Archives: Episode

Interview with Michael Mood-Republican Candidate for County Commissioner-Middleway District

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Summary

Mike’s Candidacy for Middleway Commission Seat
Richard and Mike discussed Mike’s candidacy for the Middleway District County Commission seat in Jefferson County. Mike shared his background, including his 28-year residency in the county, his family life, and his experience in running a business. He expressed his desire to promote business growth in the county, aiming to provide local employment opportunities and increase the tax base.

Promoting Local Businesses and Agriculture
Richard and Mike discussed the promotion of local businesses, with a focus on farming and tourism. Mike shared his conversations with vineyard owners in Loudoun County who expressed interest in expanding to Jefferson County but were deterred by high bids on land from solar companies and housing developments. Mike indicated that this is an opportunity the county should pursue, as it could attract younger generations and offer alternative income sources for aging farmers. He suggested the development of vineyards, equestrian centers, and wedding venues on farmland as a way to support local farmers and promote tourism. Richard agreed with Mike’s vision for the future.

Discussing Prosecutor Matt Harvey’s Efforts
Richard and Mike discussed the recent efforts by prosecutor Matt Harvey to remove commissioners Krause and Jackson. Mike expressed his opinion that this was an overreach, stating that the problems stemmed from the lack of collaboration between the commissioners. He also criticized the decision to impose a large bond on the sitting commissioners, which he believed was excessive. Richard agreed with Mike’s assessment.

Improving Jeffson County’s Election System
Richard and Mike discussed potential improvements to the election system in Jeffson County. Mike supported the current system, which requires voters to show identification and suggested periodic renewal of voter registration to ensure residents are still living in the county. Richard mentioned his concerns about the registration process, particularly the practice of registering people at the DMV without verifying their citizenship or residency. He planned to inquire about this issue during his interview for Secretary of State. Richard also raised concerns about the Biden Administration’s efforts to register ineligible voters.

Concerns Over Heavy Tax Burden and Transparency
Richard expressed concerns about the heavy tax burden on county residents, particularly the 77% of taxes that go towards public schools with little transparency. He also voiced issues about property taxation, especially for seniors. Mike responded by highlighting that the increasing construction of houses is a significant strain on the tax base, with about 77% of tax revenue going towards education and the remaining towards county operations. Mike suggested focusing on business growth to attract more tax-paying entities and reduce the load on residential taxpayers.

Business Growth and Solar Project Concerns
Mike emphasized the need for business growth and the introduction of a short-term incentive to attract local small businesses. He opposed the current rollout of large solar projects, citing the need for better regulation, increased setbacks, and more involvement from the community. Mike also expressed concern about the impact of these projects on property values and the environment. Richard and Mike agreed on the need to find an alternative solution that would benefit the farmers and the community.

EMS Resource Allocation and Risk Concerns
Richard and Mike discussed the allocation of EMS resources in their county, particularly in relation to the Blue Ridge Mountain Fire Department. Mike shared his concern about the current situation, stating that the lack of ambulance service in certain areas, like the mountain and middle way, has put residents at greater risk. He suggested that they should have staffing at middleweight and on the mountain. Mike also mentioned that the county’s decision to own the ambulances had negatively impacted the situation, and he pointed out that their rapid response unit, staffed by volunteers, had saved two lives in the past three months.

Improving Emergency Services and Business Growth
Mike discussed the need for better staffing and response times for emergency services in the mountainous region, suggesting the relocation of an ambulance to the Mission Road substation. He highlighted the importance of proximity and quick access for effective emergency response. Mike also differentiated himself from his opponent by emphasizing his focus on finding solutions to community problems through listening to all perspectives and prioritizing business growth to strengthen the county’s tax base. Richard agreed with Mike’s points and confirmed their discussion as a summary of his platform.

