Morgantown resident and Downstream Strategies President Evan Hansen filed his paperwork with the Secretary of State’s office — officially starting his campaign for the House of Delegates in the 51.
“I’m not a politician and I’ve never run for office before,” Hansen writes on his web site. “What I am is a devoted husband and father and a small business owner. I know how to run a business, balance a budget, and meet a payroll. Over nearly two decades, my company has made a name for itself by applying scientific analysis to issues related to water, energy, and economic development—a good example of a small business that provides jobs for West Virginians and people from out of state.”
“The lawmakers you elect make decisions in Charleston that are critically important for families, senior citizens, students, and working people of Monongalia County. As your delegate, I’ll create jobs while working for sustainable solutions that improve the quality of life for residents of Monongalia County and for all West Virginians.”
As science advisor to the West Virginia Rivers Coalition, Hansen played a central role in the debate over water pollution control legislation that emerged from the state legislature following the January 9, 2014 Freedom Industries spill in Charleston, West Virginia.
He was the lead author of one of the first reports on the spill — The Freedom Industries Spill — Lessons Learned and Needed Reforms — which included the recommendation that “elected officials, agency heads, and members of the Legislature should change their tone and expectations to hold the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection accountable for fully and consistently enforcing its permits and all environmental laws.”
He was also involved in the battle over legislation last year that would have weakened the 2013 law that was passed in the wake of the Freedom Industries spill.
Hansen is a small businessman and says he knows how to balance a budget and meet a payroll.
He has deep roots in the community and has worked hard to create responsible, sustainable economic opportunities for our people and our region. He is married and has one child.
“As a small business owner in Morgantown, I like that Evan also started and grew a local business that is making an impact on the state, and that he knows how to create jobs and strengthen the economy,” said Michael Mills, founding principal of Mills Group. “Evan is someone who has the intellect to think outside the box and bring thoughtful legislation about to support the economic outlook of West Virginia.”
Former Morgantown Mayor Bill Byrne said that “Evan is a very bright, common-sense guy.”
“He has a proven track record of bringing people together, be they public officials, community organizations, or industry leaders, and the goal is always to get things done,” Byrne said. “That’s the kind of leadership that West Virginians want, deserve, and expect.”
Jason Coffman, co-owner of Black Bear Burritos, said that “Evan’s experience starting a business and creating private-sector jobs will be very valuable in Charleston, especially because so few elected officials are small businessmen.”
“Investing in our infrastructure will help improve our quality of life and attract corporate investment,” Hansen said. “We need to fix our roads, address traffic, make high-speed internet more widely available, and protect our water and natural resources. I pledge to work hard every day to make West Virginia a better place to live and work and raise a family.”