Gubernatorial General Election October 4, 2011

doc iconGubernatorial General Election October 4, 2011.doc

    Kathy Stoltz | August 29th, 2011 | Category: General Elections, Voters Guide | Leave a comment

    WV Governor October 4, 2011 General Election

    LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF WEST VIRGINIA

    VOTERS’ GUIDE

    SPECIAL GENERAL ELECTION OCTOBER 4, 2011 FOR THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR

    Candidates

    Bob Henry Baber, Mountain Party

    Harry V. Bertram, American Third Position

    Marla Dee Ingels, Independent

    Bill Maloney, Republican Party

    Earl Ray Tomblin, Democratic Party

    This candidate information is brought to you by the League of Women Voters of Wood County as a public service. Candidate responses are printed exactly as received, including spelling, grammar and content. All candidates were given an opportunity to participate.

    The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization which encourages informed participation in government. It does not support or oppose any political candidate or party.

    For more information, visit the website at www.lwvwv.org.

    The League thanks the Parkersburg News and Sentinel for encouraging voter participation by bringing this publication to the citizens of Wood County.

    Candidate BOB HENRY BABER

    County of Residence Gilmer

    PARTY Mountain

    BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION As Mayor of Richwood, I secured $5,000,000 in infra-structure improvements-balanced the budget, implemented raises, and protected health care. I am: a Kellogg National Leadership Fellow, recipient of the “2007 National Wilderness Society Environmental Hero Award,” an award-winning Appalachian author, creator of the Yeager Airport “Adoption,” an accomplished grant writer ($20,000,000+), Professor and Entrepreneur . www.baber4 governor.com

    QUESTION 1. What specific laws do you support to regulate horizontal drilling-fracturing to extract natural gas?

    ANSWER Imposing a 1% fee per well; hiring of DEP inspectors; total disclosure of chemicals, tailings, water-takings from cradle-to-grave; protection of water/air quality; 2-mile limit when fracking near inhabited dwellings, religious & historical sites, parks, cemeteries and municipal water-intakes; noise and light abatement; strict bonding related to production, distribution, and transportation; protection of surface/mineral owner (only) rights; doubling severance taxes.

    QUESTION 2. What funding sources would you use to pay the costs of improving our roads and bridges? ANSWER The fiscal responsibility to secure West Virginia for residents and visitors is a top priority. This means generating $400M (10% addition to state budget) from increased coal & gas severance taxes. These new funds will build the biggest “information super-highway” to the future, via broadband-internet access. Additionally, such funds will protect existing roadways, build new roads and repair bridges.

    QUESTION 3. What is the state’s most critical education issue and what specific measures would you propose to address it?

    ANSWER West Virginia has the lowest college-graduation rate in the nation. Expanded access to technical schools, community colleges and 4-year institutions with augmented scholarship programs for “Hidden Promise” 1st generation students and those who perform exemplary community service is critical. Coordination between primary-secondary- higher education is crucial-especially in areas of mathematics and English Composition. I favor small schools

    QUESTION 4. What fiscal policies should the state implement to address long-term unfunded liabilities, such as pension and health benefits?

    ANSWER I am a fiscal conservative. The so-called “rainy day” fund is not adequate to cover unfunded medical and retirement liabilities. Generate new income by saving, streamlining bureaucracy, rooting out waste and promoting small businesses and tourism; raise additional capital from severance taxes on non-renewable fossil fuels to create jobs to ensure that future generations can remain in WV.

    QUESTION 5. What policies do you support to improve West Virginia’s health care system?

    ANSWER I believe health care should be treated as a right, not a commodity. I support accessible clinics, proper nutrition and exercise classes, smoking-abatement initiatives, nutritionally-balanced school meals, and reduced prescription costs through collaborative purchasing. Illegal drug use is ravaging the state and we need to close prescription loopholes and sanction healthcare professionals who profit from abusing the system.

    Candidate HARRY V. BERTRAM

    County of Residence Monongalia

    Party American Third Position

    BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION High School Graduate Buckeye South High Tiltonsville, Ohio 1979. U.S.Army 1980 Combat Operations. Occupation Locomotive Engineer. Web Site. Bertram2011.com

    QUESTION 1. What specific laws do you support to regulate horizontal

    drilling-fracturing to extract natural gas?

    ANSWER We need inspectors and have bonds set per well to pay for any road damage caused by trucks.

