Joseph Oliverio for Governor of West Virginia

Judging a Book by it's "Cover"

2006-06-22T10:41:00.000-04:00

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

2006-05-03T12:56:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-29T10:02:00.000-04:00

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?

2006-04-17T18:16:00.000-04:00

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"

2006-04-12T21:16:00.000-04:00

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

2006-03-29T09:06:00.000-05:00

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

2006-03-29T09:01:00.000-05:00

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

2006-03-29T08:56:00.000-05:00

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

2006-03-29T08:46:00.000-05:00

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

2006-01-02T13:02:00.000-05:00

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

CONSOLIDATING SOUTHERN COUNTIES FOR HUNTING

2005-12-30T13:01:00.000-05:00

I offer this plan of county consolidation as a way to bring new revenue to our state coffer’s. But also to be a cost reduction to all tax payer’s via government job eradication. Of the nearly 70,000 state employees, this plan will eliminate between 1,200 to 1,500. Just a start to my overall goal to completely eliminate 16,000 to 20,000.

Effected entire counties: Lincoln, Mercer, McDowell, Wyoming, Roane, Logan, Mingo and Monroe.Effected partial counties: Putnam, Kanawha, Raleigh, Summers, Wayne, Greenbrier, Fayette, Nicholas, Clay, Braxton and Randolph.

Through this plan a yearly savings in government related costs of $134 million should be realized. Less government equals less restrictions and costs.

With the re-introduction of Elk, along with Big Horned Sheep and “other” native, yet re-introduced species of animals, then hunting and fishing revenues -- one of our states largest draws -- will multiply tenfold from $3 billion it does now to $30 billion.

Tourism jobs should be expected to more than double from 105,000 present to 300,000.
Now, add in the middle of this a “Native-American” run casino. And with the added tax revenue of both industries, it should be evident our overall tax base lowers drastically.

With tourism offering the outside world our West Virginia beauty through hiking, camping, skiing, whitewater rafting, boating, kayaking, our regular hunting and fishing and in conjunction with my plan of big game hunting and the Native-American casino, then our dependence on coal will be severely lessened. And perhaps to the point where coal mining is no longer needed.

Saving the beauty of West Virginia should not just be a goal of mine, but a goal for all future West Virginian’s.

MERIT BASED PAY FOR THE EDUCATOR

2005-12-30T12:58:00.000-05:00

Traditionally our West Virginia public school systems have based an educators pay on years of service rather than the achievements their students have accomplished in the classroom. Nor to the effect on their stature after graduation.

I feel there is a new and more effective way to award “merit bonuses” to the teacher that makes an impact on our school aged children.

Administered, and most importantly, monitored properly and fairly, merit pay would be an excellent incentive to compensate our educators that strive to achieve the improvement of our students learning capabilities and abilities.

I have discussed the scenario with teachers, principles and administrative heads of their fears that the principle -- who would ultimately be in charge of the merit bonus recommendation -- would favor certain teachers, effectively limiting other teachers.

The plan I offer will successfully address those and other concerns fairly:

HIGHER OBJECTIVE STANDARDS

We frequently require more testing on our children with new types of modern and up-to-date exams and techniques. I feel that in this new day and age administrators can quantify how much knowledge an educator invokes into their students.

Proven facts show that better teachers require better pay if retention is the ultimate goal. So based on performance, ones pay can and will change results-minded legislators to approve individual merit bonuses.

A report by the Boston based non-profit group named fittingly --The Community Training and Assistance Center -- released results of a Colorado merit pay experiment that let the teachers set their own goals to boost their students performance. The end conclusion was that it worked very well there. So why can’t it work here for our children?

Another solution would be to make merit pay part of a larger salary reward system which monetarily fulfills the educator in those hard-to-find mathematics and science teachers. Which once again, in my opinion, is the very near future of the ever changing and evolving education system to prepare these young men and woman for the future.

Something new is definitely needed when the retention of our teachers is the main goal. We must use the financial security of merit based bonuses as a monetary award to retain those educators that push our students to the next level and certainly to heights and aspirations. But also to attract the next generation of upcoming teaching graduates that harbor similar wants and goals for our children.

A TAX BREAK FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS

2005-12-30T12:56:00.000-05:00

I would like to see legislation enacted upon that would deal with giving a “tax break” to all volunteer firefighters, personnel, administrators and even secretaries that work so hard for the people on a free basis.

