By Shawn Stinson
A familiar face will attempt to earn his party’s nomination and a newcomer will look to foil his bid.
The race for the Democratic nomination for the newly drawn House of Delegates District 86 will feature Bradley “BJ” Rinard and Jameson Paul Freeman.
Rinard ran for the Democratic nomination for the old District 55 seat in the 2020 election. Jarod Shockey defeated Rinard 1,489 (66.6%) to 748 (33.4%) for the Democratic nomination. Ward downed Shockey in the General Election, 6,171 (71.7) to 2,440 (28.3). Ward is running unopposed in the Republican primary.
Rinard and Freeman agree there needs to be a strong economy not only in the state, but more importantly in the district. In addition, the pair want to strengthen vocational education.
“My top priorities are to first and foremost give a voice back to every West Virginian,” Rinard said. “West Virginia is experiencing a mass exodus of our young people. They graduate high school and leave for other states for a better opportunity. Bringing in businesses to keep our people in this state is a must, which includes us building a better infrastructure. We need good roads, bridges, broadband internet and cell service throughout all areas of the state. We need to have teachers receiving competitive wages to get the best available.”
Rinard said he would achieve these priorities by listening to his constituents and being “transparent.”
“I would propose and fight for teachers and all public employees to get a raise and to provide more funding to PEIA (West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency),” he said. “I would work to get a better infrastructure plan in place to provide for the future generations of West Virginians. I would work to get more vo-tech schools throughout the state to better serve our future generations.”
Freeman highlighted his plans for the district that also include more vocational schools.
“I want to galvanize and help develop a creative economy and be part of the expanding of arts and culture in the new 86th District,” said Freeman. “I want to expand education and work opportunities, pursue community innovation, reduce addiction and dependency and increase individual sovereignty. I think it’s all connected.”
Freeman said to accomplish his goals he wants to pursue state grants for public art installations as well as use public funds for tourism campaigns. Freeman wants to offer tax incentives to companies, small businesses, foundations and public-private partnerships to utilize abandoned and under-used buildings and spaces in towns throughout the district. Freeman also said he supports legislation to require in-state contractors and workers be hired before employing out-of-state workers.
“I see too many out-of-state license plates at construction sites,” he said. “I also think there is a drive towards vocational {schools} again. This will save us … tradesmen and tradeswomen can be employed in many interesting new ways. And development and enhancement of the area must involve them.”
He added educational programming should expand through the high schools as well as at community colleges like Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College.
Freeman cited a study in Michigan that stated every dollar invested in the arts yielded $51 for the state economy. He said if state officials were to invest in the arts it could “have a huge impact.”
Rinard said he differs from his opponent due to being a lifelong resident of Wardensville.
“I graduated from East Hardy in 2003,” he said. “I have lived through the everyday struggles that most West Virginians have experienced, coming from a working-class family. I cherish my family time and exploring this great state.
“I will listen to the people of this district and will be their voice if elected and will be transparent.”
Freeman, who moved to Hardy County in 2020, said he and Rinard agree on several issues, especially “wanting another Democrat in the statehouse.”
“I think as a state legislator it’s vital to be able to negotiate across the so-called aisle,” he said. “I can find common ground while promoting an agenda. I understand how important negotiation and respectful exchange is for progress. Someone told me recently, ‘Politics shouldn’t be a sport because the whole community is on the same team.’”
