Judging a Book by it's "Cover"

OK, everybody says,"What I want is less taxes, better service and the government not to be involved in my personal life." Well that's all just fine and dandy, but the only way that this can occur is if the government is not dependent on your tax dollars.

We also need to create a big budget reserve and eliminate the states debt. Personally, I feel this must be done through financial discipline and fiscal responsibility. Set up, so that later on, no one would be able to start expensive programs that will need money long after the original cash is gone.

Which brings me to the point of this message.

Why on earth do we have 55 state school systems? With 55 school superintendents, 55 school boards, 55 special secretaries, 55 assistant secretaries and 55--so on and so forth?

It is now time to "regionalize" our state school board system!

I feel that if you break it down to perhaps 13-15 regions or districts, then a whole lot of cash is going to be saved. Money, we the taxpayers flit the bill for right now. So in the overall picture of the Billions, yes that has a "B" in it, that is wasted and not put to proper use for our children's education, then to regionalize the state school board system is long overdue and definitely needed.

I believe that a good education is very necessary in today's world. But anyone who can educate a wide audience in economics, as I am trying to do here, also serves a valuable function. I hope you will feel that anyone who can broadly influence a needed social policy as this one, is at least as important as someone who tries to legislate your tax dollars.

School Daze: Something New

With fuel prices at outrageous levels, why don't we here in West Virginia try something new that perhaps the rest of the nation may also want to consider?

I have two thoughts on this subject.

Either extend the school hours by two hours a day and let the children go to school for four days a week. Or extend the school hours by two hours a day and change the summer vacation times.

Summer vacation time was invented back in the 1800's because children were needed to help with the farm work. Well, my idea is a little bit different.

Why not have two different "break" periods? One from the middle of July until the middle of September. And the other break from the middle of December until the middle of February. My thoughts on this would be that during the winter break, the children could spend more quality time with their parents during the Christmas season. Plus with the way natural gas prices are, then we as a state taxpayer would not have to spend so much on heating of the schools. So that idea is two-fold.

Now all you sports "junkies" would still keep on a regular schedule, so don't worry about that thought. But realistically better education, combined with lower costs can only add up to better management of our school system's.

I also feel that with the children doing two hours more per day that this will lead to less of the "latch-key" kids problem and be more in line with the parents normal working schedule. Thus, children would be better supervised with an adult present.

But the overall picture is really what I am looking at here. For I feel that the children would get a better education. And as Michelangelo was quoted as saying, " A man paints with his brain, not with his hands." Think about that one!

Paradise City: The Deer Hunter

There are families in West Virginia that rely on hunting to sometimes keep meat on the table. The only problem is that for most there are no available free hunting area's, unless you know someone with plenty of land.

Well this idea is dedicated to the people that are making poverty level or below wages and the handicapped.

I think there should be made available hunting grounds for such purposes. I don't see why at least ten (10) of these area's can't be made through "Emanate Domain".

Now I need to study, with the input of others more locations around the state. But I do know my area very well and in the Kincheloe area, which borders the Harrison and Lewis county lines is a game reserve of about one thousand (1000) acres that is just perfect for this program to get a start.

Now I will say that deer, turkey and rabbit hunting is ok by me for these people to be putting food on their tables. But I am against bear, bobcat, mountain lion, coyote or wolf hunting as a sport or for people who just want to kill something for the "thrill". So stiff monetary penalties, coupled with jail time will be strictly
enforced on that matter.

And this test area would also be a great place to bring in big horn sheep and elk as trial pattern to see if other parts of the state could support such a venture to bring in hunters from across the U.S. and world. Thus bringing in needed dollars to be directed towards lowering taxes for the various business that could use a hand. I feel that by lowering these taxes, it will enable West Virginia business's to hire more West Virginians.

"They Shoot Horse's Don't They?

I would like to see legislation enacted that gives new legal protection to people who kill intruders in their homes, businesses and vehicles.

This law is already in place in the state of Alabama. Several other state's are also considering making this a new law in their state.

Now I would highly suggest that a video recorder be on your side to help prove your innocence should this terrible act occur. But we must take back our given rights to protect our livelihoods and families. And I feel this law is a step in the right direction.

Couple this new law with the already existing "Crime Victims Compensation Fund" and a deterrent to violent crime will make criminals rethink their actions before they occur!

The Crime Victims Compensation Fund is 100% funded through court costs--no taxpayer money is used. It was set up nearly 25 years ago to help secure awards for crime victims. Just because a case is solved and the perpetrator is sent to jail doesn't mean the medical bills, moving expenses, cleanup costs, lost wages and other unforseen financial burdens ends for the victim.

West Virginia is one of the safest states in all the Union. Let's keep it that way!