These are the unsung heroes that put their lives or safety on the line every time they receive a call. No matter the circumstances, --fire, flood, or even “little Suzie’s” cat that may be stuck in a tree -- on a moments notice, they are always there for us.

A tax break for these brave men and women would benefit their and our circumstances and would work on a two fold basis. What they would save from this proposed tax break would most likely be put back into their volunteer station or at least their respected community.

I feel with proper documentation, and of course a receipt to prove of the transaction, that the gear necessary, such as boots, shirts, pants, firefighting apparel or whatever they felt was needed to function at their volunteer work, should be considered as a state and federal tax write off.

Also to be allowed under my proposal would be their gasoline, diesel, or fuel that enables them to get to and from their station or disaster scene, and some mechanical work -- say at least one tune-up per year. And of course a percentage of mileage incurred on the vehicle they use for your counties safety issue’s.

I have met secretaries that have purchased on their own pens, paper, even typewriters and desks, to outfit an office for that ‘air of respectability’ purposes. And as I have already stated, with the proper receipts, these items should qualify as a tax write off under my proposed legislation.

We have taken advantage of the volunteers kindness, hard work and dedication for way to long. Let us justify the safety issue and reward them with a tax break that says simply thank you and we appreciate you.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION RATE REDUCTIONS

2005-12-30T12:52:00.000-05:00

“ A PRO-CON THEORY ”

Slicing workers’ compensation premiums has already been proven tat a plan as such can work. This was accomplished in the 1970’s by the Arch Moore Administration. And I would like to do likewise with minor changes towards progress. I will go one step further in all directions, starting with a 30% cut in rates paid for immediate relief for business.

The initial loss of revenue will be swiftly made up by the additional workers hired by business owners, public and private alike. Thus, bringing in approximately 35-45% in more overall revenue. These “extra” monies should be pledged towards lowering the workers compensation costs even further after we devote a 75-25% cut to pay down the $ 3.6 billion + debt now incurred upon us. Naturally, with the 75% going towards the debt. This will also add sovereignty. And believe me when I say, “I will not let those legislator’s think this is play money as they now do”.

So what was once a deterrent, will now be an asset to all business’s from established, well-regarded firms to newcomers with no previous track record. As long as they want to create a good paying job for the people of West Virginia, then I fell as Governor we must do everything in our powers to assist them. And this is a big start in the proper direction.

Also greatly reducing the deficit will be the fact the big corporations that owe this state tens of billions of dollars---will be in fact collected by me, your Governor, live and in person. Sorry big boys, but I will demand an enhanced economy for all. Not just a few!

Other savings that will help: Expel, penalize, heavily fine and jail doctors, lawyers and health care providers who submit fraudulent or exaggerated billings. These leaches have sucked enough economic blood from our system and it is time to end it!

We also need scrutiny, to make sure those truly injured workers receive the benefits they deserve and have coming to them. Without so much government hassle.

The creation of a civilian management board, to make a concerted effort needs to be in place to legitimize the new system of which I write. They should have the power to make a realistic decision for the injured worker immediately. This should also protect the worker as well as the employer.

Then we create a regulatory board of prison held C.P.A.’s, Banker’s, Auditor’s, etc, to look over both the workers’ compensation revue board and the civilian management board, with incentives towards “time-off” for good behavior for captures or other wrong doings uncovered. Birds of a feather………

DRUG TESTING IN OUR SCHOOLS---FOR TEACHERS

2005-12-30T12:50:00.000-05:00

Lately with so many ugly and hideous incidents coming to light about our teens, and in some cases, our pre-teen school children being sexually, physically and mentally abused by teacher’s. I feel it is time for “mandatory” drug testing for our teachers.

There has been an arsenal of terrible reasons to formulate and enact drug testing to protect our young innocent children. And that is a sad commentary to face up to!

We need to be definitive in our attitudes and declarative about the educator who would do these injustices. We are when are children are drug tested. And the teacher is no higher authority to think that they are above the law.

There should be a concentrated effort to rid the “vermin” from the truly honest and hard working teacher.

Stopping the recent resurgence of child abuse is a cause that even the ‘staunch’ type teacher would agree needs to be rid from our society. This message must be loud and clear and direct to the point. Dangerous consequences await if we do not act soon!

A safe haven is how we should feel when our children walk out that door every morning to go to school. And they should feel the same on their return trip home at night.

Any teacher caught supplying drugs or alcohol to any student should face a much stiffer penalty than the drug dealer nabbed with in the same boundaries that are written and present laws.

