Tag: 2024 Jefferson County WV Primary

Mike Allers Jr.-Candidate for the House of Delegates-WV 99th Delegate District

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Summary

Improving West Virginia’s Education System
Richard and Michael discussed the key issues facing West Virginia, with Michael highlighting the importance of education in addressing these problems. Michael, an educator and conservative commentator, expressed his commitment to overhauling the state’s education system, particularly in Jefferson County. He criticized the current curriculum, which he said was often based on far-left agendas, and called for an end to the use of the Common Core curriculum. Michael also emphasized the need to attract and retain talented teachers by paying them fairly.

Improving Society Through Family Culture in West Virginia
Richard and Michael discussed the potential of West Virginia leading the way in improving society by establishing a culture of family and life. They highlighted the importance of incentivizing marriage and parenthood, investing in childcare, and providing support to young mothers. Richard agreed, suggesting the adoption of clear standards for abstinence education in schools.

Solar Farms and Alternative Energy Sources
Richard and Michael discussed the issue of solar farms in their county. Michael expressed his concerns about the environmental impact of solar farms, stating that they not only ruin the landscape but also cease to function effectively after a few years. He suggested investing in other forms of energy, such as coal, natural gas, and nuclear power. He also pointed out that the incumbent had been promoting this initiative for a long time.

Discussing Vaccine Exemptions and Monitoring
Richard and Michael discussed the recent veto of a bill by Governor Jim Justice that would have granted partial vaccination exemptions for private schools and some virtual schools. Michael expressed his support for a nuanced approach to vaccination, emphasizing the importance of respecting medical freedom while also acknowledging the risks posed by unvaccinated individuals, particularly in the context of COVID-19. He also endorsed the need for religious exemptions but argued that proven vaccines like polio, mumps, and measles should not be removed. He further suggested that students claiming religious exemptions should be closely monitored, especially if they are coming from areas with high disease prevalence.

Endless Mandates and Constitutional Amendments
Richard and Michael discussed the issue of endless mandates, particularly in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Richard explained that Governor Justice had put in place numerous mandates during the pandemic, which were not limited in time by the West Virginia Constitution. Michael agreed that this situation should be revised, stating that no mandate should be endless and that emergency mandates should have a clear end. They both agreed on the need to amend the constitution to include such limits.

Hope Scholarship Program and Amendments
Richard and Michael discussed the Hope Scholarship program in West Virginia. Michael expressed his concerns about the program’s lack of options in certain areas and its impact on the state’s finances. He proposed an amendment to examine the spending of public schools and redirect funds towards teachers, as well as the idea of electing the school superintendent publicly to provide a check on the Board of Education. He also suggested revisiting the failed Amendment 4, which aimed to prevent leftist agendas in schools. Richard supported these ideas and mentioned they had been discussed with Board of Education candidates.

Improving Election Integrity and Voter Registration
Richard and Michael discussed election integrity and potential improvements to the voting system. Michael proposed that voters should be able to seal their vote with a thumbprint to prevent voter fraud, a measure he believed would be particularly effective when combined with voter ID checks. They also discussed the issue of automatic voter registration at the DMV, with Michael suggesting that non-citizens should not be registered to vote. However, Richard pointed out that many jurisdictions do not verify citizenship, even with a box on the registration form, and that the Biden Administration has been directing non-citizens to vote.

Discussing Tax Reform in West Virginia
Michael and Richard discussed the issue of high property and personal property taxes in West Virginia, particularly in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties. Michael suggested that alleviating the tax burden could have a significant positive impact on the state’s economy, and proposed the complete repeal of the income tax, following the example of New Hampshire. Richard, while acknowledging the high tax burden, showed interest in a different approach, hinting at the need to reassess the distribution of the property tax.

