CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Secretary of State Natalie Tennant says she's running for governor because she doesn't like being on the sidelines when there's work to be done.
"That's the type of leadership that I bring, that we're going to address the problem now. We're not going to sit and wait and see what happens. That's a new way of thinking," she said. "That's why I'm running for governor right now, because we need that type of approach right now."
Tennant is one of six Democrats running for governor in the May 14 primary. This year's special gubernatorial election is to fill the remaining term of former Gov. Joe Manchin, who was elected to the U.S. Senate last year following the death of Sen. Robert C. Byrd.
"I'm the type of person who cannot stand on the sidelines when I know that we all need to work together to find a new energy and a new approach to solving the problems," said Tennant, who is half-way through her first term as West Virginia's secretary of state.
Prior to being elected in 2008, the 43-year-old Marion County native worked as a reporter and television news anchor for 11 years.
As the state's chief elections officer, Tennant said she has implemented an online voting program for West Virginians serving in the military to ensure their votes were counted. She recently testified to a congressional panel about the project and posted a video on her office's web site. More than 100 videos are posted on the site.
"I bring the experience of open and engaging government, of transparency, at a time in a stage when we deserve to know what our government is doing," she said. "Because if they don't feel intimidated and they know what their government is doing and how its running then they're going to be more inclined to be involved in it."
Using stimulus money already earmarked for statewide broadband is something Tennant wants to see the state take advantage of. She says greater broadband access would allow state government to better serve small businesses, in addition to helping the state improve education.
"I listen, I talk to businesses, and then I act," Tennant said, referring to small businesses now being able to file certain paperwork online. Tennant has worked, and says she will continue to work with the state's Tax Department "to make having a business and running a business in West Virginia a whole lot easier."
Tennant said she was disappointed with the recent legislative session because it missed the opportunity to address Marcellus shale regulations and the estimated $8 billion post-employment benefits, or OPEB, debt. Tennant said her office is allocating money out of its budget to cover its debt.
"That's the type of leadership that I bring, that we're going to address the problem now. We're not going to sit and wait and see what happens," she said.
When it comes to energy, Tennant said she wants West Virginia to lead in solving energy challenges. She wants to see the state developing the technologies it will need in the future, particularly when it comes to tapping the Marcellus shale field.
Tennant is an advocate for technology, and has proposed using an unspecified portion of increased natural gas severance tax revenue for research and development, as well as improving math and science education, and helping development efforts in local communities and with small businesses.
"We have to have accountability when it comes to our education system," Tennant said. "Accountability from the teacher, from administrators, from the students and from parents and our communities."
Education is so important, she continued, because when you have an educated and skilled workforce you're able to meet the demands of the new jobs that come into play.
"I'm the type of person who rolls up her sleeves and gets down to business and will take the bull by the horns," Tennant said. "We can't settle for the way things have always been done. We need vision and leadership and that's what I bring because I've brought those results and a no-nonsense approach all along."