    QUESTION 2. What funding sources would you use to pay the costs of improving our roads and bridges? ANSWER Use part of the rainy day fund and make cuts in the state budget to provide the money.

    QUESTION 3. What is the state’s most critical education issue and what specific measures would you propose to address it? ANSWER Keeping children in school and make sure they are taught the fundamentals in Math, Science, History, and English.

    QUESTION 4. What fiscal policies should the state implement to address long-term unfunded liabilities, such as pension and health benefits? ANSWER The benefits and pensions will have to be re-negotiated or there will be no money for anyone. Leberal Democrats have promised too much over the years and now they can’t deliver.

    QUESTION 5. What policies do you support to improve West Virginia’s health care system? ANSWER We need more jobs, which means more people paying taxes, which means more money for health care. To do this would require American First Policies to protect and rebuild West Virginia’s Manufacturing base, which we currently do not have. More companies would move into West Virginia if it were a more business – friendly place with less taxes and regulations.

    CANDIDATE MARLA DEE INGELS

    County of Residence Mason

    Party Independent

    BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION BS Degree in Psychology & Masters in SpedEd from WVU. Masters in Counseling from MUGC. I’ve worked for the last 14 years in the public school system. I have had numerous trainings and experience at working with people and coming up with solutions to difficult problems. We need a leader who can guide our representatives to formulate win-win solutions. marlaingels.com

    QUESTION 1. What specific laws do you support to regulate horizontal drilling-fracturing to extract natural gas? ANSWER The laws need to include pre-drilling testing of all water sources, land and air. Frequent tests of land, water and air during drilling and post-drilling. All chemicals used during drilling/fracturing need to be listed, plus amounts of the chemicals used. Safe disposal of waste products should also be addressed.

    QUESTION 2. What funding sources would you use to pay the costs of improving our roads and bridges? ANSWER Funding should come from tax revenue not by tolling highway systems. Toll roads cause a great hardship on the people who live along them and it also affects trucking companies who use these roads. It also causes the cost of goods hauled along those roads to go up in price, so again we the people pay more.

    QUESTION 3. What is the state’s most critical education issue and what specific measures would you propose to address it? ANSWER We need to put the curriculum back to a developmentally appropriate age. Students need to be more active during the day. All areas of study should be taught, but focus hard on reading and math during first and second grades. Change high school curriculum back to getting ready for work or college. Focus on strengths instead of exploiting weaknesses.

    QUESTION 4. What fiscal policies should the state implement to address long-term unfunded liabilities, such as pension and health benefits? ANSWER First off we need to make it illegal to borrow from these plans in order to “bail-out” other failed plans. We need to stop allowing noncontributing parties access to these funds. We need to bring in businesses to provide jobs to guarantee more people available to contribute to these funds.

    QUESTION 5. What policies do you support to improve West Virginia’s health care system?

    ANSWER I would like to see a cap on the amount of money people can sue hospitals and doctors. This in turn should lower insurance costs making health care more affordable.

    Candidate BILL MALONEY

    County of Residence Monongalia

    Party Republican

    Candidate did not reply.

    Candidate EARL RAY TOMBLIN

    County of Residence Logan

    Party Democratic

    BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION During my adult life I have worked as a schoolteacher, businessman and entrepreneur in addition to my duties as an elected official. Among my political experience, I was elected to the WV House of Delegates in 1974, ’76, and ’78; WV Senate: 1980-present; WV Senate Finance Chair 1987-1995; WV Senate President: 1995-present; Acting as Governor: 11/2010-present.

    QUESTION 1. What specific laws do you support to regulate horizontal drilling-fracturing to extract natural gas? ANSWER I recently issued an executive order that will protect our environment and our citizens while providing the stability natural gas companies need to create jobs and develop our resources. This executive order serves as the first step in my long-term plan of responsible development of Marcellus Shale – providing emergency regulations concerning public notice, groundwater protection, and water withdrawal.

    QUESTION 2. What funding sources would you use to pay the costs of improving our roads and bridges? ANSWER Fiscal discipline and responsibility led to a surplus in our road fund, so we’re undertaking West Virginia’s largest paving program in years. I will do all I can to complete major highway projects while still maintaining our secondary roads. I also pledge to make sure not a single dollar of federal highway money goes unmatched in W.Va.

    QUESTION 3. What is the state’s most critical education issue and what specific measures would you propose to address it?

