Dolph Santorine is seeking the Republican nomination in the May primary election for District 4’s seat in the West Virginia House of Delegates, pointing to 40 years of private-sector business experience as his primary qualification.
A long-time Ohio County resident, he is a husband, father of four and grandfather of two granddaughters. Many area residents know Santorine from his activities in local politics, as a political columnist and radio commentator, and as a member of the Ohio County Republican Executive Committee.
Geographically, the single-delegate district covers the majority of Ohio County, including rural areas east of Clearview and south of West Liberty. Santorine’s real estate operation and other businesses have allowed the candidate to become familiar with those areas.
He has spent four decades navigating the local economy as an entrepreneur and job creator. He argues that this extensive background provides him with a unique perspective on the challenges facing West Virginia—one he developed through the hands-on management of his own business ventures.
Santorine believes in what he contends is a simple but extremely powerful vision: West Virginia wins when the government gets out of the way. His platform is rooted in the conviction that low taxes, reduced regulation, and business-friendly policies serve as the economic engine that fuels growth across the Mountain State. For Santorine, this run is about translating forty years of professional results into a vision that moves District 4 and all of West Virginia forward into what he contends will be a bold, new future.
Why have you been such a big supporter of entrepreneurs over the years?
I am an entrepreneur myself. I created things that still exist today in what was, at the time, an undeveloped space.
After exiting from our software as a service company in late 2007 and fulfilling my two-year commitment to the buyer who asked me to stay on as a consultant, I was an angel investor for nearly four years. I provided the seed capital and then facilitated the next round of investment for quite a few companies in the online sports and sports information market.
Entrepreneurship is the future for so many industries. Your competition isn’t the one building the next breakthrough, some startup in a garage somewhere is going to, and they will make the future uncomfortable for those who don’t see it.
I successfully tapped into that space and loved every minute of working with the bright minds and risk takers who created cool products and services.
It’s risky, and it’s not something city, county or state government can typically do. The same is true for “business incubators”. That’s why I believe government’s role is best played by supporting entrepreneurs and creating a business-friendly environment that simplifies operations through cutting regulations, cutting taxes and encouraging investment and accelerating job creation, not necessarily attempting to create jobs itself.
Entrepreneurs are the future for West Virginia. It’s probably better if we have 10 companies in diversified industries that each employ 30 people, as opposed to a single 300-employee entity.
What are you most proud of in your professional career?
The core of what I do is to help people have better lives through providing them with gainful employment.
I’ve been doing that for 40 years, and the fact that I’m in touch with so many of my people from over the years, and that they are doing so well, is a great source of personal pride.
I grew some amazing teams and worked with super awesome people.
I also hold several patents. These were validation of original thought and ideas and all the tech we pioneered.
My career was made using technology and management techniques that didn’t exist when I graduated from college.
But my greatest source of pride is the people. I hired my way to success by surrounding myself with great people. I’m proud of the teams I built and of their continued success.
Literally hundreds of people worked for me over the years, and I mentored 12 people who are now corner office executives. I’m proud of making a difference in their lives. I know that I had a positive impact.
How do you describe West Virginia to people who have never been to the state?
The short answer is “Almost Heaven”, but it’s much more than that.
It’s a great quality of life, and here in our Northern Panhandle we have very good schools, great natural beauty everywhere, and it’s all very affordable.
We have the Ohio River, amazing festivals and gatherings, both at the waterfront and Oglebay, and we really don’t have any of the traffic of major metro areas.
So, if you want to spend a large portion of your day commuting, pick a big city.
But if you want to be able to do more, and enjoy a less stressful life, it’s West Virginia. This valley is more than just the place I’ve lived. We built our life here. I raised my children here. When I die, I’ll be buried here. It’s home.
How important is the state’s tourism industry to the future of West Virginia?
I think tourism is important, and we do a good job of getting people to visit, but we are not making them converts. We are not getting them to decide they want to live here and make their future here.
Tourism should be part of a larger strategy to communicate the natural beauty of our state, our wonderful people and communities and get them to relocate in West Virginia.
We do well in getting outsiders to come and spend a week, spreading some of their hard-earned dollars around, but we are missing “closing the deal”, and getting them to join us!
We offer a huge quality of life that’s affordable. And so much more.
We can do better by giving them reasons to stay with good-paying jobs and opportunities for their families. It’s one of my main goals as a delegate and I’ll work hard to help make it happen.
How would you “add value” as a House of Delegates member representing the 4th district?
Value is defined as “something of importance, worth or usefulness.” I add value by bringing a wealth of experience to all that I do.
It would be no different in the House of Delegates. I’m tested and proven. Others can talk about creating jobs and growing the economy, but I’ve actually delivered results. I’ve created hundreds of jobs. I know what this state needs to grow because I’ve done it.
They talk endlessly about economic development, but they’ve never done it. I have, for decades.
They promise to solve the affordability crisis, but they can’t balance their own checkbook.
They haven’t had to make the tough decisions and have the uncomfortable conversations that define an executive’s daily life.
I have done these things. This is serious business. We need a real leader who hasn’t just talked about it but someone who’ actually done it.
The real value is experience, and independence. I’m not bought and paid for by special interests who want to increase your power bill or limit your access to health care. Charleston truly is a swamp, swarming with lobbyists. They don’t like me because they can’t buy me. I work for the people.
I’m your neighbor. And I have the skills and the experience to get things done in innovative ways that produce results—not for them, but for you and your family.
(Paid for by Committee to Elect Dolph)
