The final list of candidates running for the District 53 House of Delegates position are Cory Chase, Caleb Stutler, and incumbent D.R. “Buck” Jennings.
Chase filed to run as a Democrat for the District 53 Delegate position. He currently holds a position on the Tucker County Development Authority Board.
“I feel like everyday people are underrepresented in this state and in this district. I really care about the communities and the people, and I want to work to help the people, and to not take away their safety nets,” Chase said.
For Chase, one safety net is worker’s rights. “If a system is not prioritizing safety, it is bound to be inefficient and costly,” he said.
Chase sees reeducation and vocational programs, as well as worker diversification, as important, long-term solutions to infrastructure. “If we put all our eggs in one basket, it’s a risk,” he said.
“The attack on labor unions is a big part of that decrease in safety and security,” Chase added. Chase said he would work to repeal the right to work law. He also supports funding for PEIA.
As District 53 is predominately rural, Chase sees agricultural diversification as an important part of his platform as well. “I think that we have the ability to export a good product, but we tend to not focus on value added products as much as we could,” Chase said.
Chase wants to address the opioid crisis by changing the approach to those addicted from incarceration to treatment. “A big part of my platform is what I call ‘Care not Cuffs. I really think we need to create an atmosphere of trust for people to come get treatment,” Chase said.
This is Chase’s first time running for public office.
Caleb Stutler of Davis filed to run as a Republican for the District 53 position. Stutler was unavailable for comment. Jennings was also unavailable for comment.
The primary election is May 8.