West Virginia’s brightest days are in front of us. But it will require a clear vision and strong leadership. I’m Jeff Kessler and I’m running for Governor because I have that vision.

West Virginia is ready for a breakout decade. But we must do it right.

While most states are having trouble pulling out of this tough economic recession, over 3,000 new jobs have been created from drilling natural gas in the Marcellus Shale. Economists predict tens of thousands more jobs will be created for this industry right here in West Virginia.

This opportunity is like the coal boom that West Virginia enjoyed during the early 1900s. But instead of sending that wealth out of state – like we did in the past – let’s do something for everyone’s future – right here in West Virginia.

That’s why I proposed the West Virginia Future Fund.

Other energy states have done it. Alaska has no state income tax, and its government gives every man women and child a $1,600 check each year because back in the 1970’s Alaska’s leaders had the vision to invest in the future, hence creating the Permanent Fund from the state’s rich oil reserves.

With my leadership, we can do it right in West Virginia. We will reinvest a portion of the energy revenues so that our children and future generations of West Virginians can prosper.

We will do this so that by the year 2020, West Virginia can have the best educational system in the country, and lead the nation in developing the most qualified, dedicated, and educated workforce that future economic growth requires.