    ANSWER We must improve the use of technology and reduce the dropout rate. Children need technologies available in classrooms to learn skills necessary to succeed in the next generation’s economy. We must improve our dropout rate, and I firmly believe we must devote additional time and resources to identify those children at risk of dropping out and keep them in school.

    QUESTION 4. What fiscal policies should the state implement to address long-term unfunded liabilities, such as pension and health benefits? ANSWER When our Workers’ Comp fund, Teachers’ Retirement System and Public Employees Retirement System neared bankruptcy, and teachers’ PEIA insurance cards were rejected, I led initiatives placing W.Va. on a sound fiscal path. To continue responsible planning, we must work together to address OPEB liabilities and reach a consensus on a funding source, which I will make priority for my administration.

    QUESTION 5. What policies do you support to improve West Virginia’s health care system? ANSWER My administration is currently working on improving access to health care. The State is helping 10,000 West Virginians receive access to primary care centers. This will enable our citizens to have better access to preventive care. We also can take advantage of telemedicine opportunities as we continue extending broadband Internet service into areas of W.Va. that are currently underserved.

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      Kathy Stoltz | August 29th, 2011 | Category: General Elections, Voters Guide | Leave a comment

      2010 WV Senate Candidates’ Debate

      Here is the complete (4 parts) WV Senate Debate!

        Jonathan Rosenbaum | October 19th, 2010 | Tags: , , | Category: General Elections, LWVWV | Leave a comment

        WV Senate Debate live on PBS

        At 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 18, 2010, tune in to WVPBS to hear a live debate between Becker, Johnson, Manchin and Raese.  WVU Dean of Journalism will moderate the event, and the Morgantown League will be helping out with various activities.

          Jonathan Rosenbaum | October 8th, 2010 | Tags: , , | Category: General Elections, Morgantown | One comment

          WV Supreme Court November 2010 General

          Candidates for Justice of the WV Supreme Court of Appeals

          November 2, 2010 General Election

          CANDIDATE Thomas E. McHugh

          COUNTY OF RESIDENCE Kanawha

          PARTY Democratic

          BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

          Thomas E. McHugh has been a Justice for 19 years and a Circuit Judge for six years. He was born in Charleston, is a graduate of WVU (AB and Law) and was in the U. S. Army. He is married and has four children, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.

          QUESTION 1. What do you see as the role of the Supreme Court of Appeals in assuring justice for the citizens of West Virginia?

          ANSWER . No matter how tempting it may be, the best way for the Supreme Court to guarantee that it assures justice in all of its actions is not to bend to the prevailing political wind of the moment. Instead, the Court must rise above such political pressure and deal equitably, thus justly, with one case at a time.

          QUESTION 2. What special background and experiences do you have that make you the better candidate for the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals?

          ANSWER. My nineteen years as a Supreme Court Justice, my six years as a circuit judge, my 20 years as an attorney and mediator, my 3 years in the U.S. Army, and my lifetime as a husband, father of four, grandfather of seven, and even a great-grandfather of one all qualify me for the work on the bench.

          CANDIDATE John Yoder

          COUNTY OF RESIDENCE Jefferson

          PARTY Republican

          BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

          Selected in national competition as U.S. Supreme Court Fellow. 35 years legal experience including all 3 branches of government. 5 years as a circuit judge and 3 years working for the Chief Justice of the U.S; 8 years as a WV State Senator; 3 years as Reagan appointee in the U.S. Department of Justice. BA, MBA, and JD degrees. www.judgeyoder.com.

          QUESTION 1. What do you see as the role of the Supreme Court of Appeals in assuring justice for the citizens of West Virginia?

          ANSWER . Diversity in experience and background are important to assure justice for all West Virginians. Unfortunately, 4 of the 5 justices are currently from Charleston (1 happens to be from Huntington), but Kanawha County only makes up 10% of the state’s population. The other 90% deserve a voice too. All West Virginia regions, viewpoints and perspectives should be represented.

          QUESTION 2. What special background and experiences do you have that make you the better candidate for the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals?

          ANSWER. My service in all 3 branches of government helps me appreciate differences between the role of a legislator and that of a judge. A judge is supposed to enforce and uphold the law, not to legislate and enact social policy. We need a former legislator on the Court to help keep judges from acting as super-legislators rather than as judges.

