Voters Guide November 4, 2014 Wood County WV
WV State Senate, 3rd District, House of Delegates, Districts 8, 9, & 10
This candidate information is brought to you by the League of Women Voters of Wood County as a public service. Candidate responses are printed exactly as received, including spelling, grammar and content. Candidates’ responses were limited to 60 words.
CANDIDATES FOR WV STATE SENATE, DISTRICT 3
(District 3 includes Wood, Wirt, Pleasants and part of Roane Counties)
CANDIDATE: DAVID NOHE
Party: Republican
Biography
Married to Pamela (Daggett) Nohe 33 years. Presently WV State Senator 3RD District.
Former Mayor of Vienna/ 1997 to 2012. Former detective w/ W.C. Sheriffs Dept. Trained in dangerous drugs and narcotics by US Dept. of Justice/ DEA. WV Real Estate Broker/ Past President Of The W.C.P.B. of Realtors. Currently Licensed Contractor/ Master Plumber
1. Do you support the WV Department of Education’s Next Generation Content Standards and Objectives, West Virginia’s plan to implement Common Core? Explain.
Response: I can’t honestly answer that question to my constituents when the curriculum wasn’t properly vetted, had no input from WV or local teachers in our county, or our elected legislators? Over half the states that adopted CC currently have looked at legislation to de-fund, slow, or stop CC. Without transparency, it appears Common Core is becoming a Common problem.
2. What needs to be done now to prepare West Virginia for the time when its economy is less dependent on extractive industries?
Response: We need to put funds from the gas and oil industry in to savings. We need to learn from the experience of what took place in our southern counties when we didn’t prepare for a day when coal might not be mined and make sure we take a percentage of the profits.
3. What solutions would you offer to deal with drug abuse problems in West Virginia?
Response: Educations has to be the key for reducing drug abuse effectively. Being sent to prison and then being released back into society without guidance or education is a formula for disaster! Our revolving door is not working.
CANDIDATE: ROBIN WILSON
Party: Democratic
Biography
I graduated from Glenville State in 1988 with a degree in Biology and Social Studies Education. I’ve been a teacher and social worker for at-risk youth, done community development projects through the Benedum Foundation, helped start a small business, grown lots of vegetables, and installed home solar power. I feel blessed living with our good neighbors and beautiful hills. www.wilson4wvsenate.org
1. Do you support the WV Department of Education’s Next Generation Content Standards and Objectives, West Virginia’s plan to implement Common Core? Explain.
Response: As a teacher, I support the Common Core Standards for giving more value to problem solving and analysis, not memorizing facts. However, test scores usually reflect wealth and privilege. Schools from low income neighborhoods need resources to compensate for inequalities, not punishments based on testing. Our students prosper with joyful, creative classes, not fear based teaching to the test.
2. What needs to be done now to prepare West Virginia for the time when its economy is less dependent on extractive industries?
Response: A strong economy needs manufacturing. Germany has grown its manufacturing sector with support for education, $ 250/semester for higher education, support for solar and wind power – now producing ¼ of their power – and unions on corporate boards. A prosperous economy has well paid workers, high minimum wage, equal pay for women, and regulations for clean water and air.
3. What solutions would you offer to deal with drug abuse problems in West Virginia?
Response: People abuse drugs to kill pain. We need to return to a war on poverty. The war on drugs has failed us. Treatment, not jail time, is cost effective and humane. Our legal system is bogged down with marijuana violations. Marijuana legalization, as in Washington and Colorado, creates tax revenue and saves money in the legal and prison systems.
CANDIDATES FOR WV HOUSE OF DELEGATES, DISTRICT 8
(District 8 includes Williamstown and northern and eastern areas of Wood County)
CANDIDATE: BILL ANDERSON
Party: Republican
Biography
Born: Parkersburg, WV . Education: Graduate Williamstown High School, Marshall University, BA, West Virginia University, MA. US Air Force Vietnam veteran. Retired teacher. Elder: Williamstown Presbyterian Church. Member: American Legion Post 159, Wood County Farm Bureau, West Virginia Education Association. Elected to House of Delegates 1992-2012. Minority chair of House Finance Committee.
1. Do you support the WV Department of Education’s Next Generation Content Standards and Objectives, West Virginia’s plan to implement Common Core? Explain.
Response: I have major reservations. Common Core standards being implemented by the WV Department of Education represents increased federal government invasion of education. Providing education is among the reserved powers of the states under the 10th amendment to the US Constitution. By offering funding to states if the adopt the Common Core standards the federal government is effectively nationalizing public education.
2. What needs to be done now to prepare West Virginia for the time when its economy is less dependent on extractive industries?
Response: Recent reforms of taxes has helped increase the attractiveness of West Virginia for business investment. Additional tax reforms, as well as legal reforms are needed to move our state forward. Infrastructure improvements will make West Virginia more attractive for investment. The high tech corridor from Morgantown to Clarksburg needs to be replicated in other parts of the state.
