Local Issues
Issues List as of 17 July 2007
- Accountability in Government
- There needs to be accountability from our elected officials to get tasks completed that we’ve elected them to accomplish
- There needs to be visibility and transparency to allow the voters to see what their elected officials are accomplishing or not accomplishing
- Education Reform
- The taxpayers feel they are not getting their moneys worth from
the taxes paid
- How is the money allocated for education being spent
- How
are the educators planning to address educational shortfalls
- The current young WV workforce is seen as lacking work ethic needed to meet employers needs
- What is the status and details of the rumored Education Levy
- The taxpayers feel they are not getting their moneys worth from
the taxes paid
- Community Recreational Needs
- Summers County is in dire need of recreational facilities for
both young and old
- The lack of facilities is contributing to major crime and health issues among our youth
- This county has been designated as a retirement community but lacks sufficient facilities to meet the on-going needs of the growing number of retirees who reside here as well as those looking to relocate here
- Summers County is in dire need of recreational facilities for
both young and old
- Economic Business Reform
- Too many local businesses are struggling to remain viable
because of the oppressive business climate the State Government
imposes
- Taxes are excessive
- Regulatory issues are overbearing
Workers Compensation is excessive
- Businesses considering relocation here face uphill battles
- Unsuitable local work ethic
- Poor educational system
- Barely adequate health care system
- Lack of suitable/reasonable middle class housing
- Exploited/abused Social Welfare Programs
- Generational abuse is still present and growing
- Supports local crime and drug abuse problems
- Does not provide for self-help to break the cycle of dependency
- Is a major drain on tax revenues sorely needed elsewhere
- Too many local businesses are struggling to remain viable
because of the oppressive business climate the State Government
imposes
- Judicial/Tort Reform
- State is rated as # 50 by the Harris Judicial Index
- Workers Compensation cases abound and drag on because of lack of reform
- Medical care suffers because of the states recognized pro-litigation environment
- Environmental Reform
- Support is sorely needed to remove abandoned vehicles and structures collapsing from age/neglect which impacts safety and eco-tourism industries
- The state touts it’s natural beauty but lacks anti-litter enforcement and education
- Poor environmental history impacts tourism and efforts to attract new residents
- New River Parkway Progress
- Lots of talk with little to show for it
- Bridge from I-64 needs to move forward
