| Summary | |
| Tricia Jackson’s Candidacy for West Virginia State Auditor | |
| Richard introduced Tricia Jackson, a Republican primary candidate for West Virginia State Auditor. Tricia explained her decision to run for the position, citing her current role as a county commissioner in Jefferson County and her previous experience with the auditor’s office. She highlighted her background in budgeting, tracking taxpayer dollars, and her comprehensive understanding of the state’s bookkeeping, agencies, counties, and municipalities. She also emphasized her experience in executive-level operations, project management, and human resources. | |
| West Virginia Checkbook and Project Mountaineer | |
| Richard and Tricia discussed the West Virginia Checkbook and Project Mountaineer. Tricia clarified that Project Mountaineer is the operational name for the West Virginia Checkbook at the county and municipal level, used to track revenues and expenses. She noted that the system is currently voluntary and only 27 out of 55 counties are integrated. Tricia also suggested that legislation might be needed for boards of education to join the system. Richard expressed concerns about the lack of detailed financial information available to the public, to which Tricia confirmed that while payroll expenses are included, specific line items and salaries are not currently disclosed. Tricia explained her use of a ‘catch-all bucket’ term to describe services that are outsourced to the county, including professional services like public relations, attorney’s fees, and human resources. The discussion left an open question about the exact annual cost for outsourced expenses, like additional attorney’s fees, even though the county has its own attorneys. | |
| Improving School Fund Allocation Transparency | |
| Tricia and Richard criticized the lack of clarity and specificity in the allocation of funds in their school system. They noted that this led to confusion among taxpayers and teachers, with excessive funds seemingly supporting bloated administrative staff rather than benefiting teachers. They called for improved reporting and transparency, particularly regarding the allocation of funds for teacher salaries and school improvements. Tricia suggested standardizing reporting processes, providing tools to make reporting easier, and mandatory inclusion of school systems in the transparency portal. The issue of staff salaries was also raised, with Tricia indicating a need to investigate any legal restrictions on including this information. | |
| Improving Accessibility, Availability, and Budget Prioritization | |
| Tricia and Richard discussed ways to improve accessibility and availability of information from the portal, with Tricia emphasizing the need for an inclusive approach that caters to all users, including those with limited internet access. They also addressed issues related to budget management, specifically the problem of unused budgets at the end of the fiscal year. Tricia expressed her concern about the prioritization of spending, suggesting that essential services and small businesses should be given greater priority over multimillion-dollar corporations. The conversation indicated that the state legislature sets the budget, and the auditor tracks expenses. | |
| Property Taxation and Assessment Issues | |
| Tricia and Richard discussed the high taxation issues they face, particularly regarding property taxes. Richard expressed concern about the substantial amount he pays in property taxes, even as a senior. Tricia confirmed that the homestead credit is available to him but noted that it has not changed despite rising assessed values in their area. They also discussed the levy rate, which has remained the same for three years, and how it is adjusted to meet increased assessed values, resulting in no reduction in their tax bill. Richard brought up potential issues with property tax assessment, indicating significant variations in property values. | |
| Assessor’s Office Oversight and Auditor’s Role | |
| Richard and Tricia discussed the oversight of the Assessor’s office and the role of the auditor in addressing corruption and improving transparency. Tricia clarified that the auditor’s office has no direct oversight over the Assessor’s office but can review issues related to revenue impact. Tricia also emphasized her commitment to improving transparency and reducing fraud through better access to information. She pointed out three opponents in the upcoming election and explained that they all voted for the $300 million subsidy for Form Energy, which she feels is not in the tax payer’s best interest. | |
Month: May 2024
| Summary | |
| Introducing Bryan McKinney as Senate Candidate | |
| Richard introduced Bryan McKinney as a primary candidate for the United States Senate. McKinney, who works a regular job and has no prior political experience, expressed his excitement at the prospect of running. He discussed his views on politics, including his discontent with the establishment and his belief that the government should not have excessive control over people’s lives. He also shared his criticisms of the current Senator, Justice, and also Congressman Mooney, highlighting their support for unnecessary government spending and their lack of commitment to individual freedoms. | |
| Opposing Congressman Mooney’s Bill and FISA Extension | |
| Bryan and Richard discussed their opposition to the $60 billion bill voted for by Congressman Mooney to support Ukraine. Bryan argued that the conflict in Ukraine should be resolved through a better solution rather than escalating it with more funds, and that the U.S. Government’s role should be to protect its own citizens and not provide aid to countries that do not share American values. He also expressed concerns about the U.S.-Mexico border, suggesting that military control might be a permanent solution to keep the country safe. Furthermore, Bryan criticized the recent FISA extension bill and the government’s approach of preventing crimes before they occur, comparing it to the tactics depicted in the movie Minority Report. Richard agreed with Bryan’s views on these issues. | |
| Reducing Government Spending and Reform | |
| Bryan and Richard discussed the issue of government spending, with Bryan expressing frustration about the large, unreadable spending bills passed by Congress. Bryan proposed that all spending bills should be one page (could refer to a more detailed explanation) and focused on the purpose of the government, with a focus on reducing unnecessary spending. He also suggested implementing term limits for government officials to prevent them from becoming entrenched in their positions and losing touch with the people they represent. Bryan further argued that many functions currently performed by the government, such as funding specific research projects, would be better handled by private organizations or state governments. | |