3. What solutions would you offer to deal with drug abuse problems in West Virginia?
Response: Drug abuse must be confronted by enforcement and prosecution of drug dealers. We need to take steps improving economic opportunity. These steps would combat the feeling of hopelessness by some individuals which can lead to drug abuse. Specifically, tax and legal reforms, coupled with citizens receiving education and/or workforce training would create a climate encouraging investment and job creation.
CANDIDATE: DENZIL “BUDDY” MALONE
Party: Democratic
Candidate did not reply
CANDIDATES FOR WV HOUSE OF DELEGATES, DISTRICT 9
(District 9 includes southern Wood and all of Wirt Counties)
CANDIDATE: ANNA BORDER
Party: Republican
Biography
Born in Parkersburg, resides in Davisville. PHS and WVU graduate; BS in elementary education/science. Appointed and elected to seat vacated by late husband, Larry. Serves on Health and Human Resources, Government Organization, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Senior Issues Committees. Mother of 3, grandmother of 8. Former Chaplain WVFRW. Trustee at Word of God Ministries. Married to Roger Sheppard.
1. Do you support the WV Department of Education’s Next Generation Content Standards and Objectives, West Virginia’s plan to implement Common Core? Explain.
Response: No. This did not go through the legislative process. There is no pathway for science and currently, the highest level of math is Algebra II. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) need to be emphasized to compete internationally. Assessment results on individual students is too accessible by too many.
2. What needs to be done now to prepare West Virginia for the time when its economy is less dependent on extractive industries?
Response: Encouraging private investment through legal reform, eliminating tax on inventory and equipment, establishing intermediate court of appeals with an automatic right of appeal, requiring non-partisan election of judges, requiring a Jobs Impact Statement on legislation and periodic review of the effectiveness and impact of regulatory requirements.
3. What solutions would you offer to deal with drug abuse problems in West Virginia?
Response: Stiffer penalties for abusers and suppliers, especially when children are involved; encourage increased community vigilance through rewards for information leading to arrests and convictions, with such rewards to be paid out of fines paid by those convicted; fund rehab centers with fines from those convicted of drug charges; charge abusers room, board and medical fees to use the facility.
CANDIDATE: JIM MARION
Party: Democratic
Biography
Age 61 wife Jan, children John & Jamie, grandchildren Lauren & Zach, graduate PSHS 1 yr. at WVU, have lived in Mineral Wells 31 yrs., retired delivery driver from UPS 27 yrs., work part time at Lowes.
1. Do you support the WV Department of Education’s Next Generation Content Standards and Objectives, West Virginia’s plan to implement Common Core? Explain.
Response: I do not think these education goals have been fully investigated so I would not support them as they now stand.
2. What needs to be done now to prepare West Virginia for the time when its economy is less dependent on extractive industries?
Response: We have to adjust our spending as we get less revenue, whether it be coal, gas, or casino. The job force has to be able to shift to other well paying jobs.
3. What solutions would you offer to deal with drug abuse problems in West Virginia?
Response: Legalize marijuana and get tax money from it to treat abusers, harsher sentences for dealers and crack makers.
CANDIDATES FOR WV HOUSE OF DELEGATES, DISTRICT 10
(District 10 includes the cities of Parkersburg and Vienna and extends south to Washington and Lubeck)
CANDIDATE: MICHAEL AZINGER
Party: Republican
Biography
I am a 1983 graduate of Parkersburg High School, and am married to my high school sweetheart, Jackie. We have three children. I am a Bible college graduate and have many years of experience in business, sales, and political consulting. I also hosted my own daily radio talk-show that dealt with politics, culture, and current events from a biblical perspective.
1. Do you support the WV Department of Education’s Next Generation Content Standards and Objectives, West Virginia’s plan to implement Common Core? Explain.
Response: The problems with Common Core are large and are legion: a simple math problem, 9+6, takes an entire minute to calculate; CC seriously erodes parental authority; CC includes strong sexual content for children as young as four, etc. America decided one day, years ago, prayer and God were no longer essential, and we have been adrift in education since.
2. What needs to be done now to prepare West Virginia for the time when its economy is less dependent on extractive industries?
Response: Assuming a defeatist posture and acquiescing to the anti-capitalist EPA by saying we will no longer dig for coal is not a winning attitude. West Virginia has a long, proud history as a coal state-we should fight and defeat the EPA! Coal is a wonderful, plentiful, God-given resource that should forever remain a proud West Virginia resource.
3. What solutions would you offer to deal with drug abuse problems in West Virginia?
Response: Encourage stronger families; promote marriage; and get churches more involved with addicts, and vice versa. Also promote free-market principles like low taxes and regulations to improve our economy so some people on the cusp of despair, who might otherwise be saved from drugs and alcohol by a good job, can be turned in the right direction.
CANDIDATE: FRANK DEEM
Party: Republican
Biography
Frank Deem born in Harrisville, WV Attended Ritchie County public schools, Mountain State Business College, WVU, BS Degree major in Petroleum from Marietta College. Served in House & Senate, perfect attendance 74th legislature. Independent oil & gas producer, after years of working in oil & gas fields with his father. Married to wife Rebecca, they have eight children. www.Frankdeemwv.com
1. Do you support the WV Department of Education’s Next Generation Content Standards and Objectives, West Virginia’s plan to implement Common Core? Explain.