"Back to the Future"

You know my work affords me the luxury of traveling around "The Great state of West Virginia." I get the chance to see and fell first hand the real West Virginia and live the experience. As of this writing, I have been working in the town of West Union in Doddridge County. So hence the title of this article. a "You cannot love life until you live the life you love". In a way that is the point I try to make about this Gubernatorial run and the ideas that are presented to you. I really think it would be nifty to see parts of West Virginia stay the way life is in towns such as West Union. Friendly people who watch out for each other and the children. but all the same while, keeping open an eye for the unneeded stranger. Yes, life in a lot of our little towns are kind of "Mayberryish", but sorry, I like that home town feeling. And I think it is something to be proud of! But we must come up with ideas to keep these little "gems" of towns intact. Something to want to make the next generation of West Virginians stay here. And I believe with local town meetings, these possibilities can become realities. And I am not talking about some state government flunky with a badge that goes around to see how everthing is going, then you never see them for a year. I am saying a real person with an affiliation to the area, a person that lives and breathes the life the community also lives and breathes. I post as many ideas as I can. But if any of you all have an idea about this subject, then post your comments here and we can discuss them openly. A lot of people write to me privately, and thats OK, but I would much rather that you post your ideas here and lets let other West Virginians join us as we solve the problems we all face. f But should you want to write privately, then go to my painting web site, to the contact us page and I will honor your wishes for a private discussion.

Under-Age Drinking & Over-Age Thinking: Making Money off the Land

I’ve always felt that a society that stops exploring is a society that stops progressing. Significant challenges remain here and it must be “us” that lay the foundation for our future “West Virginian’s” to appreciate, with a their knowledge of making it better.

We should be very much dependent on ourselves to generate government revenue to surpass the capacity within ourselves that is capable to achieve such goals. It is up to us to be “the miracle”.

Traveling along the interstate systems, you find a lot of “dead area’s”---empty space that beckons the weary traveler--that is, if only there was a place to stop. Of course you have your rest area’s, but they do not offer much other than a place to stretch your legs or use the bathroom facilities.

Why not utilize these spaces as a form of added income for this state? Leasing out the land for a fast food restaurant is an option. A joint venture between private investment and our state government. With strict regulations geared towards family fun.

A farmers market along these area’s would also be a way for people to sell their wares. Not just fruits and vegetables, but arts and crafts, maple syrup or even hot peppers. There’s a multitude of options just waiting to be exploited---and for a profit.

And I believe through “word of mouth”, the message of friendliness, hospitality and products, that out-of-state traveler’s would gladly welcome. And of course, we would welcome their cash.

But the idea here is to make the state more accessible with a road better traveled. Some place fun for the kids to visit and retain a “lifetime” of memories to be shared with generations to come. A recollection that will burn in their memory banks and fill their hearts with joy every time they think about “that time we took the family through the hills of West Virginia”.

A West Virginia Lottery for Eliminating the Food Tax

Yes, at one time we had a West Virginia Lottery.
Then we went nuts on “Powerball” with it’s 100’s of millions in winnings.

But the argument goes that a West Virginia Lottery would only generate a winning weekly total of around $30,000 to $50,000. Well, I don’t know about you, but that type of windfall would sure help out a lot of West Virginian’s that I know.

And they say we can’t eliminate the “Powerball” game because of the revenue that it brings in. OK, then with the separate West Virginia Lottery we could designate the profits like Powerball does, towards the goal of eliminating our %5 food tax. As has been proven from past legislative sessions, these so called “representatives” can not come up with a way to do it on their own. So perhaps this idea can lead them to think about ways to help eliminate the regressive food tax.

But getting back to the West Virginia Lottery idea. Wouldn’t 50 grand come in handy to reduce down the payment on your house, or purchase another vehicle, or even help set up a fund so that your kids could go to college on?

Why waste money on unseen riches of $300 million bucks that you or I will never lay our hands on? West Virginia Lottery monies would be dedicated to helping all of this great state and it’s people. Aiding the necessities in life that true West Virginia people need and like the most.

A Concept That Works: Biodiesel & Synthetics

Our dependence on foreign oil has completely taken control over our daily routines, budgets and lifestyle’s. Other methods are available and it is time that these new and ingenious ideas were made right here in West Virginia.

Biodiesel:
Biodiesel is a domestic, renewable fuel for diesel engines derived from natural oils like soybean oil or canola. It is a chemical process called transesterification whereby the glycerin is separated from the fat or vegetable oil. The process leaves behind two products -- methyl esters (the chemical name for biodiesel) and glycerin ( a valuable byproduct sold to be used in soaps and other products).

Biodiesel is typically produced by a reaction of a vegetable oil or animal fat with an alcohol such as methane or ethanol in the presence of a catalyst to yield mono-alkyl esters and glycerin, which is removed.

Biodiesel can be used in any concentration with petroleum based diesel fuel in existing diesel engines with little or no modification. It is not the same as raw vegetable oil.

