By David McGee
Bristol Herald Courier
BRISTOL, Va. — A former corrections officer making his first bid for public office faces an incumbent completing his second term in the Virginia 3rd District House of Delegates race.
Republican James “Will” Morefield of Tazewell is seeking a third two-year term representing Bland, Buchanan and Tazewell counties, plus part of Russell County. He is being challenged by James O’Quinn of Vansant.
“I am seeking re-election to continue my work on improving the region. I believe that it is imperative for current and future lawmakers on all levels to apply common sense and make every effort to work in a bi-partisan fashion,” said Morefield, a business owner first elected in 2009.
“Some of my top legislative accomplishments have included millions of dollars for drinking water infra-structure and the largest investment in transportation projects in nearly 20 years. The 3rd District has been appropriated the largest investment over the past four years within the commonwealth with many of the road and bridge projects currently underway,” Morefield said.
O’Quinn, 56, retired in 2010 after working 20 years as a state corrections officer at Keen Mountain Correctional Center in Oakwood and a state road camp in Coeburn. He spent six years in the U.S. Army, working in communications with a high security clearance. He said those experiences helped prepare him to serve.
“I feel I can bring a lot to the table for the 3rd District, which needs some strong leadership. As a retired corrections officer, I’m able to make quick decisions and accurate decisions,” O’Quinn said. “I will not be influenced or controlled by large campaign contributions. I’m going to stand for what the people want and the people need. Working in corrections for 20 years, I’m not going to be intimidated going to Richmond. They might get mad at me, but they aren’t likely to stab me.”
Morefield emphasized his voting record and working across the aisle with lawmakers from both parties.
“I am a conservative and may be affiliated with the Republican Party, but I take pride in not voting party line and instead voting for what I believe is in the best interest of Southwest Virginia,” Morefield said. “I now have a record to prove this and would be honored to have an opportunity to serve another term in the Virginia House of Delegates.”
Part of the 3rd District has long relied on the coal industry for employment and economic stability but that industry’s future appears uncertain.
“I believe that increased regulations will continue to impact coal and coal-related jobs within the region. In the meantime, it is imperative that states across the country continue to address such regulations and offer alternatives at the state level that support coal jobs,” Morefield said.
“The demand for energy will increase significantly over the next several years. It is important that our country move toward adopting a feasible energy plan that does not negatively impact consumers and the economy,” Morefield added.
O’Quinn said he fully supports the coal industry and believes the federal Environmental Protection Agency has gone too far.
“The future for coal is great if we manage it. I just toured the [Virginia City] power plant and it was breath-taking. I would endorse another one in our area. They go above and beyond to meet the EPA regulations. I believe we can do coal for years,” O’Quinn said. “I can’t stress enough how much I support the coal industry. My daddy was a coal miner and my daddy’s daddy was a coal miner. My stepson is a miner. If I’m elected, I’ll do anything I can to keep coal.”
O’Quinn compares EPA regulations to eating an entire pie instead of just one slice.
“I’m in favor of clean air and clean water, but not at the expense of costing people their jobs. We can be better managers. The EPA needs to be more open-minded and have a better understanding of how that power plant works.”
Both men agree the Coalfields Expressway is important for the region’s future.
O’Quinn supports a return to Virginia’s former parole system to reduce costs and improve safety and a greater emphasis on vocational education.
Through Sept. 30, O’Quinn had a balance of $1,662 in his campaign account, after getting contributions of $450 during the month of September. Morefield received more than $31,000 during September and re-ported almost $40,000 on hand.
A widower, O’Quinn has three adult children, two adult step-children and one grandchild. He attends Rural Retreat Baptist Church.
Morefield is a member of Fincastle Baptist Church.