Response: If it supports a strong effort to teach reading, writing and arithmetic, I would say yes but, if the State Board of Education explains it as dummying down I would say no. My wife, a retired teacher and our daughter at Williamstown, an elememtary teacher, are not really sure what Common Core is trying to promote
2. What needs to be done now to prepare West Virginia for the time when its economy is less dependent on extractive industries?
Response: According to the Federal Energy Information Administration “in 2040 the world will still use coal, oil and natural gas for 80% of its energy needs” With the recent increased production of oil and natural gas from horizontal wells, the US has become less dependent on foreign supplies. It is impossible to predict where future supplies will come from.
3. What solutions would you offer to deal with drug abuse problems in West Virginia?
Response: I believe improving our economy and greater job opportunities for young people would result in less need for the use of drugs.
CANDIDATE: JOHN R. KELLY
Party: Republican
Biography
Educated Wood County Schools, Graduated Mountain State College, AAS; PCC (WVU-P), AAS; Glenville State, RBS. US Air Force veteran. Retired DuPont. Served on Council, 85-96, 2013-Present. Council President, 3yrs; held VP, Chairmanship of Public Works, Finance, and Personnel Committees. Five years on Area Roundtable. Various Civic and Fraternal organizations.
1. Do you support the WV Department of Education’s Next Generation Content Standards and Objectives, West Virginia’s plan to implement Common Core? Explain.
Response: I do not support Common Core. WV should shift more to local control of our schools. Programs such as No Child Left Behind, Race to the Top, and Common Core continue to erode our educational system. Less focus on high stakes testing. Every student is not college bound, and more focus placed on vocational career building and skill related education.
2. What needs to be done now to prepare West Virginia for the time when its economy is less dependent on extractive industries?
Response: WV should continue development of wind and solar for future energy sources, and current technology for oil and gas (shale) must continue. Marcellus and Utica shale, if properly managed holds the key to energy independence in the US for the next 100 years. Marcellus contains 489 Trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas. As technology increases, recovery rates will also increase.
3. What solutions would you offer to deal with drug abuse problems in West Virginia?
Response: WV is in need of drug treatment facilities to deal with addiction issues that plague our state. Law enforcement does a good job dealing with reducing the availability of prescription drugs, however cheaper heroin has become the alternative. This has changed the game for addicts. Treatment and education are the necessary steps for solving this problem.
CANDIDATE: PAUL E. MILLER
Party: Democratic
Candidate did not reply
CANDIDATE: DAN POLING
Party: Democratic
Biography
I am a lifelong resident of Wood County. I have served in the House of Delegates for 8 years. I am currently Chairman of the House Industry and Labor Committee and also serve on the Finance Committee.
1. Do you support the WV Department of Education’s Next Generation Content Standards and Objectives, West Virginia’s plan to implement Common Core? Explain.
Response: I do not support the Department of Education’s plan. I wouldlike to see the plan come before the Senate and House of Delegate Education Committees for our review and input.
2. What needs to be done now to prepare West Virginia for the time when its economy is less dependent on extractive industries?
Response: We need to start to attract new types of business and industry to the region in order to have a diversified economy.
3. What solutions would you offer to deal with drug abuse problems in West Virginia?
Response: The drug abuse problem needs to be dealt with by prevention, education and rehabilitation programs. We have to properly fund these programs so they are successful. All dollars spent towards these efforts save money in the long run.
CANDIDATE: DON STANSBERRY
Party: Democratic
Biography
I have taught in Wood County for 31 years. College degrees: Master’s/WVU in Communication Studies, BS/Business Administration, BA/Elementary Education, minor in Political Science — Fairmont State. I’m in the MOV Sports HOF and awarded Outstanding West Virginian from Governor Caperton. I have 5 published books; the last of which won the London and Indy Book awards.
1. Do you support the WV Department of Education’s Next Generation Content Standards and Objectives, West Virginia’s plan to implement Common Core? Explain.
Response: Because it’s already in place, so I will have to support it. It’s basically the same as before. In a few years it will change again. What’s missing in all this testing is the human element. Look at the people who were most influential in your education. Was their focus on the test scores? There’s much more to education.
2. What needs to be done now to prepare West Virginia for the time when its economy is less dependent on extractive industries?
Response: I think we need to look at some areas that have been successful in the state and try to reproduce what they are doing. The area between Clarksburg and Fairmont has had huge growth in recent years. We need to see why WV was attractive to these companies and what we can do to expand this trend.
3. What solutions would you offer to deal with drug abuse problems in West Virginia?
Response: This has been an increasingly difficult problem since the 60’s. The overwhelming majority of people incarcerated are there because of drug charges. The financial burden is huge. I think we should look into a technology system similar to the ankle bracelet. Longer sentences with greater monitoring and tracking can help apprehend repeat offenders.
Voters Guide Wood County WV Legislature Nov 2014 website.docx