected]
You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login.
You must be logged in to rate. Click any rating to login.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
Post a comment as Anonymous Commenter
Report
Watch this discussion.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Sign In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.