HOuse of delegates district 75

I want to improve the accessibility and quality of healthcare in our community, especially for senior citizens.  I will seek better funding for the Fairmont-Marion County Transit to increase availability and affordability.  I will also promote retention of staff in nursing and retirement homes for increased quality of care, including fighting to increase state regulations for staffing minimums.

I know where West Virginia schools are struggling, and advocate for the changes we need.  I will be accessible to teachers so I can better know and understand the needs of the schools.  I will also work with schools to increase parent involvement and after school programs and activities.  "It takes a village to raise a child" should be reinstated as a governing philosophy when passing legislation about our children.  They are our future. 

Affordable childcare is a long overdue need in our communities.  I have had a great deal of personal experience in this area, and I have seen how important it is to increase the affordability and accessibility of childcare for working families.  Increasing funds for childcare providers increases the ability of people to join the workforce.  More people able to work means less government assistance being needed, which can be redirected to further improve this accessibility, creating a cycle of positive growth for West Virginia, while benefiting the children with important early education and socialization.

 Addiction is a complex challenge to approach and discuss, and I will promote open and informed discussion about its causes, trials, and treatments.  Compassion is the primary mindset needed to approach this topic, and I will work hard to obtain resources for education and treatment.  Addiction affects more than the addicted alone, and I want to see everyone get the support they need.  The West Virginia First Foundation is working to end the opioid crisis in the Mountain State, and I will work with local officials and residents to put the funds provided to an effective use to reclaim our people and our future from this tragedy.

I will help alleviate the difficulties faced by many in our community that struggle to survive on low or no income.  I will meet with various groups and organizations to work to improve living situations for people struggling financially.  I also have some experience with grant writing that I can put to use to try to secure more funds to help create supportive programs and options to help struggling individuals get back on their feet.

I look forward to hearing from you on ways to promote business in Marion County.  Some steps I would like to promote include limiting further elevation of operating costs, such as increasing utility prices and license and permit fees. Focusing on tourism should also include the entertainment industry, as this will not only benefit locals, but encourage tourists to stay longer.  Increasing local entertainment options would not only benefit residents, but entice visitors to extend their stay and boost our economy.  CNBC ranked WV 40th in its Best States for Business rankings, up from 46th in2023.  Let's keep moving up together!

I want to hear what you have to say about living in Marion County, or even West Virginia.  I am a solution-oriented person, and I want to fix the problems we have while showcasing our strengths to the rest of the country.  I promise to do my best to address all concerns to the best of my ability, as well as inform you of the outcome and the reasons for it.  I will also be happy to assist anyone with voicing concerns before city councils, town halls, etc.  I want to open government back up to the people and encourage transparency and honest communication between citizens and all levels of government.   I want to set the example for other public servants, and speak for you, the people who chose me to represent your voice.

West Virginia is a beautiful state with a multitude of options for outdoor recreation.  The continuation of Appalachian heritage is prevalent across the state, and the music, crafts, and folklore native to West Virginia provide a rich culture I want to share with the rest of the country.  We are a model state for low crime rates and a down to earth sense of community.  Our outdoor festivals and events are opportunities to invite others to experience the beauty and majesty of our mountains.  There is something about West Virginia that always makes it feel like home.  Almost Heaven...let's make it the rest of the way there.