CHARLESTON – At least two candidates have filed papers to run for a seat on the Kanawha Circuit Court bench.
Dan Greear, who was appointed to temporarily fill the seat last month, and attorney Tera Salango both have filed for the opening created by the recent retirement of Judge Jim Stucky.
“Two weeks ago, I took an oath to serve the people of Kanawha County and uphold the laws of this state and nation as their newest judge,” Greear said upon his filing Aug. 6. “At that time, I also pledged to serve with humility, compassion and wisdom.
“My hope is that the voters of Kanawha County will decide to retain me in this position in November so I can continue with those promises.”
Salango filed her papers Aug. 7.
“My years of courtroom experience will serve me well as circuit judge,” Salango said. “Now, more than ever, we need to demonstrate to the public that judges must be beyond reproach.
“I am not a career politician, and this is the first time I have appeared on a ballot. I have spent my career fighting crime and corruption and making sure that everyone has a voice. I will continue that mission as circuit judge of Kanawha County.”
Salango worked for more than 11 years as an assistant in the Kanawha County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Before that, she worked for Spilman Thomas and Battle, one of West Virginia’s leading defense firms. In late 2016, she left the prosecutor’s office to join Preston and Salango, where she has handled a variety of civil cases.
She is a graduate of the West Virginia University College of Law and West Virginia State University, where she majored in criminal justice. She also is a graduate of Nitro High School.
Gov. Jim Justice appointed Greear last month to fill Stucky’s unexpired term. Stucky retired this spring for health reasons.
“Judge Stucky was very well-respected, so it was an honor to be appointed by Gov. Justice to fill that vacancy,” Greear said. “Since that appointment day, I have prayed for wisdom and compassion so rulings I make ensure our streets are safe, our laws are followed and all citizens have equal access to justice.”
Greear is a lifelong Kanawha County resident. He received his bachelor’s degree from Liberty University and his law degree from West Virginia University. He served one-term in the House of Delegates representing Kanawha County in 1995-96 and was the chief counsel for the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office from 2013-2014. Greear became the House of Delegates’ Chief of Staff in early 2015.