Michael’s Legislative Platform and Strategy
Michael differentiated himself from his opponents by emphasizing his commitment to effective legislature, prioritizing education, and his approach of thinking boldly to create jobs in the district. He criticized the incumbent’s strategy of co-signing bills as a mere endorsement of other’s ideas, and instead advocated for a more active and independent legislator. Richard thanked Michael for his time and assured him that their discussion would be shared on various platforms. Michael then urged the voters to support him in the upcoming election on May 14th.

Interview with Daniel Lutz-Candidate for Supervisor-Eastern Panhandle Conservation District

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Summary

Discussing Danny’s Candidacy and Background
Richard and Danny had an introductory discussion about Danny’s candidacy for a third term as a nonpartisan Conservation District Supervisor in Jefferson County and for the Eastern Panhandle Conservation District. They discussed the importance of informing the public about Danny’s background and values, despite his unopposed status in the race. Danny was set to answer questions regarding his stance and purposes.

West Virginia Conservation Agency’s Role in Preserving Resources
Danny stressed the importance of the West Virginia Conservation Agency in preserving the state’s natural resources, particularly its water and soil. He discussed the agency’s role in mitigating soil erosion. Unfortunately, the agencies offer to help in the evaluation and review of the impact of solar compounds on farmland has not been heeded by Jefferson County officials. He also highlighted the issue of sediment pollution in the Shenandoah River, caused especially by Virginia and affecting the Chesapeake Bay due to high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Danny noted that only West Virginia and the District of Columbia have met the 2025 macro contaminant reduction guidelines, while Virginia, Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania have not. He suggested that solar farm installations, which are obligated to prevent soil runoff, are a significant contributor to this issue and that it would be the responsibility of county agencies and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection to address any erosion.

Environmental Issues and Local Delegates
Danny and Richard discussed environmental issues concerning the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Protection. Two complaints filed last year regarding soil conservation issues had not been mitigated, and there seemed to be no action against the perpetrators. They also discussed the Blake Solar Farm’s exemption from the local storm water ordinance, which should not be the case, as Danny pointed out. The situation is complicated by a proposal in the House of Delegates to allow the state to override all local zoning ordinances, which Richard and Danny both criticized. They identified two local delegates, Wayne Clark and Paul Espino, as the sponsors of this problematic bill.

Farmland Conservation Challenges in Jefferson County
Richard and Danny discussed the challenges of conserving farmland in Jefferson County. Danny explained that farming is almost extinct in the region, with the number of operating dairies dropping from 212 in 1978 to just one currently. The primary reason for this is the high value of land for commercial and residential development, which is often more profitable than agriculture. Danny further highlighted the high cost of equipment and the low margin involved in farming, making it difficult for young people to enter the industry.

Modern Farming Challenges and Opportunities
Richard and Danny discussed the challenges and opportunities in modern farming. Danny shared his experience of passing his farmland to a younger relative, highlighting the importance of mentorship and cooperation. They also discussed the struggles of new farmers entering the field due to high costs and a lack of support. Richard raised questions about the role of the Conservation District supervisor in county planning processes, especially regarding issues like runoff.

Solar Farm Proposal and Site Suitability
Richard and Danny discussed the suitability of the Blake Solar Farm site, given its hilly terrain and potential need for extensive grading, which has lead to erosion and has contributed to making the land unsuitable for farming in the future. Danny explained that the solar farm would likely only be useful for about 20 years before needing to be replaced or abandoned, and the land would not be suitable for farming afterwards due to the depletion of nutrients and the need for significant reconstruction.

County Supervisor Roles and Farm Bill
Richard and Danny discussed the roles of the County Conservation District Supervisor in the planning process, with Danny expressing frustration about being ignored by the Board of Planning. They also talked about the work of youth groups like FFA and 4H, which Danny confirmed are still active and relevant despite some outdated links on their website. Lastly, they discussed the pending farm bill and its potential impact on funding and policies, with Danny emphasizing the importance of clean water and reducing pollution.