Richard and Mike’s Comprehensive Discussion
Richard and Mike engaged in a comprehensive discussion covering various topics, including their personal backgrounds, current issues in their respective locations, and their shared experiences of the region’s natural beauty and poor infrastructure. Richard’s ongoing tax appeal against a significant increase in property taxes and his involvement in community activities were of particular interest to Mike. Additionally, Richard shared his practice of posting inspirational scriptures on their website, which prompted Mike’s interest in receiving them. They also reminisced about Richard’s marriage by Reverend Mrs. Moon in the 1980s.

Interview with Barbara Fuller-Republican Candidate for the House Of Delegates-WV 98th Delegate District

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Summary
Introducing Barbara Buller, Pro-Life Delegate Candidate
Richard introduced Barbara Buller, a pro-life, constitutional conservative candidate running for delegate in District 98, following the vacancy left by Delegate Espinosa’s run for the West Virginia Senate. Barbara shared her personal journey from the Board of Education to the delegate race, highlighting her belief in individual liberty, smaller government, and the rule of law. Barbara is also pro-Second Amendment, pro-coal and pro-gas, pro small business and is for school choice.   
Barbara’s Stances on Adoption, Nuclear Power, and Education
Barbara discussed her support for adoptee reform, specifically allowing adoptees to access their original birth certificates. She also expressed her enthusiasm for nuclear power as a clean energy source. Barbara additionally touched on her her belief in the importance of parents’ choice in their children’s education. She also brought up the issue of solar farms, highlighting that they could lead to environmental pollution and that that the right to have solar farms ends with the right of neighbors to not be encumbered with the problems associated with solar compounds.

Vaccination Concerns and Religious Exemptions
Barbara and Richard discussed the issue of vaccinations. Barbara expressed concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine, questioning its safety as it was not thoroughly tested. She shared her support for religious exemptions from vaccinations. Richard pointed out that not all vaccines are mandated, like the COVID-19 vaccine, which was only required for health workers and the military. Barbara disclosed that while her children and she have been vaccinated, one member of her household has not due to these concerns.
Governor’s Power Concentration During Pandemic
Richard and Barbara discussed the issue of excessive power given to the governor during the Covid-19 pandemic. Richard pointed out that in 2021, a bill to review and limit the governor’s mandate powers was passed by the House of Delegates but was later gutted in the Senate. As a result, the mandates went on indefinitely without a review process. Barbara expressed her strong opposition to such a concentration of power, stating she would support legislation to limit the governor’s powers if she were elected as a delegate.
Abortion Prevention and Youth Abstinence Focus
Richard and Barbara discussed the topic of abortion and its potential prevention. Richard proposed a shift in focus towards encouraging youth abstinence before marriage, which he believed would reduce about 80% of abortions, and strengthening the family structure, particularly husband and wife relationships. Barbara agreed with Richard and shared her belief that unmarried individuals should abstain to simplify the challenges faced by youth. She also expressed a desire for more programs teaching abstinence to young people.
Amendment, Gender Therapy, and Bill Opposition
She argued that an amendment to West Virginia’s current abortion statute that gives an exception for rape and incest undermines the value of life, suggesting that the perpetrator of the crime should be punished instead to the child that is conceived by such a situation.  A very small number of these types of abortion occur in West Virginia, in any case.   Additionally, Barbara expressed her concerns about the use of hormone therapy to alter a child’s gender, referring to it as “chemical castration”. They also discussed that the bill banning hormone therapy for minors needs fixing, as there is an exception if a child says they have suicidal thoughts.  Richard stated that Senator Tom Takubo, possibly associated with pharmaceutical companies, might have influenced it negatively.  Barbara agreed that the bill needs fixing, and also questioned the logic of granting certain rights to one class of people while taking them away from another.
Election Integrity and New Technologies Concerns
Richard and Barbara had a comprehensive discussion about the issue of election integrity and the concerns surrounding the use of new technologies like black box machines in voting. Barbara voiced her distrust in artificial intelligence and the potential for unauthorized recording, while Richard expressed his concerns about hacking and the lack of transparency in the programming of these machines. They both agreed that the current system, despite its convenience, has come at a cost, and considered the possibility of returning to a system of paper ballots to ensure greater transparency and security. Barbara is concerned that the programming of the code for the machines is not open source, and that there is no way to verify its integrity.

