One of West Virginia's 2012 gubernatorial candidates, state Sen. Jeffrey Kessler, D-2nd District, will be at the Holiday Inn Express in Elkins for a public reception from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday. The Inter-Mountain is hosting the event as part of it's Service to the Community Program.

General Manager Don Smith said he hopes the public will attend the informal occasion to meet Kessler and help them make an informed decision for the 2012 election.

The Inter-Mountain plans to provide several opportunities for local residents to meet state and local politicians, candidates and other leaders when they plan to be in the area, Smith said. As part of the meet and greet, The Inter-Mountain will provide light refreshments.

The senator's visit to Elkins Thursday will also include a stop at Davis & Elkins College to discuss judicial reform in West Virginia. D&E's program in criminology and criminal justice is hosting the talk, which begins at 7 p.m. in Halliehurst. The event at D&E is also free and open to the public.