| Addressing Poverty and Societal Issues in WV | |
| Bryan and Richard discussed the issues of poverty and societal problems in West Virginia. Bryan criticized the government’s policies for driving businesses away and causing poverty, emphasizing the need to address the root causes rather than offering temporary solutions. Both agreed that family instability was a core cause of many societal problems and recognized the need for stronger families. Bryan highlighted the importance of providing good job opportunities to incentivize people to stay together and build a future. He expressed concerns about the economic impact of bringing in companies like Form Energy, suggesting they should collaborate with domestic manufacturers, and criticized the transfer of funds to companies connected to China and Bill Gates, who he believes have contempt for the coal and oil industries. | |
| Job Market Challenges and Employment Barriers | |
| Richard and Bryan discussed the current state of the job market. Richard expressed concern about the availability of jobs and noted that many people are out of the job market due to various reasons, including drug addiction and government assistance. Bryan agreed and highlighted the difficulties people with criminal records face in securing employment. | |
| Family Structure, Work, and Government Involvement | |
| Richard and Bryan had a discussion about the importance of family structure and the role of work in one’s success. Bryan agreed but highlighted the challenges of finding employment and questioned the government’s role in enforcing work requirements. Instead, Bryan suggested that such measures should be implemented at the state level, as they are easier to manage and more connected to the people. Bryan also shared their personal circumstances, working hard to support his family and being without pay for six months during the COVID crisis. | |
| Education System and Vaccination Discussion | |
| Bryan and Richard discussed the education system, with Bryan advocating for a more practical and competitive education for children, inspired by the education system in Japan. Bryan suggested that half of the school day should be dedicated to practical learning, including physical education, and that homework should focus on interesting and applicable topics. They also touched upon the topic of vaccination, with Bryan sharing his distrust of pharmaceutical companies due to the number of drugs withdrawn from the market due to side effects. He shared his decision to not vaccinate five of her six children, citing potential risks and the lack of liability for injuries. Richard acknowledged the difficulty in obtaining compensation through the Congressional fund for vaccine-related injuries. | |
| Individual Rights and Government Overreach | |
| Bryan and Richard discussed various issues related to individual rights and freedoms. They strongly supported the parent’s right to choose their children’s education, opposed mandatory vaccinations, and criticized the government’s overreach in healthcare. They also discussed the right to bear arms and supported the concept of national concealed carry. Bryan emphasized the importance of minimizing the government’s power and reducing its control over citizens’ lives. | |
| Bryan’s Political Disillusionment and Campaign | |
| Bryan expressed his disillusionment with the current political climate and his decision to run for office to provide an alternative choice for voters. He criticized his opponent, Alex Mooney, for his lack of private sector experience and his recent legal troubles. Bryan st wants his children to see him as a role model. Bryan shared that his campaign has been well received, with many people appreciating the chance to vote for someone other than the incumbent. | |
| Summary | |
| Richie Robb’s Campaign and COVID-19 Concerns | |
| Richie and Richard discussed Richie’s campaign for Attorney General in West Virginia. Richie emphasized his commitment to reviewing federal regulations affecting the state, particularly in regards to utility rates, environmental issues, and the opioid crisis. They also discussed concerns about utility rate increases in West Virginia and potential liability for damages from COVID-19 shots. Richie shared his personal experience with developing blood clots after receiving his second COVID-19 shot and expressed concerns about the potential side effects of the vaccines. None the less, Ritchie gives a certain deference to government authorities to take actions such as recommending COVID jabs, although he would look into the issue. | |
| Utility Companies, Regulatory Agencies, and Balance | |
| Richard and Richie discussed the perceived cozy relationship between utility companies and regulatory agencies, specifically the Public Service Commission. Richard shared his experience of being charged for a minor complaint related to water usage during the winter, implying that the system favors the utilities. Richie agreed, stating that there are constant allegations and suspicions that the Public Service Commission is in the pocket of the utilities. Both acknowledged the need for a more balanced approach to protect taxpayers and users. Richie mentioned a retired consumer advocate, Walter Washington, whom he plans to consult for his expertise if he were in office. | |
| Combating Opioid Epidemic in WV | |
| Richard and Richie discussed the opioid epidemic and its impact on West Virginia. Richie suggested a proactive approach to combat the issue, proposing to take the fight to the source by involving the Attorney General’s office, the military, and intelligence sources, similar to the successful strategy against terrorism. They also recognized the importance of strengthening families and addressing the root causes of drug demand and societal breakdown. Ritchie indicated that he does not think there was systemic fraud during the 2020 elections.. Richie was the only candidate, according to him, providing a concrete platform to tackle issues, versus just repeating platitudes. | |
| Attorney General Role and Qualifications | |
| Richie and Richard discussed the role of the Attorney General in West Virginia, with Richie emphasizing the need for concrete action plans and qualifications from candidates. They also discussed a controversy in Jefferson County concerning the removal of two county commissioners. Richie explained that in West Virginia, local prosecuting attorneys have jurisdiction, not the Attorney General. Richie suggested that the Attorney General should only intervene if requested by the prosecutor. | |