Interview with Zachary Shrewsbury-Democratic Candidate for US Senator-West Virginia

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Summary
Public Awareness, Reproductive Rights, and Vaccination
Zach stated his support for reproductive rights, with emphasis on individual decision-making and government non-interference. They also explored the implications of family breakdown on society, with Zachary not agreeing that the breakdown of two-parent husband and wife families is the core of all societal issues. Zachary expressed his belief that vaccines are important for public health. Zach affirmed his support for vaccines based on scientific evidence, and expressed his disapproval of a recently proposed 100 billion-dollar bill for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, arguing that each issue should be examined separately.
Warrantless Searches, Federal Spending, and Unions
Richard and Zach discussed two main issues: the extension of warrantless searches and the high level of federal spending. Zach admitted he needed to investigate the specifics of the warrantless searches issue, but expressed his general disapproval of such practices. Regarding federal spending, Zach proposed reallocating funds from certain areas, such as the Department of Defense, to other sectors like social programs. He emphasized the need for auditing government organizations to identify wasteful spending. Furthermore, Zach clarified his stance on the ‘right to work’ issue, explaining that he strongly supports unions as they provide workers with the ability to advocate for themselves and protect against unjust dismissals.
Discussing 2020 Election and Capitol Protest
Zach and Richard discussed the events surrounding the 2020 US presidential election and the subsequent protests. Zach clarified his stance on the election fraud allegations, stating he didn’t believe the election was stolen. The pair also discussed the events of January 6, 2021, where a group of supporters of former President Trump protested election fraud at the US Capitol. Zach believed the leaders of this incident should be punished, but due process should be granted to those arrested. Richard, however, expressed his belief that many of the arrests appeared to be politically motivated.
Discussing Government Spending Bill Transparency
Richard and Zach discussed the recent government spending bill of 1.2 trillion dollars. Richard questioned Zach about his stance on this bill, which was passed to continue government funding for the year. Zach admitted he would need to know the specifics of the bill to give a definitive answer. They both expressed concern about the lack of transparency and the fact that such massive bills are often passed without adequate time for review and knowledge of their contents.
Social Security Fund Depletion and Potential Solutions
Richard and Zach discussed the potential depletion of social security funds within the next decade and possible solutions to address this issue. Zach proposed lowering the retirement age to allow people to live better, increasing taxes for high-wage earners, and reallocating funds from other areas, such as the military, to social security. However, Richard voiced concerns about the funding of these proposed solutions, given that a reduced retirement age would increase the program’s cost.
Discussing Coal Production and Renewable Energy in West Virginia
Richard and Zach discussed the impact of new environmental regulations on coal production and the shift towards renewable energy in West Virginia. Zach emphasized the importance of a just transition towards renewable energy sources, such as solar power, while also addressing concerns about the impact on rural farmland and the environment.
Clarifying Zach’s Second Amendment Stance
Richard sought clarification from Zach on his stance regarding the right to bear arms. Zach affirmed his support for the Second Amendment, emphasizing the importance of mental competence and thorough background checks for gun ownership. He also expressed his belief in closing loopholes and improving mental health care nationwide..
Criminal Justice System and Family Support
Richard and Zach discussed various issues related to the criminal justice system, with a particular focus on trend for prosecutors in some areas to reduce penalties for certain misdemeanors. Zach expressed his concern about the mass incarceration problem in America and his opposition to for-profit prisons. Zach expressed that increasing the number of two parent families to help society could not be legislated.  Richard, on the other hand, argued that the statistics showed that children who grow up with a mother and a father are less likely to get into trouble.

