Eugene Chiarelli

Geno Chiarelli earned a bachelor's degree from West Virginia University in 2018. His career experience includes working as a substance abuse counselor and with child protective services in Marion County.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a substance abuse counselor who is tired of waiting for our legislators to do something about the problems running rampant in my state. I'm running on a platform that puts West Virginians first. I can't sit by any longer and let our leaders squabble over fine print. I have firsthand experience dealing with those directly affected by the opioid crisis and I offer a valuable perspective and several solutions that can potentially turn the tide in my state's battle. I bring to the table a traditional conservative mindset that is pro-life, pro-family, pro-worker, and pro-gun. I’m a conservative that plans on actually attempting to preserve our values and our faith. Above all else, I look forward to doing everything I can to bring West Virginia, and myself, closer to Jesus Christ.

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?

The opioid crisis needs to be our number one focus because we can't build a healthy and functioning society with a pervasive sickness running rampant.We need to renew our dedication to building a society that promotes Christian family values.Our government needs to establish industry practices that make West Virginia more attractive to outside businesses.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Given my past in child protective services and my current experience in substance abuse counseling, I am personally passionate about working to undo the damage done by the opioid epidemic. I can see what it has done to our communities and I'd bet that there isn't a single West Virginia who doesn't know someone personally affected by the opioid crisis if they haven't been affected themselves.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

More than anything or anyone, I look up to the Lord Jesus Christ. It was through finding Christ that I found the passion and desire to run for public office. While I'll fall miles short of Him, I can only hope to imitate a mere fraction of His grace. Second, I look up to my mother. She has fought tooth and nail to give me the life that I've had, and even with all of the ups and downs, she never stopped working. I have yet to see someone with a similar work ethic and I try and make her proud each and every day.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, transparency, and a faithful commitment to their beliefs and values.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am unafraid to stand firm in my beliefs and defend them in the face of opposition. I have a clear vision for what I want to accomplish and I plan on acting with complete transparency. I want to truly be the voice of West Virginians in the legislature and plan on actively including them every step of the way.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities include bringing the needs of your district to the state legislature, identifying ways you can improve the state via policy, and starting conversations about the issues you think are most pressing and getting your coworkers involved in the discussion.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I'd like to leave behind a legacy that includes contributions to a better society. I would like to look back and be able to point to concrete things I've done or helped others with that changed my state and country for the better.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

My first ever historical moment that I remember was 9/11. I was six years old and I remember my 1st grade teacher announcing to the class that we were going home early. I remember going home and seeing my parents standing in front of our TV while the towers burned.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job ever was a job at a grocery store called Shop n Save. I started work less than a week after I turned 16 years old. I worked as a grocery bagger and cart handler for about six months before being offered a raise at a fast food restaurant on the other side of town.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki is one of the most useful books I've ever read. A terrific blend of business oriented and lifestyle mindsets that promote success. Reading this book was a turning point for me mentally.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Wolves at the Door by Yngwie Malmsteen

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The relationship needs to be a give and take. There needs to be synergy between the two; the governor needs to bring identified issues to the attention of the legislature for them to draft policy, and the legislature needs to bring the concerns of the people of their respective districts to the attention of the governor. Together, the two can achieve results as long as there is communication and transparency.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

West Virginia's greatest challenge is defeating the opioid crisis and releasing the state from it's clutches. The long term damage is incalculable and we need to spend the majority of our time solving it. The benefits of a restoration of the population and a revitalization of our workforce will flow over into every area of our lives; health care facilities, prisons, police forces, foster care system, welfare population, et cetera the list goes on and on.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

If your desired party retains a majority, they'll be unopposed and can enact change with little resistance. Change would come faster and more policy could pass if we had to worry about fewer people in office. On the negative side, this can lead to the complete silencing of the minority party and the people they represent.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

There are a few practical reasons that having prior experience is important for; however, given the current climate of our society, it seems safe to assume that a large number of politicians in office have become stagnant. The water is warm for newcomers to enter the playing field and shake up the system. Passionate, everyday people that are unburdened by prior learned bad behaviors or habits. Fresh faces in office might be the jolt that our legislatures need.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Building relationships with other legislators seems crucial for getting your agenda accomplished. The more legislators you network with, the more you can accomplish when you present your ideas or policies as you have a greater force advocating for it instead of a lone proprietor.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Redistricting is often done in an attempt to tip the scales in one party or the other's favor. I have to say that I'm in favor of the single person district method, as that is what has given me the chance to run in an area that I wouldn't have been able to before. County lines are a good jumping off point for district lines.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

I'd like to end up on Health and Human Resources, as fighting the drug epidemic is my number one priority. I would also want to be a part of Education and/or Senior, Children, and Family Issues, as I've seen too many vulnerable people, namely children, go without someone standing up for them.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

I'd like to spend some time in the House of Delegates before considering a different office. If I can work with other likeminded legislators and truly change West Virginia for the better, I'd consider taking those same ideas to the national level. Until then, I'm concerned with my state and how I can make a local difference.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

I believe that there are some policy areas that will require compromise on both sides for effective legislation to pass. That being said, I believe that there are areas that can not have a single inch of concession as they are core components of the entire belief system.