JB Akers

JB Akers was born in Beckley, West Virginia. He earned a graduated from Milton High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Wake Forest University in 1995 and a law degree from the West Virginia University College of Law in 1999.[2]

Prior to his appointment to the West Virginia House of Delegates, he was the owner and managing attorney at Akers Law Offices, PLLC.[3]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm a married father of three, a lifelong West Virginian and a small business owner.

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?

My main priority is to grow the WV and make things more affordable with better paying jobs.We have to improve the infrastructure of WV both for the people who live here and to attract new business.We have to improve our educational outcomes.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The economy because it helps us solve most of our other challenges.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Because of my jobs first approach and willingness to sit down with everyone, I've been endorsed by a wide range of both business and labor groups. This ranges from local unions and trades to statewide business and manufacturing organizations.

I also have endorsements from public safety groups due to my history of supporting first responders and advancing child protection legislation.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a Christian, husband and father of three. I am a lifelong West Virginian who owns my business in Kanawha County, WV. My wife, Maryclaire, and I have worked and raised our family in our community for the past 25 years, where I have also served on numerous charitable boards.

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?

Jobs. Our first priority has to be improving our economy to provide as many good paying, generational jobs as possible.Schools. We have to improve our educational outcomes for our children and grandchildren. Aside from our children and grandchildren deserving this in and of itself, this will also improve our future workforce.Roads and infrastructure. We have to invest continuing resources into all types of infrastructure in our District (roads, water, sewer, broadband, etc). Our residents deserve it, and it's needed to recruit employers.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

All of the above (jobs, schools, infrastructure) and I would add public safety as well. Public safety encompasses law enforcement as well as substance abuse initiatives.

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

As a Christian I take seriously our mandate to follow Christ's example.

Politically, the US Presidents who influenced me the most are Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Eisenhower and Reagan.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

My most important personal influences are within my family - my parents, my wife and our children. My parents instilled my love of education and work. My wife influences me daily to be a better person. Our children inspire me to make this a better place to live.

The most influential book on my life is the Bible, with its core message of grace and love for one another.

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

You should like people and be a good listener. I do, and I am.

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

I like people.

I am honest about my beliefs and don't just tell people what they want to hear.

I enjoy work.

I like to see others succeed and to be part of that success.

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

We are elected to office to represent the voters. It is important to always remain accessible and engaged with your community.

What legacy would you like to leave?

To give the people of this State the economic success they deserve, and to make my family proud.

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

I remember both the 1980 presidential election and 1980 Olympics very well. I was around 6-7 at the time.

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

I worked for my parents' small business. I started taking out trash, etc. when I was around 9. I continued working there when off on break throughout college and law school.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Bible. It's my instruction manual for life.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

I like who I am.

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

One Last Breath by Creed after I heard my son playing it (which he considers "classic rock").

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I have been impatient to see things improve at a faster rate where we live. I know there are no quick solutions and things are improving statewide.

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

The Governor should broadly set an agenda for the State. The Legislature should collaborate to implement that agenda when it is in the best interest of the people as a whole, along with passing its own agenda. The Governor and the Legislature are co-equal and should work in tandem with one another to get things done.

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

Workforce development

Economic development

Substance Abuse and related issues (foster care, etc)

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

It depends upon the individual.

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

It is critical. The Legislature has 134 members. Passing good legislation requires cooperation and compromise.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I admire several, but my role models growing up were my parents and, now, my wife is someone whose character and consistency I admire the most.

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

I am focused on the job at hand.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

The best stories I hear are of parents whose children were able to find good jobs that allowed them to stay in WV or, even better, move back here to be with their families.

Tell us your favorite joke.

It's probably not appropriate.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

We have a lot of priorities, but we have several workforce development initiatives that I believe are the foundation to solving so many of our other issues.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Professional Firefighters of WV

WV Farm Bureau

WV Business and Industry

WV Manufacturers Association

WV'ians For Life

WV Nurses PAC

WV Auto Dealers Association

WV Hospital PAC

WV Building and Construction Trades

Marathon Petroleum Corp Employees PAC

WV Appalachian Laborer's District Council

Dominion Energy

Gas and Oil Producers PAC

WV Coal Association

Contractors Association of WV

WV Community Bankers PAC

WV Bankers Association PAC

What committees interest you?

Judiciary, due to the importance of the rule of law.

Any committee focused on economic development and job creation.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Sunshine is the best disinfectant. Voters have a right to know what their government is doing.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

I believe voters choose their representatives for this. If we are doing our job, we should be speaking for our constituents.