He’s a quick study, that’s for sure.
Not only did Jeffrey Stephens figure how to serve the residents of the Sixth District in the state House of Delegates during the most recent regular session, but he also has conducted an impressive primary campaign to continue to the general election cycle later this year.
How? Simple.
He listened.
“When I have met with people from the Sixth District, they have told me about their concerns like the roads and taxes and things like,” Stephens reported. “But I think what they liked most was that I was willing to sit there and listen to them, and to their concerns without being in a hurry, and I believe they know they can reach out to me at any time.
“I’ve already had to tell some people that their requests are impossible just because of the way things work, and I think they’ve appreciated the honesty,” he said. “I’ve never been a person who has made promises knowing I can’t deliver. That’s not fair to other people so I’ll never be that guy.”
At the beginning of his campaign, though, Stephens thought listening might be the only thing he could afford.
“It’s been an interesting process because, at first, I didn’t have a lot of funds. So, at that point, I had to develop a priority list that was all about signs and things like that,” Stephens explained. “And then I started to gain campaign contributions and that made the decisions much easier because my goal was to meet as many people as possible and for people to get familiar with me in the position.
“It’s been a humbling process, too, because people started asking for a sign for their yard, and they wanted to know how they could help me get my message out because they appreciated the fact I want to represent the people first and foremost,” he said. “And I would hear from people who heard my ad on the radio and they would compliment me on it sounded and what my message was.”
An Educator Educates
First, there was the appointment process, and ultimately, he was the resident of the Sixth District who was selected by Gov. Jim Justice to fill the seat vacated by the resignation of former delegate Charlie Reynolds.
Reynolds, after serving two teams, accepted the position of District Engineer in the W.Va. Division of Highways – District 6, and had to resign his position with the state Legislature. Reynolds encouraged Stephens to apply for the appointment, and once he was named, he attended the 60-day regular session in Charleston.
Stephens quickly decided he wished to continue.
“I know I’ve gained a lot of support because I care about the people in the 6th District, and I am one of them, too, and the voters realize that, too,” explained the educator at Sherrard Middle School. “When Charlie Reynolds represented the district, the residents knew they had someone they could count on, and I think they know that about me, too. That’s why I have attended as many functions as possible.
“When I have met new people, I’ve explained to them that I want to represent them the same way, and they’re happy to hear that. They also have told me that they’ve seen my face out there because of the signs,” he said. “Because I was appointed to the position once Charlie moved on the Division of Highways, I knew it would be important to get out there, so that’s exactly where I’ve been doing.”
Not only is Stephens a teacher, but he’s also co-owner of OVAthletics.com, so it’s easy to understand why local residents have stepped forward with their support. Stephens, of course, hopes the backing translates into victory.
“The point I’ve made with people during the campaign process is for them to get out and vote. It’s the most important right we, as Americans, have, and a lot of men and women have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect that right,” Stephens said. “I’ve been told that a lot of people have been taking advantage of early voting and that’s great to hear, so I hope more people hit the polls on Election Day, too.
“And then we’ll see the results coming Tuesday evening and hopefully, it all works out for me so I can continue doing something that I really loved during my first session. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and that’s why I didn’t pass up on the opportunity when Charlie (Reynolds) had to step aside,” he added. “It’s a dream come true and I hope the voters allow it to continue for me.”
