| Summary | |
| Introduction Addressing High School Taxes and School Levy System Jack is a liberty minded constitutional and fiscal conservative. The Constitution is Jack’s guideline for everything he does in the civil world, and the Bible is his guide for the religious world. | |
| Jack and Richard discussed their concerns about high school taxes and the fact that large school spending has not equated with good school performance. They agreed that the system needs improvement and more transparency, particularly in relation to the allocation of funds and the salaries of school employees. Jack indicated that there are many fine teachers, but we have not seen the results for all of the money spent. | |
| County Budget Discussion and Accountability | |
| Jack and Richard discussed the county budget and the allocation of funds. Jack spoke highly of Edwina Benites as the new County Administrator. Jack expressed concern about the county commissioners’ weak questioning during budget presentations and suggested that they should ask tougher questions. He also emphasized the need for a detailed, to-the-penny accounting of how funds have been spent in the past Both agreed that the county administrators should provide more detailed information about the budget and ask questions such as how county funds are being supplemented by fundraising by a particular organization, for example. | |
| Improving Communication, Budget, and Emergency Services | |
| Jack and Richard discussed the importance of clear communication and being able to ask a good question, drawing from Jack’s experience in the military and aerospace industries. They also discussed the challenges faced by the county, particularly in relation to the budget for 1st responders and the need to increase it. Jack suggested a boost of 35 to the current 35 officers, despite acknowledging that this might not be fiscally possible. They also discussed the need for improvements in the local fire and ambulance services. Jack indicated that the independent fire houses are doing a great job with Richard suggesting the possibility of establishing a firehouse in Shannondale. Jack mentioned that Mike Mood, who has a good understanding of the problem, would be consulted for further guidance. | |
| Improving Road Infrastructure and Emergency Services | |
| Richard and Jack discussed the need for improved road infrastructure and emergency services in their area. They highlighted safety concerns due to the lack of a Southern exit from Shannondale and suggested exploring options like returning an ambulance to the firehouse on the mountain. Jack expressed concerns about prior deals and proposed a review of previous policy decisions regarding public safety decisions. Richard also noted the need for improvements in waste management and recycling, such as improvement of recycling facilities at the county dump. Both prioritized the well-being of residents and taking beneficial actions. Jack suggested having a town hall when there is a big issue. | |
| West Virginia Referendum and Comprehensive Plan Discussion | |
| Jack and Richard discussed the process of initiating a referendum in West Virginia, with Jack explaining that special elections can only be held during regularly scheduled primaries or federal elections. [Editorial note: West Virginia does not allow referendums at the county level. Only cities can hold referendums. School levies and bonds can now only be held during Primary or General elections, not special elections.] They also discussed the Comprehensive Plan for Jefferson County, with Jack expressing concerns about the lack of restrictions on development and the absence of traceability from the old plan to the new one. Richard mentioned that the new plan is more like a vision, and the actual county ordinance, the Solar Text amendment, legally allows solar farms. Jack voted against forwarding the Comprehensive Plan to the County Commission due to these concerns. Objective 1.4.1 needs review and more work, as it can be interpreted as allowing any kind of development in Jefferson County without restriction. The old Comprehensive plan used the word “beauty” 27 times, while the new plan uses the word “beauty” zero (0) times. Jack wants to know what is new in the proposed comprehensive plan, and what has been deleted. | |
| Solar Text Amendment and Zoning Discussions | |
| Richard and Jack discussed the Solar Text Amendment, which was initially repealed but later reinstated. Jack expressed his desire to remove the solar text amendment and change zoning laws to include stronger regulations on solar farms. He also mentioned that five solar farms in the county have been approved, which he believes are visible on main roads and could potentially be expanded if new transmission lines are added. Richard brought up a meeting about a proposed power line corridor, which Jack confirmed was related to the issue of solar farms reaching their transmission line limit. | |
| Corner Connection Meeting and Candidate Discussion | |
| Jack and Richard discussed a meeting at Corner Connection, 108 S. Samuel St. in Charles Town on October 23rd at 6:30 p.m., a community event where Jack plans to learn more about the expansion of high voltage lines in Jefferson County. Jack praised the group for their thorough research and substantiated information. Jack also discussed one opponent who is a very liberal Democrat who came out in full support of LGBTQ at a candidate’s forum. His opponent also supports the Green New Deal while saying he is anti-solar. | |
| Jack’s other opponent is Mountain Party. Jack indicated that the Mountain Party platform is far more liberal than the Democrats platform. He indicated that this candidate often insults the existing County Commissioners during public testimony time. Jack may not agree with every County Commissioner, but he wants to keep a cordial relationship with them. Jack invited anyone with a question to contact him personally. Jack discussed that he did not author the solar text amendment to allow solar farms. He indicated that those developing the solar projects should be held to account for all of the conditions that were included in the resolution that was passed by the County Commission. There should be heavy fines when solar developers do not comply with all of the agreed conditions. The Blake solar farm has been horrendous. He explained the process of conditional use permits for solar farms, which first go to the Board of Zoning Appeals and then to the Planning Commission. If the Board of Zoning Appeals approves the site plan, then the Planning Commission cannot reverse it. The Planning Commission can vote on the site plan and the proffers. Jack voted for proffers to make the conditions for solar developers more severe. As a planning commissioner, he also voted against a recent solar development proposal due to a lack of notification of the surrounding community. Jack shared that he is the only County Commissioner candidate who has passed a CIA lifestyle polygraph. | |
Category: West Virginia Politics
Richard discusses Mary Ann Claytor’s experience as an actual auditor, the auditing of local school system expenditures, the need for transparency and not using the Auditor’s office as a political stepping stone, plus much more.
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Addressing County’s Pressing Issues and Funding |
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Mike Mood, a candidate for the Middle Way district seat on the Jefferson County Commission, discussed the county’s most pressing issues. He highlighted the need for increased funding to support public safety, education, and other essential services. Mike emphasized that the county’s tax base is insufficient to meet these needs, and that the construction of new houses is exacerbating the problem. He suggested that the county should focus on attracting commercial growth to improve its tax base and reduce the burden on residential growth. Mike also mentioned that a public hearing on increasing impact fees for new construction is scheduled for November. |
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| West Virginia Congressional District and Election Discussion | |
| Richard and Steven discussed the upcoming election and Steven’s candidacy for the US House of Representatives in the Second Congressional District. Steven explained that the district, which covers 27 counties and spans 10,000 square miles, was redistricted in 2020 due to a loss in population. He also highlighted the unique aspects of West Virginia’s constitution, which makes gerrymandering of Congressional seats virtually impossible. Steven, who lives in Hardy County, expressed his love for the natural beauty of the area. | |
| 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. | |
I recently sent the following email to each of the five Jefferson County, WV Board of Education members and Superintendent Chuck Bishop, seeking details about how the Board of Education has spent our tax dollars. The current School Excess Levy was voted in by the voters of Jefferson County on November 3, 2020. It took effect on July 1, 2021, and extends until June 30, 2026. the amount stated hat has been raised each year is $22,412,937, or about $2582 for each of about 8682 students.
The reason I sent the letter below is that the accounting for what our tax dollars are spent on is very opaque. I believe in the necessity for transparency, honesty and accountability on the part of our Board of Education.
If the Board of Education cannot detail clearly where our tax dollars have gone and/or if they have wastefully spent our hard-earned tax dollars, then the next Excess Levy should not be approved. If you pay $1000 per year in property taxes, $400 goes toward the excess levy.
Candidate website: https://natecain4wv.com/.
Summary
Call from God to Run for Office
Nate discussed his background, including serving in the military for approximately 20 years and then working in cyber security. He became an FBI whistle blower regarding Hillary Clinton’s pay to play schemes. His home was raided by the FBI after he came out as a whistle blower. He felt through several experiences, that God has called him to serve through running for the House of Representatives.
Nate’s Journey to Running for Office
Nate discussed his initial hesitation to run for office. However, after seeking guidance from God and experiencing a series of confirmations from God, he felt a strong calling to pursue it. He shared his decision with his stepmother and was encouraged by her support. A particularly impactful encounter with a couple who had been praying for righteous leaders further strengthened his belief that this was his true calling, and that his candidacy was a response to their prayers. This experience deepened his sense of purpose and motivation.