Interview with Mac Warner-Republican Candidate for Governor-West Virginia

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Summary
West Virginia Governor Candidate’s Education Focus
Mack Warner, the Secretary of State of West Virginia and a candidate for Governor, discussed his focus on education, the shortage of teachers in the state, and the importance of parental choice in immunization. The conversation also touched on the challenges of recruiting and retaining teachers and the implementation of electronic marking devices in voting.  Lastly, Warner expressed support for school choice and the two-parent family unit.
Legislative Proposals
Secretary Warner suggested that the legislature should be able to limit and review government mandates. He also emphasized the need for a governor who would not overextend their authority, especially in emergencies, and who would support individual and freedom-oriented policies. The candidate expressed support for vaccination choice and criticized the former Democrat chair’s involvement as a consultant for Moore Capito.
Coal Regulations and Tax Discussion
Richard and Mac Warner discussed the new, more strict regulations to limit coal production that the Biden administration has put forward. Mac Warner, as a proponent of all energy, argued that the market, not the government, should determine which energy sources are used. He asserted that his stance aligns with the Republican party platform and the Constitution. When Richard raised the issue of property tax increases, Mac Warner explained that some taxes are essential to perform duties enumerated in the Constitution. He proposed that the issue should be addressed at a local level to ensure proper representation. Mac also pledged to propose lower taxes whenever possible while fulfilling his duties as governor.
Society Issues and Upcoming Voting Process
Richard and a Secretary Warner discussed a range of issues related to society and voting. Secretary Warner also shared information about the upcoming voting process, which includes early voting from May 1st to May 11th and the actual election on May 14th. They also discussed the possibility of absentee voting and the need for valid reasons to request an absentee ballot.
Viewpoint as a Candidate for Governor Secretary Warner stated that if you have a question about where Mac Warner stands, open the Bible to begin with, open the Constitution second, and third, open the Republican Party platform.
 

Interview with Donna Joy-Candidate for Board of Education-Jefferson County WV

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Jefferson County Public Schools Levy Allocation Concerns
Richard and Donna discussed the excess levy in Jefferson County public schools, with concerns raised about the transparency of its allocation, specifically whether it was being used for teacher salaries as advertised. Donna confirmed that the levy did go towards teacher salaries but Richard interjected that only about two percent goes for teacher salaries.  Donna also highlighted critical challenges facing the school system, such as a shortage of teachers and service personnel, a lack of emphasis on student achievement and marketable skills, and issues with discipline policy.
State Education Policy and Concerns
Donna and Richard discussed a perceived shift in the county’s discipline policy, which they believed negatively impacted teachers and students. Donna mentioned that there may be a request for a new excess levy for schools before the voters this November, which she will verify.  Richard noted a disconnect between spending and performance, with schools spending more but not necessarily seeing improved results. They discussed the issue of students being disciplined and returned to class by administrators without consequences. Donna shared her personal experiences and concerns about the current education policies and practices.
Addressing Education System Issues and Solutions
Donna and Richard discussed the current educational system’s shortcomings, particularly concerning resource allocation and school performance. Donna mentioned that schools are evaluated on a point system, which could affect the reporting of discipline problems. She also advocated for increased accountability among students and a renewed focus on academics.
Addressing Jefferson County’s Educational Challenges
Donna and Richard discussed the educational challenges in Jefferson County, with Donna expressing concerns about inconsistent standards and the need for consistency across schools. Donna, as a board member, reiterated her commitment to accountability and transparency, and her belief in promoting high standards for all students. She also noted the classroom experience of the current superintendent. Richard appreciated
Poverty’s Impact on Virtual Education
Donna discussed online Jefferson Virtual Academy. They expressed concern about the high student-to-teacher ratio, with three teachers assigned to 26 kids, while in-person classes might have 30 students and one teacher. Donna advocated for higher standards and better measures of student achievement.
Election Anticipation and Budget Discussion
Donna indicated that the Superintendent prepares the budget, and it is approved by the Board of Education almost as a formality.
Declining Enrollment and School Choice Impact
Richard and Donna discussed the declining enrollment in local schools. Donna expressed that it is good for parents to have the choices in education, including public schools, the Hope Scholarship and the new charter school, especially since public schools have declined in performance in recent years.
Concerns Over Covid-19 Relief Funds
Donna expressed concerns about the use of funds, particularly regarding the creation of new positions and the payment of additional stipends in the School Board office, making it top-heavy. Richard agreed and noted that the Kanawha County school district has about twice as many students but a smaller amount of central office staff per student.  This prompted discussions on potential policy adjustments for the next year. Donna had contacted the superintendent to seek clarity on the intricacies of the stipend system, acknowledging that the lack of transparency could lead to confusion among the public.
School Choice and Improving Public Education
Donna expressed regret over the deterioration of the public school system, which has led to people seeking alternatives. She emphasized that options are necessary to create healthy competition and motivate improvements within the public school system.
Evaluating System Integrity and Culture
Richard asked about yet another teacher at Jefferson high school arrested for criminal sexual behavior.  Donna responded by stating that she had requested an independent evaluation of Jefferson High School from both the former and current Superintendent.  The purpose of the evaluation is to examine the culture that seemed to allow such incidents to occur annually since 2016. d

