Incumbent Anderson challenged by newcomer Beanard in West Virginia House of Delegates District 10

WILLIAMSTOWN – A longtime legislator seeking his 18th term faces a fellow Williamstown resident making his first run for public office in the Republican primary for the 10th District West Virginia House of Delegates seat.

Del. Bill Anderson faces Justin Beanard in Tuesday’s primary. The winner will take on Christopher Jones, who is unopposed in the Democratic primary, in November.

Anderson, 77, is in the final year of his 17th term and said he still feels he “can be of service to the people of Wood County and West Virginia.”

Anderson is chairman of the House’s Energy and Public Works Committee and a member of the Finance and Rules committees.

“I know really how the components of government fit together and where to turn for information,” he said.

Anderson said he would like to focus in the upcoming legislative session on improving water and sewer infrastructure in his district and around the state. West Virginia has a revolving fund established for such projects, but “the needs far exceeds the availability of money in that fund,” he said.

The Legislature should also continue reducing the state’s income tax with a goal of eventually eliminating it completely, Anderson said.

Lawmakers need to “seriously look at providing emergency services and help fund the volunteer EMS and volunteer fire departments to the extent our budget will allow,” he said. Anderson added that while he enjoys going to departments’ ice cream socials, “I’ve always felt the volunteer firemen shouldn’t have to panhandle for money” at the events.

Beanard, 32, said he was prompted to run for office after witnessing “systemic corruption,” particularly in the Child Protective Services and family court systems. He said he wants to address that as a legislator, rather than simply talking about it on the campaign trail.

“Seeing children separated from their families without clear reason or evidence traumatizes our youth and contributes directly to the drug and mental health crises we face today,” he said.

Beanard said too many politicians lose sight of the best interests of the people who they were elected to represent.

Service has always been a calling, Beanard said, citing experience in the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department and in the U.S. Army. Before and after his enlistment, he worked in construction and at local plants.

“I believe this blue-collar experience is vital,” he said. “I have a servant’s heart, and I believe that is exactly what we need in office–someone who truly serves the people.”

Beanard listed his goals as making sure CPS and the court systems are accountable and transparent, cutting taxes and lowering utility costs, defending the Second Amendment, defending school choice and empowering parents, and standing for medical freedom.

Evan Bevins can be reached at ebevins@newsandsentinel.com.

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