How does your community service for West Virginia Executive’ s Young Guns Class of 2005 relate to your work in the House?
In 2005, I stated,“ I get excited when I think about the fact that what I do will help other West Virginians continue to live in the state.” Now, my community and public service has more impact than 20 years ago, but the focus is still the same. My early years established the foundation of why and how I serve.
WEST VIRGINIA STATE SENATE
Robbie Morris YG Class of 2017 R- Randolph, 11
Why did you get involved in the West Virginia State Senate?
In my career as the economic development director for Randolph County, I work to promote West Virginia as a great place to work and live. Being in the West Virginia State Senate allows me to help shape policy that makes that goal a reality.
What advice would you give to those looking to run for Senate?
Be true to who you are. Don’ t run based on what you think the electorate wants to see or hear. Voters are smart. They recognize people who genuinely want to help them, their communities and their state.
Ben Queen YG Class of 2021 R- Harrison, 12 & Majority Whip
Why did you get involved in the West Virginia State Senate?
I often tell people I ran for office because I wanted my college roommates to stay in West Virginia. Sitting in our apartment, the conversation was not about which opportunity to take here at home— it was about which state they were moving to. That never sat right with me. These were talented, driven young people who loved West Virginia. They just did not see the same level of opportunity here. I believed we could change that. Today, that mission is even more personal. As a father, my son is my north star. Every policy decision comes back to one question: Are we building a state where our kids can find opportunity, earn a great living and raise their families?
How does your recognition in West Virginia Executive’ s Young Guns Class of 2021 relate to your work in the Senate, specifically as majority whip?
Being recognized as part of the Young Guns Class of 2021 was truly an honor. For me, that recognition reinforced a responsibility to serve well. As majority whip, I have the privilege of working closely with our members to ensure we are communicating clearly, collaborating effectively and delivering results across the entire state. At the same time, I never lose sight of the fact that I represent nearly 110,000 people in my district. Every vote, budget decision and policy discussion ultimately comes back to the people we represent.
Tom Takubo, D. O. HCHOF Class of 2022 R- Kanawha, 17
What have you learned since being in the Senate, and what motivates you to keep doing this work?
Public service is a continuous responsibility. There is never an endpoint to the needs of our state. As a physician, I often can only help one patient at a time. In public service, I have the opportunity to positively impact thousands. One of the most meaningful moments is hearing testimonies from individuals whose lives or circumstances were improved by legislation I helped advance. Those moments reinforce why this work matters and why it’ s worth continuing.
How does your community service for West Virginia Executive’ s Health Care Hall of Fame Class of 2022 relate to your work in the Senate?
The same commitment that led to that recognition is what I bring to my work in the Senate. In medicine, we often say that if you truly listen, patients will tell you the diagnosis. Government works much the same way. When you listen to your constituents, they often provide the solution— they simply need guidance, advocacy and leadership to help bring it to fruition.
STATE EXECUTIVE POSITIONS
Larry Pack HCHOF Class of 2022 West Virginia State Treasurer
What have you learned since being treasurer, and what motivates you to keep doing this work?
Over the past year, my team and I have traveled to each of West Virginia’ s 55 counties. During that time, we have learned a lot, which has helped us become better advocates for the people we represent. West Virginians want better education, high-paying jobs and control of their own destiny. The problem remains that we continue to dictate what our people can and cannot do from Charleston. The reality is that every part of the state is unique and has different needs.
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE