- What are your plans to create jobs in your district? Are there any particular industries you would like to bring into your district? What kind of legislation would you create in order to bring in out-of-state companies into the district?
- Development of entrepreneurship is an absolute must in economic development. Marshall University provides local citizens with an excellent source for educational growth. Marshall hopefully will continue to develop research in both science and marketing that will create opportunities for local businesses. The greater number of businesses that are created or expanded generate more jobs and more revenue for the state. Cabell and Wayne counties have significant resources that if developed, will lead to tech and manufacturing jobs.
- With less tax revenue expected to come in to the state, what should be done with the state tax system? What are your thoughts on state taxes and do you have any plans to increase/decrease taxes in your represented district?
- No one wants a tax increase. Regardless of the tax base, government must prioritize spending. Just as families are required to evaluate their financial situation and adjust spending as their income permits, so must government. If state spending addresses the priorities of education, healthcare, and the building of a strong educational and business environment, businesses will grow and tax revenues will increase. The greater number of businesses and jobs, the greater the tax base.
- With crime, especially drug abuse, becoming a bigger problem in the area, what do you think should be done to cut down on drug activity in the district? Are there any pieces of legislation you would like to create to combat the rising local drug epidemic?
- Drug prevention is a priority for Cabell and Wayne counties. Drugs destroy families and lives. Additional dollars must be spent on increasing the number of police and investigative personnel available to track down and prosecute drug dealers. State and County officials should show no mercy for those involved in serious drug trafficking.
- Over the past 10 years the housing stock in several citites has been slowly declining. What could you do, as a legislator, to create/improve housing in the area? Should the problem be solved locally or on the state level?
- The housing market in the local area does not fluctuate to the extent seen in the national economy. Generally speaking, housing quality and availability rest firmly with the job market. Good jobs directly relate to the quality of housing available. Many municipalities are experiencing dilapidation due to age and shifting economic geographics. Local governments need the ability to control and address the housing crisis in a way that best meets the needs of their citizens and will lead to better business development.
- What type of health care initiatives are you interested in introducing as a legislator? Do you believe the system is being utilized to its full potential, or can improvements be made? If improvements could be made, what are they?
- Affordable healthcare is essential for both economic and educational growth in West Virginia. All citizens, old and young alike, deserve a quality of life that includes preventative and acute healthcare. Well visits, i.e. regular checkups and lab work, are essential to help West Virginians prevent or provide early detection of life threatening illnesses. As the old adage says, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Healthy lifestyle education in our schools will help develop healthy citizens. WVRx program is a joint initiative between the pharmaceutical companies and the State to provide those who do not have insurance an avenue to obtain medicine at little or no cost. Through a multi level approach where the state and federal governments work hand in hand with the medical industry, insurance industry, employers and labor, we can create initiatives that provide reasonable healthcare at reasonable prices. Good healthcare is a win win situation for business, labor and government.
- Marshall University regularly has to compete with other colleges in the state for research funding dollars. Do you believe research and the furtherance of higher education in your district is important? Why? What do you plan to do to bring more funding dollars to MU? What would you do to ensure that MU would have the opportunity to continue its research initiatives?
- Marshall University is one of our greatest resources. It provides quality and competitive educational opportunities at a reasonable cost. Marshall has made great strides in becoming competitive with other major universities with the development of the bio and forensic departments. Continued development in the areas of engineering and architectural studies will further national and international exposure. Research dollars should also focus on business development. Through both its undergraduate and graduate programs, Marshall University Lewis College of Business can provide educational aids to local businesses assisting businesses on how to set up a business, how to operate a business, and to assist businesses in marketing their products or services both locally and internationally.
- What are the conditions of the roadways in your district? Are there any pieces of legislation you are interested in introducing to improve local roads?
- Development of safe and direct routes of transportation can only increase West Virginia’s appeal. Route 2 needs to be expanded to four lanes. The Route 52 project needs to be completed to open up western and southern West Virginia to states both north and south of our boarders. Shoring up Route 10 will re-establish prior business interest between the Huntington area and southern West Virginia and Kentucky.
- How do you plan to work with the state's Division of Highways to improve roadways in your district? What road and bridge improvements need to be made?
- See above
- How do you plan to improve recreational activities in the area? Are there any parks, trails or playground projects you would like to focus on? How would these new recreational activities benefit the communities?
- My family regularly enjoys our local parks both municipal and state. As a legislator, I would continue to support funding to maintain current and develop additional parks to advance tourism and increase local community development.
- What areas of interest do you plan on focusing on as a legislator? Have you planned any legislation to be introduced?
- Legislators need to focus not only on the laws they create but also on whether legislation adopted is effect and meets the goals. My goal as a legislature is to investigate and report to both committees and the public whether state policies and budgetary expenditures truly accomplish the goals set forth by law. If expectations are not met, I will introduce corrective legislation. I also intend to focus great efforts on establishing law that helps businesses grow, students learn, and citizens enjoy a good quality of life.
- REPLY IN FEWER THAN 50 WORDS: Students in West Virginia generally lag behind other countries in education. Do you favor more instruction days, adding merit pay for teachers, improving math and science instruction or some other option to improve education?
- West Virginia must continue to focus on fundamental education such as math, science and reading. Post-secondary education, including technical education, must be readily available. In the public system, smaller class sizes will help to ensure each child receives individual attention thus allowing each student to reach his or her maximum potential.
- REPLY IN FEWER THAN 50 WORDS: Many West Virginia cities are struggling with their long-term municipal pension obligations. What do you think the state should do to help cities deal with municipal pensions?
- The state must ensure the pensions of municipal employees are secure. Municipal control is an option so long as strict investment and management guidelines are in place so that pensions are not jeopardized. The state may need to provide guidance in this area.
- REPLY IN FEWER THAN 50 WORDS: What do you think the Legislature can do to improve work force development?
- Marshall University and Marshall Community and Technical College provide great resources to develop businesses and labor in Cabell and Wayne counties. As a delegate, I will work to provide education and training to all ages in an effort to further the skills and employment options of our citizens. In return, the work force will be better trained and educated.
