Dorothy Kengla

Dorothy Kengla graduated from Regina High School. She earned an associate degree from Montgomery College in 1981 and a bachelor's degree from West Virginia University in 1984. Her career experience includes working as a law enforcement officer.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm a retired resident of Hampshire County, WV, having lived here full time for nearly 25 years after completing a career as a Maryland Law Enforcement Park Ranger. For nine years I worked for the Hampshire County Assessor's office, collecting data on properties around the county, meeting many residents and learning the hollers and back roads of the county. I became active in the local Democratic Party and served as President of the Democratic Club, as well as treasurer and corresponding secretary; was elected to both the County and State Democratic Executive Committees. I'm currently Chair of the county Executive Committee. I'm currently involved in several volunteer activities that address the needs of our local community. My work includes supporting the Romney Backpack Project, which raises money and provides weekend food for students at a local elementary school, assisting with the Warm the Children program, distributing winter clothing to children, and volunteering at the Hampshire County Recycling Center. I'm a member of our local Indivisible group, Common Ground WV Highlands.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I'm concerned with kitchen table issues that affect nearly everyone: the rising price of groceries, utilities, gasoline; instead of distributing machine guns around the state or naming holidays after deceased people.The imbalance of parties in our state legislature makes it difficult to pass legislature that will help WV citizens. There are only nine democrats out of 100 seats in the WV Legislature, the good ideas that come from those nine hard working delegates are overshadowed by ridiculous bills offered by the opposition. I'm one of 80-some new Democratic candidates that hope to even out that imbalance so we can work for the people.WV's population is declining every year. Our young people don't have decent paying jobs to keep them here. Without destroying our environment, which is a big draw for people to visit or retire here, we need to create jobs in industries that are compatible with the state.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

State parks, natural resource preservation; availability of clean drinking water to all parts of the state; good public education so all students have a chance to succeed, among others.