BELINGTON — Republican State Senate candidate Jack Reger emphasized tourism and small business development during campaign remarks in Belington near the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad as he continues his bid for the District 11 seat.
Reger, who is running against incumbent Sen. Bill Hamilton, R-Upshur, and former Sen. Robert Karnes in the Republican primary, pointed to the railroad and surrounding attractions as examples of West Virginia’s tourism potential.
“Tourism is a major issue that we need to focus upon,” Reger said. “We need to support tourism so that visitors from outside the state, from other countries, from anywhere around the world, can come to West Virginia and appreciate our mountains, our valleys, and our beautiful streams.”
Reger said outdoor recreation and scenic attractions help define the state and draw visitors who contribute to local economies. He also said expanding tourism would create additional opportunities for small businesses.
“By encouraging tourism, we’re supporting small businesses,” Reger said. “And we’ll also be encouraging other small businesses to open and serve those visiting this great state.”
The Republican Primary for the District 11 Senate seat is scheduled for May 12.