Carbon Credit Program Proposal in WV
Danny proposed a carbon credit program in West Virginia where each resident would receive a certain number of credits each year which they could buy from others to discharge anything into the soil, air, or water. The program would fund an exchange and conservation, with the remaining income going to the sellers. Richard acknowledged the need to care for the soil and water, suggesting a potential revision of Jefferson County’s zoning plan.

Danny’s Personal Experience and Conservation Discussion
Danny shared his personal experience of living through the “silent spring” described by Rachel Carson, highlighting the eventual return of birds to the area after a period of extinction. He also mentioned his recent re-reading of “Night Comes to the Cumberlands,” a book he was required to read in high school.

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.
 
Categories
West Virginia Politics WV Elections 2024

#151-Interview with Jack Hefestay-Republican Candidate for County Commissioner-Charles Town District

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Candidate website: hefestay.com

Summary
Concerns Over New Solar Farms Development
Jack expressed concerns about the development of new solar farms in Jefferson County, highlighting issues such as the impact on farmland, potential environmental damage, and the long-term financial risks for the county. He argued that the initial presentation of the projects as beneficial to the community was misleading, and that the reality of the situation was quite different.
Jack’s Concerns on Jefferson County’s Future
Jack voiced concerns about the current state of affairs in Jefferson County, particularly the negative impact of the Solar Text Amendment and its aftermath. Jack expressed his belief that some commissioners have a hidden agenda, which he suggests is tied to financial gain, and that the situation is causing instability in the county. He also highlighted the problem of the budget and how it is linked to the solar issue, negatively affecting the county’s tourism and agritourism industries.
Solar Panels, Budget Allocation, and Raises
Jack expressed concern about the safety of solar panels in Middle Middleway Fire Department’s jurisdiction, as raised by Fire Chief and County Commission Candidate Michael Mood. He emphasized the need for more information about this issue. Furthermore, Jack discussed the challenges of budget allocation. He also mentioned his belief that the sheriff’s department officers deserve raises. 
Ambulance Services and Election Integrity
Richard and Jack discussed the impact of budget cuts on ambulance services in the Blue Ridge area. Jack expressed his opinion that the consolidation of ambulance services was not the best solution, as it increased response times in many areas, like on the mountain and other outlying areas.  In contrast, response times in other parts of the county were not significantly affected, or improved, such as in Charles Town. They also discussed issues of election integrity. Jack, who has worked as a pollworker for three elections, believed that the voting process in Jefferson County was being run well.  He mentioned that votes could be verified using the paper ballots printed by the voting machines.  However, Richard stated that to have such an audit, the challenging citizen or organization must pay 10’s of thousands of dollars to pay for the audit, which does not make that kind of challenge a viable solution for increasing election integrity.
School Levies and Election Process Discussion
Richard and Jack discussed the issue of school levies and the process of their elections. Richard expressed concern about the high percentage of property taxes allocated to schools and the potential for manipulation of the election process. Jack stated that levy elections should be held alongside general elections to ensure higher turnout and prevent special elections that can be repeatedly failed until passing. Richard planned to verify this information regarding changes to the election process that move school excess levies to the general election cycle.
Property Tax Rates and Impact Fees
Richard and Jack discussed the high property tax rates and impact fees in Jefferson County, with77 percent of the funds going to public schools. Jack believed that the impact fees were lowered to a small amount and should be increased to help the school burden and other public services. However, Richard suggested that the decline in school enrollment might not legally allow raising the impact fees. Richard mentioned that the funds were not being used appropriately, with a significant portion going to administrative staff and not teachers, who only received 2 percent of the excess levy funds.
Jack’s Transparency, Experience, and Stability Proposal
Jack differentiated himself from his opponent by emphasizing his transparency and his experience working with diverse groups of people, including his 25 years in the US Navy and 30 years at Lockheed Martin. He highlighted his ability to build collaborative efforts and listen to various groups before enacting decisions. Jack also expressed his concern about the county’s budget and the numerous administrator turnovers, and proposed to offer stability to the position. He mentioned being endorsed by multiple people in the county for his candidacy.