CORRIDOR CHRONICLE
Opinion
Kanawha Magistrate endorsements
Most citizens have their only experiences with the American judicial system by way of Magistrate Court. Magistrates make decisions daily that affect the lives of hundreds of people. It is essential that these magistrates be fair and display wisdom in their judgment.
Kanawha County has ten magistrates. There are qualified individuals running for all ten positions. Since these officials are elected on a non-partisan basis, their “final” election is the primary.
We recommend the following:
Division 1 — Incumbent Pete Lopez is unopposed and deserves another term;
Division 2 — Incumbent Rusty Casto, best known as the former Mayor of Nitro, has served with distinction. He should be re-elected over challenger Todd Chevalier;
Division 3 — One good term deserves another for incumbent Brent Hall over his opponent, Tressie Cabell;
Division 4 — Long time incumbent Jack Pauley is our choice over challenger Harry Bruner;
Division 5 — Incumbent Mike Sisson is unopposed and deserves support;
Division 6 — Veteran incumbent Joe Shelton is unopposed and has served with distinction;
Division 7 — Incumbent Jesse Bailes is our choice over challenger Mike Ferrell,
Division 8 — Former Magistrate Ward Harshbarger should be returned to the bench. He is taking on incumbent Hollis Lewis;
Division 9 — Long time Deputy Sheriff Harry Carpenter will be fair, firm and impartial. We endorse him over incumbent Gary Sheff;
Division 10 — Incumbent Traci Carper-Strickland is competent and innovative. She is unopposed and has earned your vote.