Interview with Tricia Jackson-Republican Candidate for Auditor-WV

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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 55 out of 75 counties are integrated. Tricia also suggested that legislative encouragement 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 specialty practices.
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 a 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, and suggested a potential solution to reduce rates. 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 why she believed her background and experience qualified her best to tackle the challenges facing the auditor’s office. Richard thanked Tricia for her insights and promised to share the conversation with a wider audience.

Interview with Bryan McKinney-Republican Candidate for US Senator-WV

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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.

Ritchie Robb-Democratic Candidate for Attorney General-WV

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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.

Interview with Janet McNulty-Republican Candidate for US Senator-West Virginia

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Candidate website: mcnultywv.com

Summary
Janet McNulty Addresses Election Fraud and Jailings
Janet Mcnulty, a candidate for the United States Senate in West Virginia, discussed the issue of election fraud and the ongoing imprisonment of individuals accused of participating in the January 6 insurrection. She argued that the alleged election fraud should be investigated and that the individuals currently in jail, some of whom have not even been charged, are being unjustly held and deny their constitutional right to a trial by a jury of their peers. Janet also shared that she is a writer, publishing a variety of genres including paranormal, humorous mysteries, and dystopian series.
Addressing Vaccine Mandates and Civic Engagement
Richard and Janet discussed various issues facing the United States, focusing on vaccine mandates and the need for greater civic engagement. Janet emphasized the importance of individual choice in vaccination and criticized the 1986 legislation that exempted pharmaceutical companies from liability for faulty vaccines. She also highlighted the growing problem of tribalism and echo chambers in American society, leading to a lack of attention to current events and political issues. Richard agreed on the need for greater civic engagement and highlighted recent cases of weaponization within the Department of Justice.
Discussing Government Agencies, Funding, and Immigration
Richard and Janet discussed concerns about the growing power of government agencies, specifically the FBI, and their impact on individual rights. Janet opposed recent legislation providing substantial funds for Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel, citing increasing national debt as a reason for concern. She also criticized the FBI’s actions, including warrantless searches, as violations of the 4th Amendment. They also discussed issues related to funding, border security, and immigration, with Janet proposing an itemized list of government expenditures to identify potential cuts, a temporary halt to all visa issuance and entry to assess legal status, and a focus on legal immigration.   Janet believers the policy of earmarks, where politicians’ pet projects are funded, should be eliminated.
Social Security System and Future Plans
Richard and Janet discussed the future of the Social Security system. Janet advocated for returning the system to its original founding purpose of providing retirement for senior citizens.and emphasized the need to make Social Security a true trust fund, where funds deposited are actually held in trust. She also expressed concern about the increasing divide in society and pledged to fight for term limits and the preservation of the Constitution if elected..
Strengthening Families and Reducing Societal Problems
Richard and Janet discussed the decline of two-parent families and its impact on society. They agreed that strengthening families, particularly through education and encouraging abstinence until marriage, could significantly reduce societal problems. They also discussed the issue of teenage pregnancies and abortions, suggesting that local communities should take a proactive approach to help youth make wise decisions. Janet indicated that she would have voted to investigate election fraud if she were in office on January 6th, 2021.