It is made from renewable resources and has lower emissions compared to petroleum diesel. It is less toxic than table salt and biodegrades as fast as sugar. Since it is made in the USA, and hopefully in West Virginia with urging and prodding from my administration, its use decreases our dependence on foreign oil and contributes greatly not only to the West Virginia economy, but the economy and dependence of the entire United States!

Thermochemical Synthetic Gas:
Building a biorefinery in West Virginia is a real possibility considering our timber and farming products that this process uses. With the available government assistance to free ourselves from the dependency of foreign oil, then this can be a reality!

A refinery using the thermochemical method to produce synthetic gas from organic matter, such as cotton stalks, pulp and paperboard, can be converted to a liquid and sold to petroleum companies.

Waste biomass can be considered as a potential feedstock source for sustainable energy production. Biomass can be converted to chemicals either by thermochemical or biological processes. Gasification is one of the thermo chemical methods of converting biomass to synthetic gas (CO an H2). The synthetic gas produced can be converted to different chemicals like ethanol, acetic acid, etc., chemically or by using biological catalysts.

Other renewable resources from West Virginia are hard wood, soft wood and switch grass. The biological conversion of synthetic gas requires minimal tar content, a catalytic converter/destructor is used to reduce the amount of tars generated during gasification.

This will provide West Virginian’s with high paying jobs and keep our “newly” graduated, and experienced professors here. And solve the crushing dependency we have on foreign oil products.

Vision Is Scary: Ethanol Production

Here is an idea of which I proposed in 1998. West Virginia, as a state commodity, be responsible for the origin’s, cultivation and promotion and sales of ethanol as a gasoline alternative. And, as of this writing, with gas prices skyrocketing, I am sure you would agree it is a needed process.

Present Day: 2006

The nation’s growing thirst for ethanol is leading to a mini boom in plant construction---so why can’t this process and development be utilized here in West Virginia?

Thirthy-three ethanol plants are under construction, and another eight of the 95 plants in operation are being expanded, the Renewable Fuels Association reports.
Ethanol is a plant-based alcohol fuel that’s seen as a way to lessen U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

Besides the energy bill signed by President Bush that encourages greater use of ethanol as an ecologically sound fuel additive, ethanol makers are getting a boost from Detroit, where automakers are promoting vehicles that can burn E85, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. The more common gasohol is 10% ethanol.
Ethanol supplies are expected to more than double in the next decade, from 4 billion gallons produced last year to 9.8 billion by 2015. Current producers are at full speed. We, as a state, need to act now.

Builders say they have more wok than they can handle. Some of the expansion is from existing operators. Archer Daniels Midland, the largest producer, plans to increase from 1.1 billion gallons a year today to 1.5 billion by 2008. Last month ADM announced a plant will be built in Columbus, Nebraska. And from experience, I know West Virginian’s can out work and out think any state!

But some plants are planned outside the Corn Belt. Which are California, Arizona and Hawaii.
All of these plants are going to rely on corn shipped by rail and cattle feed as a byproduct.
I believe this could be accomplished here in West Virginia easily! With the growing amount of Government assistance available, and our great soil used to produce corn, then we have a big winner just sitting here waiting to be prodded into existence.

What a better way to help the nation and most importantly the farming and cattle producers of West Virginia. And all the while creating good paying jobs that helps out several well chosen counties. An added plus is that this process and usage is ecological in all aspects.

So, once again I will try to bring this idea to fruition.

THE APOCALYPSE FOR WEST VIRGINIA

Nearing the age of 50, we sometimes feel past our prime. Maybe this new century or new millennia, with it’s technology, e-mail and all,----well a lot of us old time “rock-n-roller’s” feel a little left behind. But that is the greatness that West Virginia brings out in us all. It satisfies that yearning that young and old need. A throw back to a simpler time. Her mountainous terrain, the main character---and character builder---the sense of environment, of space, of freedom.

West Virginia challenges us to reach beyond ourselves. Usually we are the reluctant heroes. But when pushed--we will do the right thing and work decisively---no matter the personal risks involved. And not to “show-off”. But for that abstraction, for the idea. The idea of being free and knowing we have done the right and proper task.

So, no matter what your age, That is a generation that will never go out of style!
It has never concerned me who is sitting in the Governor’s chair. I’ve only wanted great stride’s for West Virginia. The past three Governor’s have used ten of my idea’s. That tells me insight for the people is missing out of their thought process.

The next idea’s I will present to you will be exactly as the heading indicates-----An Apocalypse for West Virginia. Revelations to strengthen her.

West Virginia has grown to fast and unregulated. I want a better West Virginia. No changes--I wish to restore her. There is no “down side” to this state! But by giving the people hope, which sometimes will involve a “swift kick in the ass”, then this is a job I am well qualified for.

After you’ve read our revelations, then use our question and answer page for questions you may have.

So we hope you will join us. Because as stated before we the people---we are “the song inside the tune” and together we can make beautiful orchestrated music together!

Thank You,
Joseph A. Oliverio II