            Marion Weiser | October 5th, 2010 | Tags: , | Category: General Elections | Leave a comment

            US Senate, November 2010 General

            Candidates for US Senate

            November 2, 2010 General Election

            CANDIDATE Jeff Becker

            COUNTY OF RESIDENCE Berkeley

            PARTY Constitution

            BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

            Born in Kentucky, raised in New England and Ohio. Bachelor’s degree in Welding Engineering from Ohio State University, Masters Degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering from Kettering University. Registered Professional Engineer. Thirteen years Ohio and West Virginia Air National Guard in aircraft maintenance. Current Chairman of the Constitution Party of West Virginia. Teacher in Berkeley County. WV resident since 1998.

            QUESTION 1. What should the federal government do about the growing economic disparity between the middle class and the well-to-do?

            ANSWER . The Federal Reserve Act, secretly foisted upon us on Christmas Eve, 1913, must be repealed. America must return to silver coin money as we had in 1964, and only gold and commodity-backed currency. Fiat paper “money” is the root of all inflation so Congress must stop putting it into circulation. The Glass-Steagall Act must be reinstated to end banking speculation.

            QUESTION 2. How will you balance the continuing costs of the military with the costs of domestic needs?

            ANSWER. Article I, Section 8 of our Constitution tells us that only Congress has the power to declare war, appropriations for armies shall only be for two years at a time, that the states are mostly responsible for training our militias, and that our Navy is paramount. Our founders only intended “General welfare” to mean well-being and happiness, not public assistance.

            QUESTION 3. What measures should Congress enact to make our educational system more competitive with other developed nations?

            ANSWER The Department of Education Organization Act went into effect in May of 1980 just as I was graduating from high school. I was able to receive a thorough and efficient education without any interference by the federal government. The word “education” appears nowhere in our Constitution, so the best thing Congress can do here is to repeal Public Law 96-88.

            CANDIDATE Jesse Johnson

            COUNTY OF RESIDENCE Kanawha

            PARTY Mountain

            BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

            Lobbyist, Freelance Writer and Lecturer on Political and Environmental issues. Former UN expedition leader, actor and filmmaker. Has spent a decade mobilizing the Mountain Party’s growing strength as the nominee for Governor in 2004 and 2008, making WV History by earning over 31,000 votes or 4.6% voter support and the only ‘third party’ candidate ever endorsed by The Sierra Club.

            QUESTION 1. What should the federal government do about the growing economic disparity between the middle class and the well-to-do?

            ANSWER . We should stop with corporate welfare for industries that are realizing record growth and more importantly profit and incentivize research and development as well as renewable and therefore sustainable industry. We must design, build, ship, modify and trade. These have always been the cornerstones of economic prosperity. Tax breaks for the rich have not and will not revitalize this economy.

            QUESTION 2. How will you balance the continuing costs of the military with the costs of domestic needs?

            ANSWER. I will fight to cut military spending. Its appropriations are greater than all of our neighbors ‘potential threats’ put together. Last months Treasury statement shows that one in three of taxpayers dollars go to DOD. Every administration asks for more as does Congress. We have no conventional enemy of significant threat militarily. This waste must stop. Nation building starts here.

            QUESTION 3. What measures should Congress enact to make our educational system more competitive with other developed nations?

            ANSWER State and federally subsidized schools must provide to the citizens of this country, free life-long learning to empower our nation and its competitiveness in our world. Our public airwaves and library systems must be an integral part of our institutions of learning, working symbiotically to “…promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity…”

            CANDIDATE Joe Manchin III

            COUNTY OF RESIDENCE Marion

            PARTY Democratic

            BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

            As West Virginia’s 34th governor, Joe Manchin has cut taxes, created good jobs and got our financial house in order. He is from Farmington, W.Va. and served as a state legislator from 1982-1996 and as Secretary of State from 2000-2004. Joe is a pilot, outdoorsman and motorcyclist. He and his wife, Gayle, have three children and seven grandchildren. Visit www.joemanchinwv.com

            QUESTION 1. What should the federal government do about the growing economic disparity between the middle class and the well-to-do?

            ANSWER . In this time of recovery, we must first get out nation’s financial house in order and cut wasteful spending, just like we have done in West Virginia. We need to make capital available to businesses willing to create full-time jobs with livable wages and benefits. We must focus on spurring private investments.

            QUESTION 2. How will you balance the continuing costs of the military with the costs of domestic needs?