Interview with Kevin Christian-Republican Candidate for Governor

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Candidate website: kc4wv.org

Summary

West Virginia’s Economic Struggles and Leadership
Richard and Kevin, a candidate for Governor of West Virginia, discussed the state’s economic troubles. Kevin highlighted that West Virginia has been 70 years behind in transitioning its economy, citing the decline since the automation of its coal fields in the 1950s as a significant factor. He pointed out the failure of leadership in the state as a major contributing factor to the current economic situation.

Conservatism, Government, and COVID-19 Pandemic
Richard and Kevin had a discussion about the definition and application of the term “conservative”. Kevin explained his view that conservatism, in the context of government, should mean being economically responsible with shared resources for future generations. They also discussed the government’s role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, with Kevin stating he did not support the excessive use of emergency powers by the executive branch. Richard raised a concern about government mandates, and Kevin responded that he does not support such mandates on private entities.

Discussing West Virginia Vaccine Mandates
Richard and Kevin discussed the vaccine mandates in West Virginia, particularly the requirement for children to receive 11 vaccinations to attend school. Kevin, a parent, believed that parents should have the final say on what happens to their children, and the decision to vaccinate should be based on the science and reason behind each vaccine. He also expressed skepticism about the efficacy and safety of some vaccines and mentioned that the science community lost credibility by overstating the risks of diseases like measles

Leadership, Communication, and Vaccine Mandates
Kevin and Richard discussed concerns regarding leadership and communication in handling the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in relation to vaccination mandates in various sectors. Kevin argued that private entities should have the freedom to decide their own rules, while also acknowledging that the government’s involvement was necessary, especially in the military. A point of contention arose around the dismissal of soldiers who refused the vaccine, with both expressing doubts about the necessity of dismissing soldiers who refused the COVID jabs.

Resource Ownership and West Virginia’s Revitalization
Kevin and Richard discussed the concept of resource ownership and distribution, with Kevin emphasizing the equal ownership of resources by all individuals. Kevin criticized the current system that allows a small percentage of the population to control a large amount of resources, exacerbating inequalities and poverty. He proposed a plan to address West Virginia’s economic issues by creating a state bank, with all citizens made shareholders, and funding it with the Federal Reserve’s quantitative easing policy. The capital generated would be used to restart the state’s extraction industry, with the revenues invested in future West Virginia. Richard raised concerns about the impact of federal regulations on coal extraction, to which Kevin clarified that the EPA’s power is constitutionally limited.

Addressing Societal Issues and Empowering Families
Richard and Kevin discussed the underlying causes of societal issues such as drug use, teenage pregnancy, and suicide Richard proposed that societal breakdown is primarily caused by the breakdown of two-parent, husband and wife families, with 47 percent of all births in West Virginia being outside of marriage. Kevin agreed that this is a core issue that is related to the economic concerns that he is focusing on. Both agreed on the necessity of community involvement, promoting local solutions, and enabling people to pursue their dreams.

Improving Election Integrity and Transparency
Richard and Kevin discussed the issue of election integrity, focusing on concerns about voting machines and the role of corporate money in elections. Richard highlighted problems with machines in Arizona and Michigan, while Kevin stressed the need to address the deeper issue of corporate influence in the election process. Kevin emphasized the need for fully open primaries.

Addressing Fraud and Improving Education
Kevin said that he supports the Hope Scholarship Program and more choices in education. Kevin emphasized the importance of addressing the root cause of the problem, which is the poor performance of public schools, and suggested that the solution lies in making public schools more successful to reduce the demand for alternative education options. Richard agreed with Kevin’s support for the scholarship program as a choice for education.

West Virginia Election and Candidate Focus
Richard and Kevin discussed the upcoming election in West Virginia. Kevin emphasized his focus on improving the lives of West Virginians and differentiated himself from his opponents by stating his sole allegiance is to the people of West Virginia, not corporate interests. He also invited voters to learn more about him through his website.