the campaign built with you.
Many politicians in our state legislature think they know better than us or our community. Rural West Virginia has its own needs and solutions that must be built by the people, for the people.
Below is the list of my core beliefs on some the issues affecting West Virginians.
environment
The vast majority of climate scientists and experts agree that humans are inducing global warming and climate change. Drastically changing climate can affect West Virginians’ health, housing, businesses, infrastructure, and natural ecosystems. Therefore, we must move toward a renewable energy economy and practice sustainable agriculture.
EDUCATION
I believe that all public schools should be fully funded and teachers be given competitive salaries. West Virginia is currently facing a significant teacher shortage. According to the National Education Association, starting teachers in Mineral and Hampshire County can make up to $10,000 more a year just by crossing the border into our neighboring states.
Our children deserve the right to attend school in a safe and supportive environment conducive to learning. This includes increased funding for school counselors, universal access to low-cost and nutritional lunches, and improved teacher education to address differences in student learning styles.
human rights
I do not compromise on human rights. Period.
I am a United States Army Veteran who actively fought against radical, anti-freedom terrorist organizations overseas. Therefore, I take the weaknesses of racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia very seriously. I believe no American should suffer discrimination or deprivation of rights on the basis of race, gender, language, national origin, religion, age, economic status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or other characteristics irrelevant to ability.
HEALThcARE
A lively rural community is dependent on the health of its population. All rural West Virginians deserve quality and affordable access to healthcare. Medicare and Social Security must be protected and adequately funded.
repro-ductive
rights
I strongly and unquestionably support individual liberties–including the individual right over one’s own body and resulting reproductive health decisions. West Virginians deserve access to birth control, family planning resources, and safe, legal abortion. Every person can make the best decision for themselves and their family about whether and when to have a child without undue political interference.
FARMERS & SMALL BUSINESSES
Our district includes many family farms and local entrepreneurs, and policy should aim to protect that. Every West Virginia farmer should be able to make a decent living, and government investment on multiple fronts is needed.
gun violence
Guns are at the very core of our culture as Americans, and even more so as West Virginians. Hunting is a valued pastime and necessary method of nourishment for many Appalachians. Therefore, I support common sense proposals to curb firearm violence, including the understanding that certain locations and facilities must be firearm-free.
workers & unions
Workers in West Virginia should be valued, respected, and allowed to unionize. Mountaineers shouldn’t need to have more than one job to support themselves. A living wage, collective bargaining, and stronger workers’ rights are essential for the prosperity of West Virginia.