Commissioner Ben Salango announces candidacy for position

Kanawha County Commissioner Ben Salango has officially announced he will be running for election to the position in 2018.

The announcement was made Thursday at the former site of the Fifth Quarter Restaurant.

Salango was appointed to the spot in February following the resignation of Dave Hardy, who left to become the state's revenue secretary.

Since being appointed to the position, his major focus has been the development of the multi-sports complex at Shawnee Park. He's also a founding partner of Preston & Salango, a Charleston-based law firm.

Salango said, "Serving as a county commissioner has provided me with a unique opportunity to have a positive influence on Kanawha County. I want to continue to promote economic development, provide more academic and athletic opportunities to help young people grow, and provide for the safety and security of communities all around Kanawha County."

The primary election will be May 8, 2018.