A BETTER “RIGHT TO WORK” COMPROMISE

2005-12-30T12:47:00.000-05:00

With better paying job creation my number one priority, then “right to work” legislation is sorely needed to progress The Great State of West Virginia into the next millennia and beyond for the future.

To create a “regulated growth environment”, our lawmakers should pass a right-to-work law. Some of the lawmakers will say it would cost them an election victory. Not with the JOSEPH OLIVERIO plan!

A NEW AND NEEDED TWIST TO ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE

To save the legislator’s ‘some face’, why not try this approach to the ‘touchy’ subject.
The Union’s feel “right-to-work” is a colossal threat. Done properly with my plan more union worker’s would be added to their ranks. These new ‘hires’ would be seasoned professionals.

HERE IS HOW THIS WOULD WORK

As a right-to-work employee---After you are employed for five continuous years, lets say as carpenter, then you would automatically qualify to join the union. Which would pay a higher hourly return versus right-to-work wages or salary. We use the ‘right-to-work’ as a training ground to gain experience in the specified work field.

A certificate of verification would have to be formed. With your past employers signature to authenticate for time put in. The time is now to grasp this window of opportunity.

The best part of this idea would be that our former West Virginia brothers and sisters that have left this state, can now return to work here. They will bring back all kinds of working experiences.

And with three+ decades of construction under my belt, then I know you cannot beat experience in the labor force!

So experience and a business friendly climate equals a win-win situation for everyone.

CONSTRUCT NURSING COLLEGES HERE IN WEST VIRGINIA

2005-12-30T12:38:00.000-05:00

Construct three state nursing colleges here.

With the overabundance of shortages in the nursing field now reaching epidemic proportions, now is the time to construct three nursing colleges here in West Virginia.

And with the drastic need for nurses nationwide, then securing federal funding should be easy, providing the next leader of the great state of West Virginia selects administrative members with those proven, hard working west virginia work ethics!

Elderly and retirees gyrate towards states with good health care providers. It is also a proven fact that for every one hundred retirees that relocate to any given community, that seventy good paying jobs are permanently created. To me that is self reliance.

Other facts:

126,000 total united states number of shortages in nursing
91% of hospitals, senior living facilities, skilled nursing units or home health agencies are drastically understaffed.
75% of graduates of nursing colleges stay in the local area after graduation.
50 people a minute need immediate health care.
30% reduction in local medical and health care related costs.
3 state colleges can be erected here at no cost to our taxpayers.
#2 -- the rank the state of florida holds for medium age population.
# 1 -- the rank west virginia holds in medium age population!

REDUCING WASTE BY REDUCING ELECTED OFFICIALS

2005-12-30T12:34:00.000-05:00

When the West Virginia State Constitution was drawn up there were no roads, and limited communications. Everything was done by horse and buggy and word of mouth.

Fast forward to the twenty-first century. We now have four-lane highways, two-lane paved roads, telephones, television, radio, newspapers, and the internet.

All of which proves my argument that it should only take one State Senator and one County Commissioner per county to take care of the needs of the people in that county.

Which now brings us to the House of Delegates members. For the reasons stated in the above first two paragraph’s, smaller counties can make do with two House of Delegate members. And the few larger counties we have could get by with four members.

Thus, eliminating in-fighting, long overdrawn out sessions and especially ‘extra called sessions’.
Once again this will allow the taxpayers money to spent on more needed area’s.

And the savings from the elimination of the elected officials will be my way of dropping and reducing the cost to due business, for West Virginia companies only, in our state.

ELIMINATING THE STATE POLICE AND THE D.N.R.

2005-12-30T12:32:00.000-05:00

I see no useful purpose for these two agencies in the West Virginia government system. They are nothing but a drain on our state budget and our state tax payer’s. The lawsuits that these “running amok” agencies have amassed over the years would fill ten yearly state budget’s.
When have you ever seen a state police officer or an Department of Natural Resource officer do any good for anyone? But how many times have you read headlines in your local newspaper where these two agencies have brought lawsuits upon themselves through utter stupidity? These lawsuit’s have cost this state hundred’s of millions of dollars in settlements. This alone should be enough reason to call for the elimination of these two sectors.

These are position’s that can be easily handled by your local county government. Which in turn keeps more economic dollars in your county. It also brings a familiarity of people and their trait’s to a more down to earth level. With a home town awareness to local situations.
With more of your local law enforcement in place, with men and women that know the surroundings and situations, then this will bolster your community back together. And everyone knows that a strong community is a great place to raise a child and keep families together.