            ANSWER. We have to make sure our soldiers in the field have the tools they need to do their jobs – it’s the least we can do given their dedication and sacrifices. Once we bring our combat commitment in Afghanistan to a close, we will have the opportunity to reevaluate our defense spending with an eye towards deficit reduction and domestic needs.

            QUESTION 3. What measures should Congress enact to make our educational system more competitive with other developed nations?

            ANSWER We must enact education reforms, because every child deserves a quality education. I support the federal Race-to-the-Top initiative, which sets performance and results as priorities. There is too much bureaucracy that prevents our educators from being innovative in the classrooms. States and their educators need flexibility. The federal government must set good examples so that states can adopt proven programs.

            CANDIDATE John R. Raese

            COUNTY OF RESIDENCE Monongalia

            PARTY Republican

            Candidate did not reply

              Marion Weiser | October 5th, 2010 | Tags: , | Category: General Elections | Leave a comment

              US Congress, Third District, November 2010 General

              Candidates for U S House of Representatives, 3rd Congressional District

              November 2, 2010 General Election

              CANDIDATE Elliott “Spike” Maynard

              COUNTY OF RESIDENCE Mingo

              PARTY Republican

              BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

              Elliott “Spike” Maynard is an Air Force veteran, where he served in reconnaissance during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Maynard was the Managing Director of the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce and practiced law. In 1976, Maynard was elected as a Prosecuting Attorney for Mingo County. He was appointed by Governor Rockefeller to the Thirtieth Judicial Circuit and was twice elected (exceeded word limit)

              QUESTION 1. What should the federal government do about the growing economic disparity between the middle class and the well-to-do?

              ANSWER . Congress must stop spending money we don’t have. Huge debt devastates our middle class. Stop raising taxes. No new taxes on anyone. Taxes are middle class job killers. Hands off Social Security. No cuts of any kind in social security benefits. Repeal Obamacare. Restore the $500 billion Congress took from our seniors in Medicare cuts. Stop bailouts and quit sending (exceeded word limit)

              QUESTION 2. How will you balance the continuing costs of the military with the costs of domestic needs?

              ANSWER. I support a strong military. I am a military veteran. As a veteran, I believe we must give our veterans the very best benefits, especially medical care, and never cut benefits or payments. Combat troops in Afghanistan and Iraq deserve the finest weapons and support no matter what it costs. We must never finance any domestic spending program at the expense of the lives (exceeded word limit)

              QUESTION 3. What measures should Congress enact to make our educational system more competitive with other developed nations?

              ANSWER. First, Congress must not simply throw money at the problem. We need to teach more science, math and language arts. We need standards to measure skills of both students and teachers. Schools which do not perform should be closed. Most urgently, we need to restore order and discipline in the classroom and zero tolerance for drugs and school violence.

              CANDIDATE Nick J. Rahall II

              COUNTY OF RESIDENCE Raleigh

              PARTY Democratic

              BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

              I have had the honor of representing the people of southern West Virginia in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1976. I have fought for and will continue to fight for jobs, our seniors, our veterans, for better educational opportunities for our children and for working men and women while seeking improvements in our public works, roads and highways.

              QUESTION 1. What should the federal government do about the growing economic disparity between the middle class and the well-to-do?

              ANSWER . America cannot afford the cuts in and privatizing Social Security and give-aways to the super-rich that Republican leaders in Washington support.  These policies led to the failures of Wall Street and the housing market collapse.  I support building up our domestic manufacturing base, enforcing Buy American policies, closing tax loopholes that encourage outsourcing  American jobs overseas and preserving Social Security.

              QUESTION 2. How will you balance the continuing costs of the military with the costs of domestic needs?

              ANSWER. The last Administration cut domestic spending to increase defense spending and  reduce taxes for the wealthiest, while axing funding for mine safety inspectors, highways, and public services.  Waste, fraud, and abuse resulted at the Pentagon. That must end. We can ensure sufficient funds for our troops to be well-trained and equipped, while providing more sufficient funding levels for domestic needs.

              QUESTION 3. What measures should Congress enact to make our educational system more competitive with other developed nations?

              ANSWER Congress should reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to secure educational improvements for all kids – particularly those in rural areas.  It will also help to recruit and reward quality teachers.  We must increase access to higher education through full funding of Pell grant providing greater access to affordable educational loans, and creating incentives for students to attend college.