Societal Issues and Single-Parent Households
Richard asked Nate about the decline of society due to children growing up without the benefit of a married father and mother. He asked for opinions on this perspective. Nate agreed that the government should be in the business of promoting stable two-parent families when creating laws or looking at tax policies, for example. Nate also recognizes that a lot of our social ills are really spiritually based problems. He pointed out that private charity historically took care of people through charities, and that their motivation is more altruistic than that of government programs.
Cybersecurity and Onboard Technology in Shipping Industry
Nate discussed the vulnerabilities of the shipping industry’s cybersecurity and onboard technology. Nate shared his experience with cybersecurity, having started a company focused on this area before the Covid-19 pandemic. Nate, a former US Army soldier and cybersecurity expert, highlighted the increasing digitalization of ship controls and the potential for cyber-attacks.
Faith-Driven Campaign Strategy in WV House of Representatives Race
Nate shared his campaign strategy for West Virginia’s House of Representatives race, which has focused on serving people in their communities rather than relying on big donor money. Despite being an underdog against a well-funded opponent, Nate has raised over $100,000 from individual donors in 40 states, and his grassroots campaign has earned him favor. In the conversation, Nate also emphasized his commitment to representing the people and their needs if elected, rather than just voting conservative. Richard inquired about the biggest issue facing the country, to which Nate responded.
Abuse of Power and Cyber Threats
Nate addressed the main issue as being the abuse of power by the government, specifically the Justice Department’s focus on spying on American citizens. Nate also expressed concern over the extension of FISA and the huge amount of money being allocated to the FBI’s new building, suggesting that many members of Congress and the intelligence community are compromised. Nate claimed that this abuse of power poses a greater threat to the nation’s constitution and survival than foreign aggressors. Nate also highlighted the expansion of executive orders and judges legislating from the bench as contributing to the Republic’s peril. Secondly, Nate cited the cyber threat from China as a significant concern.
Nate’s Policies, Spirituality, and Election Fraud
Nate believes children benefit most from a traditional two-parent household and suggests the government should enact policies to promote this family structure. He argues social issues stem from a spiritual disconnect, proposing community organizations like churches take over responsibilities from the government. Nate believes that there was election fraud in 2020. He witnessed criticized the rushed certification process and pointed out that, for example, in Pennsylvania, there were ballots counted when a judge had stated that government officals had no right to change existing law. He expresses concerns over the treatment of January 6th protesters, arguing their rights were violated and calling for their pardons, as he does not believe any received a fair trial.
Reducing Government Spending
Richard and Nate discussed the sustainability of government spending. Nate argued that the current policies were unsustainable and compared it to stealing from future generations due to borrowing to give foreign aid, for example. Nate also cited corruption and lack of accountability as concerns and suggested limiting aid to selling arms instead. Furthermore, Nate proposed a strategy to reduce federal spending by shrinking the government through attrition, which would not disrupt the political culture and gradually downsize agencies.
Medical Freedom and Vaccination Choice Discussion
Richard and Nate discussed the issue of medical freedom and vaccination choice, focusing on the federal and state government’s role in vaccine mandates. Nate expressed his strong support for medical freedom and his belief that the government has no right to dictate what individuals can put into their bodies. Nate also believes the government’s vaccine mandate violates the Fourth and First Amendments. Nate shared his experience of being forced to leave his job because he refused to get vaccinated. He clarified that while they believe the government should not interfere with adults’ vaccine choices, the government should not not allow for the medical mutilation of children. He also pointed out that every vaccine has risks and that the decision to vaccinate should be left to the parents.
Nate’s Candidacy and Faith-Based Approach
Richard and Nate discussed the latter’s candidacy in the upcoming election. Nate emphasized his unique qualifications, which include being a former FBI whistleblower and a strong faith. He expressed his belief in the importance of honesty, integrity, and sacrifice in public service, and he urged people to pray for God’s help for our nation.