He is on the road this week traveling the state of West Virginia to meet with as many residents as he can find.
That is because Charles Sheedy, a Cameron resident who worked for the state Division of Highways for more than 30 years, believes he can fix what is broken. Sheedy, a veteran of the United State Army, is not a fan of the Democratic Party, but he does offer credit to members of the party just as he will cast blame on Republicans if he feels fault lies in their laps.
Sheedy’s campaign team is three deep and includes his wife, Deb, and Susie, their beloved canine, who he says is in charge of public relations. He is self-funded, too, because Sheedy wishes not to owe a single soul if he defeats the six other Republicans on June 9.
What are your reasons for running for Governor of West Virginia?
I’m a life-long Republican, not a politician or a businessman but a common-sense working man. I am not buying a title but working for a position. Politicians and businessmen failed the people, and I am not working for anyone but the residents.
In your opinion, what are the state of West Virginia’s biggest problems when it comes to state government?
Broken agencies and departments that are just having tax dollars thrown at the problem and not fixing the ignored situation. That is our state’s biggest issue.
After 30-plus years as an employee of the state Division of Highways, who is to blame for the condition of our state roads?
The problem goes back to 1932, when the Democrats took control of the Legislature and held it for over 80 years. Greed and corruption from the party took money and wasted it with illegal projects, mismanagement of people and funds. Those issues still are not being addressed properly, and the need for restructuring a lot of broken state agencies and departments exists today.
You believe you can win this Republican primary. Why?
If I didn’t, I would not be trying and working for the residents of West Virginia. Overtaxed and under-performing state agencies need fixed. I have plans to fix them and work to make them work properly.
What is the main message you are attempting to deliver during your campaign?
I embrace term limits like no other; four years in government service is enough. More time in office leads to corruption and waste as magnified by 80-plus years of Democratic control. Smaller government will amplify problem-solving and eliminate communication issues between workers and administrators. Lower taxes with the elimination of the personal property tax and business and inventory tax is necessary. This will benefit business and the population issue. Residents cite taxes as the main reason for leaving West Virginia. Retired senior citizens should not have their SSI and pensions taxed. Military needs a $5,000-a-year tax exemption reinstated that was removed by the Democrats under (former Governor Gaston) Caperton.