                Marion Weiser | October 5th, 2010 | Tags: , , | Category: General Elections | Leave a comment

                US Congress, Second District, November 2010 General

                Candidates for U S House of Representatives, 2nd Congressional District

                November 2, 2010 General Election

                CANDIDATE Shelly Moore Capito

                COUNTY OF RESIDENCE Kanawha

                PARTY Republican

                BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

                Member, U.S. Congress serving on the House Transportation & Infrastructure and Financial Services Committees, Ranking Member, House Select Committee on Independence and Global Warming, Founding Member, Congressional Coal Caucus, Former Member, West Virginia House of Delegates, Former Career Counselor, West Virginia State University, Graduate, Duke University and University of Virginia. For more information log onto www.capitoforcongress.com.

                QUESTION 1. What should the federal government do about the growing economic disparity between the middle class and the well-to-do?

                ANSWER. Congress needs to prevent the tax hike on all Americans next year by extending the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts. If we don’t act, the 10% rate will go to 15%, married couples will pay more, the amount parents deduct through the child tax credit will be slashed in half, and most small businesses will experience a 13% increase.

                QUESTION 2. How will you balance the continuing costs of the military with the costs of domestic needs?

                ANSWER. We must provide our troops the resources necessary to complete their missions while we eliminate our deficit and reduce the debt. This starts with ending the bailouts and so-called stimulus spending that has cost taxpayers over $1 trillion and includes holding weekly YouCut votes like we did nine times this year that would have cut $120 billion in wasteful spending.

                QUESTION 3. What measures should Congress enact to make our educational system more competitive with other developed nations?

                ANSWER. Congress needs to allow teachers to teach and place more control of classrooms at the local level. West Virginia needs to have greater flexibility to make decisions as states and local schools should not be hamstrung with federal regulations that ultimately take time away from students learning. We need to ensure that there is accountability at all levels.

                CANDIDATE Virginia Lynch Graf

                COUNTY OF RESIDENCE Jefferson

                PARTY Democratic

                BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

                My experiences as innovator, educator and activist enable me to legislate intelligently, creatively and fairly.  I am running a clean election taking no money from special interest groups.   A democratic republic succeeds when elected officials work for the good of all.   My campaign motto represents me best,  “It’s time to stick our necks out for West Virginia.” Website: grafforcongress.com

                QUESTION 1. What should the federal government do about the growing economic disparity between the middle class and the well-to-do?

                ANSWER . Elizabeth Warren’s appointment to oversee the Consumer Protection Agency was an excellent step. Someone of her caliber should replace Larry Summers on the President’s economic team. Also: restructure tax systems fairly, cutting all loopholes; allow Bush cuts for the wealthy to expire; stop government subsidization of oil and gas companies; purchase green energy and transportation for military and domestic use.

                QUESTION 2. How will you balance the continuing costs of the military with the costs of domestic needs?

                ANSWER. Reduce military spending from 59% of the budget to 40%. We still would be a superpower with money for domestic needs. This can be achieved by: closing some bases around the world, e.g., Germany and Japan; reducing extravagant payment to technical service companies and mercenary groups; and eliminating obsolete weaponry and delivery systems.

                QUESTION 3. What measures should Congress enact to make our educational system more competitive with other developed nations?

                ANSWER.  Overhaul how schools are funded and provide free quality education from elementary through college or technical school; connect teachers and students to research development centers for on-going education; employ multi-sensory learning techniques; teach critical thinking and problem-solving; reduce repetitive testing; use subjective and objective evaluation tools; re-create modest school size and avoid mega-size schools. Make free job training universally available.

                CANDIDATE Phil Hudok

                COUNTY OF RESIDENCE Randolph

                PARTY Constitution

                BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

                A 60 year resident of WV, my wife Lynn and I have four daughters, three being in college. I’ve spent 37 years teaching, having a physics teaching degree and a masters in educational computing. I teach at Pickens School in Randolph County. I’ve had Century Photo since 1973. In several WV Supreme Court Cases I’ve successfully defended rights. www.hudok.com

                QUESTION 1. What should the federal government do about the growing economic disparity between the middle class and the well-to-do?

                ANSWER . First and foremost the Glass-Steagall Act must be reinstated to prevent bank speculation of public investments. Also, Congress must regain responsibility for and control of the issuance of money. The Federal Reserve Act was deceptively foisted upon the citizens when most congressmen were gone for the 1913 Christmas holiday. What Jefferson warned has transpired. Congress can’t lawfully delegate away responsibility.

