| Summary | |
| Erika’s Candidacy for Governor and Tax Reforms | |
| Richard and Erika discussed Erika’s candidacy for Governor of West Virginia, representing the Libertarian Party. Erika, a business owner who started her law firm in 2005 and has 50 employees. She is also a community volunteer, highlighted her plans to address the state’s biggest problem, which she identified as a lack of transparency and accountability in government, including the governor’s office. She also proposed tax reforms, including capping property taxes and eliminating the personal income tax. Richard expressed concerns about the potential impact of these reforms on revenue, but Erika suggested that spending cuts could help balance the changes. | |
| Addressing Overspending in Government Programs | |
| Erika and Richard discussed the issue of overspending in government programs, including in education. Erika argued that by auditing government programs, they could identify areas of waste and inefficiency, allowing for targeted cuts without compromising essential services. She used the example of household budgeting to illustrate her point, suggesting that the government could make more efficient use of its funds by cutting back on non-essential expenses. Richard agreed with Erika’s perspective, acknowledging the need for a more strategic approach to government spending. Erika pointed out that once programs are in place, they are rarely audited to see if they are fulfilling their original purpose. | |
| Property Tax Concerns and Potential Cap | |
| Richard and Erika discussed the issue of property tax in their area, with Richard expressing concern about the lack of transparency in how the excess levy funds are being used. He mentioned that the levy, which is used for schools, is set to be renewed for another 25 million dollars, despite not expiring until 2026. Erika agreed with Richard’s concerns and suggested that a property tax cap could be beneficial to prevent drastic increases in property taxes. She also mentioned that West Virginia has relatively favorable property tax laws compared to other states. Richard and Erika agreed that a cap on property taxes could help prevent potential abuse and maintain a stable economy. | |
| Property Tax Manipulation and Education Discussion | |
| Richard and Erika discussed the concept of property tax and its potential manipulation. Erika expressed concern about the possibility of property tax increasing too much, while Richard suggested a different concept where property value could only increase by a certain amount each year. They agreed that both issues needed to be addressed. They also discussed the topic of education, with Erika supporting the idea of universal vouchers or money following the child. Richard brought up the decline in two-parent households and its potential impact on society. Erika agreed that all problems are interconnected and need to be addressed holistically. She did not necessarily agree that the breakdown of the traditional two-parent family is the basis of all societal decline. | |
| Medical Freedom and Vaccination Choice Discussion | |
| Richard and Erika discussed the topic of medical freedom and vaccination choice. Erika expressed her support for medical freedom in West Virginia. She emphasized the importance of respecting individuals’ reasons for not taking the vaccine and their right to make medical decisions. Erika also shared her experience representing clients who sought exemptions under the West Virginia Human Rights Act to the Covid vaccine and were fired. She expressed disappointment that a bill aimed at protecting individuals with religious beliefs against vaccinations and those who medically cannot take the vaccine did not pass. Richard agreed with Erika’s perspective on the matter. They also discussed the regulation of medical treatments, with Erika suggesting that it should be up to the individual consumer and not regulated by the government. | |
| Addressing Unnecessary Licensing and Regulation | |
| Richard and Erika discussed the issue of unnecessary licensing and regulation in West Virginia. They agreed that some regulations, such as the certificate of need for trash companies, seemed excessive. They also discussed the role of the judicial system and the market in protecting consumers from fraudulent businesses. Erika suggested that smart consumers should do research and rely on reviews from other customers to make informed decisions. They further discussed the licensing requirements for various occupations in West Virginia, noting that the state has more licensing requirements than most other states. They also touched on the issue of the State Tax Department auditing crafters at local fairs to ensure they had proper business licensing and were filling out their taxes correctly! | |
| Marijuana Reform, Legalization, and Regulation Discussion | |
| Richard and Erika discussed the topic of marijuana reform, with Erika expressing her support for decriminalization But she does not like the concept of “legalization”. Richard raised concerns about potential consequences of legalization, such as increased youth use and organized crime growing marijuana illegally. Erika countered by pointing out the positive outcomes of legalizing alcohol and suggested that marijuana should be regulated differently, allowing for self-growth for personal consumption. They also discussed the potential legalization of marijuana and its implications, with Erika arguing that decriminalization would reduce the market for dangerous substances like fentanyl. | |
| Discussing Content Access and Personal Freedoms | |
| Erika agreed that minors should not have access to pornography, considering it as a form of harm. Richard also brought up the topic of personal freedoms and the potential conflict between differing values and beliefs, particularly in relation to the LGBTQ+ community. He pointed out that although most would agree that people can do as they please, those promoting, for example LGBTQ may want to force others to accept their lifestyle by legal action, such as in the case of the baker in Colorado. Erika maintained her stance that individuals should be free to live their lives as they choose, as long as they are not hurting others. | |
| Property Tax Reforms and Community Justice | |
| Richard and Erika discussed the recent property tax reforms in West Virginia, which require a 2-year period for property owners to bring their taxes up to date. Erika expressed her disagreement with the concept of taxes and the government seizing property, but acknowledged the practicality of the current system. She was referring more to criminal asset forfeiture than to property taxes. They also discussed the possibility of community-based justice, where neighbors could sue for situations like having a trash dump on their property. Erika confirmed that there is a legal basis for this. Additionally, Erika shared her policy statement on her website, https://kolenichforwv.com, which outlines her plans for West Virginia, including in the areas of CPS and foster care reform. She emphasized that she is the only candidate for Governor with a released policy statement, offering more detailed plans compared to her competitors. | |
| Addressing West Virginia’s Family Issues | |
| Erika and Richard discussed the high percentage of children in West Virginia not being raised by their biological parents. A host of issues cause this, according to Erika, such as the economy, perceived lack of opportunity, poor education and societal problems. Richard countered that the decline of two parent married families is a big factor. Erika pointed out that there are issues that need attention with Child Protective Services and Foster care in West Virginia. [Editorial note: About 60% of West Virginia children live with both parents. 46% of teenagers 15 to 17 years old live with their always married parents 10% of West Virginia children are not being raised by either parent, such as being raised by grandparents) Richard suggested that the decline of married families could also be a significant factor. Erika emphasized her commitment to representing the diverse views of West Virginia’s people and ensuring that the government does not force any particular view on them. | |
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