| John’s Background and Policy Support Discussion | |
| John shared his background, which includes graduating from Shepherd University, serving in the army in Vietnam, and being elected to the House of Delegates. He expressed his support for clean air and water, good public schools, reproductive freedom for women, an elected Public Service Commission, and the right to repair products. He also mentioned Delegate Kayla Young’s bill for the right to repair agricultural equipment and his intention to introduce a similar bill for all products if elected. | |
| West Virginia’s Budget Challenges and Coal Industry | |
| Richard and John discussed the challenges facing West Virginia’s upcoming legislature. John identified the biggest issue as balancing the budget, as he believes the state is entering a period of reduced surpluses. He attributed this to the cyclical nature of budgetary cycles and one factor being the increasing competition from the Australian coal industry. John also noted that while the natural gas industry is picking up, it doesn’t provide as much employment as the coal industry. Richard sought clarification on the factors driving the surpluses and their potential decline. | |
| Eliminating Personal Income Tax and Property Tax Implications | |
| John and Richard discussed the implications of eliminating personal income tax and the potential impact on property taxes. John explained that personal income tax currently contributes 40% to the general revenue fund of the state, and eliminating it would likely require a significant increase in property taxes. Richard shared his concerns about large property tax increases, particularly in his area where land values had risen by 130% in one tax year. Both agreed that protecting homeownership in the state is crucial and that any increase in property taxes should be carefully considered. They also touched on the issue of school taxes, with Richard expressing concerns about the lack of transparency in the accounting for the $23,000,000 plus raised by the school excess levy, which is 40% of local property taxes. | |
| Levies, Election Integrity, Immigration, and Budget Balancing | |
| Richard and John discussed various topics, including the timing of levies, election integrity, and immigration. Richard questioned John’s stance on making voting easier, to which John responded that he believes there are enough safeguards in place to ensure integrity. They also discussed the issue of non-citizens voting, with John suggesting that the system is equipped to handle it. Lastly, they touched on the topic of balancing the budget, with John confirming it as a top priority. | |
| Family Breakdown and Societal Issues Discussion | |
| Richard and John discussed the role of family breakdown in societal issues. Richard argued the high rate of children born outside of marriage is a major driver, while John saw it as one factor but not the driver. They debated whether education encouraging traditional family values is appropriate. John opposed laws enforcing behaviors but supported helping single parents. | |
| Education Funding and Hope Scholarship Discussion | |
| Richard and John discussed their differing views on education funding and the Hope Scholarship. John expressed his respect for his opponent, Patricia Rucker, but highlighted their differences on the issues. He voted against the Hope Scholarship, viewing it as a voucher, and does not support taxpayer money going to private schools or home schooling if the family can afford it themselves. He believes stronger controls are needed on the supervision of parents and children in home schooling and on how the money is spent. Richard clarified that the Hope Scholarship goes directly to the school chosen, not to the parents of the student.. | |
| Discussing Education and Risky Behavior Consequences | |
| Richard emphasized the importance of educating young people about the consequences of risky behavior, while John expressed concern about the potential for indoctrination. They also touched on the issue of suicide, with Richard noting that sexually active girls are six times more likely to attempt suicide. The conversation ended with Richard asking John if he had any further points to make. | |
| Solar Farms, Zoning, and County Planning | |
| Richard and John discussed the issue of solar farms in their county. John expressed his opposition to the idea of solar farms being a matter of right, which he believes would destroy zoning. He suggested that the county planning commission should impose more restrictions on these industrial solar plants. John also criticized the county’s comprehensive plan, stating that it needs to be revised and more public hearings should be held. Richard agreed with John’s points and expressed his concern about the lack of transparency in the planning process. They ended the conversation with John encouraging people to consider his candidacy for the State Senate. | |
Categories