                QUESTION 2. How will you balance the continuing costs of the military with the costs of domestic needs?

                ANSWER. Glad you asked. If we weren’t militarily where we don’t belong, fighting unjust, constitutionally undeclared wars, (only Congress can declare war!) we would be more respected, better liked, and not hemorrhaging to death. Let’s quit playing shell games with mercenaries and troops (National Guard at that) and strengthen ourselves from the inside out. Support the troops by bringing them home.

                QUESTION 3. What measures should Congress enact to make our educational system more competitive with other developed nations?

                ANSWER. Glad you asked. As a 37 year teacher, who’s studied history, and hosted Charlotte Iserbyt, author of the “The Deliberate Dumbing Down of America”, we must get the unfunded mandating, politically correct, force feeding, federal government OUT of education. Government schools teach the government’s religion violating the first and tenth amendments. Why were we number one at the USDOE’s founding?


                  Marion Weiser | October 5th, 2010 | Tags: , , | Category: General Elections | Leave a comment

                  US Congress, First District, November 2010 General

                  Candidates for U S House of Representatives, 1st Congressional District

                  November 2, 2010 General Election

                  CANDIDATE David McKinley

                  COUNTY OF RESIDENCE Ohio

                  PARTY Republican

                  BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

                  Principal, McKinley & Associates (professional engineering and architectural design firm); former member West Virginia House of Delegates (1981 – 1995); former chairman, West Virginia Republican Party (1994 – 1996); graduate, Perdue University, B.S.E.; wife, Mary; four children. www.McKinley2010.com

                  QUESTION 1. What should the federal government do about the growing economic disparity between the middle class and the well-to-do?

                  ANSWER. With unemployment in the construction industry at 35 percent, I propose a nationalprogram to retrofit public buildings for energy efficiency. Not only will that slash the jobless rate in this crippled sector and promote energy independence, it will spur manufacturing to supply materials for roof insulation, window replacement, energy-efficient HVAC systems and lighting controls. It can start a broader economic (exceeded word limit)

                  QUESTION 2. How will you balance the continuing costs of the military with the costs of domestic needs?

                  ANSWER. Without compromising national security we must rein in out-of-control spending on a program-by-program basis.

                  QUESTION 3. What measures should Congress enact to make our educational system more competitive with other developed nations?

                  ANSWER A third of our college graduates hold degrees in science and engineering compared to 63 percent in Japan and 53 percent in China. We were once a world leader in awarding science and engineering degrees. But our college-age population is now at the bottom among nations in this regard. Also troubling is that of 22,500 doctorates in science and engineering (exceeded word limit)

                  CANDIDATE: Mike Oliverio

                  COUNTY OF RESIDENCE Monongalia

                  PARTY Democratic

                  BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

                  The grandson of Italian immigrants, Mike Oliverio worked through college and graduate school at WVU, where he became student body president. He achieved the rank of captain in the U.S. Army Reserve. A small business owner, he served two years in the West Virginia House of Delegates and 16 in the Senate. Mike and Melissa Oliverio have two children.

                  QUESTION 1. What should the federal government do about the growing economic disparity between the middle class and the well-to-do?

                  ANSWER. Closing the trade deficit with China is first. Over the last five years, we have imported $1.2 Trillion more than we have exported to China. It is the largest imbalance in the world. That imbalance costs us jobs in skilled, middle-class workers. We must end it. If we had fair trade with China, we wouldn’t have needed a stimulus plan.

                  QUESTION 2. How will you balance the continuing costs of the military with the costs of domestic needs?

                  ANSWER. I understand the value of the military, having served myself. As American forces continue to return, these costs will reduce in part. However, we live in a different world now. We cannot mothball our military as we have in decades past after a conflict. I applaud the work done at the Pentagon to trim duplicative projects and congressional pet perks.

                  QUESTION 3. What measures should Congress enact to make our educational system more competitive with other developed nations?

                  ANSWER. We must allow more local control for our education system. Unfunded mandates from Washington are tying the hands of teachers who are trying innovative new techniques. Congress must have greater faith in our state and local school boards to teach our children the skills they need for the future.

                    Marion Weiser | October 5th, 2010 | Tags: , , | Category: General Elections | Leave a comment