Allegheny Mountain Radio hosted Candidate Forums for the county and state election. County Commission candidates answered six questions asked by AMR Pocahontas County reporter Tim Walker and The Pocahontas Times reporter Suzanne Stewart.
Candidates began with an opening statement:
Question #1: Where do you stand on the Atlantic Coat Pipeline crossing through Pocahontas County?
Question #2: If a Birthplace of Rivers National Monument was to be considered for Pocahontas County, what conditions would you propose to ensure that residents will retain the same access to fishing, hunting and other recreational activities that they currently enjoy?
Question #3: With decreasing state funding due to the budget cuts in Charleston, which steps or ideas would you propose to keep the county budget balanced?
Question #4: With what issues do you most disagree with the current Commissioners on – in other words, what are they doing wrong?
Question #5: Which, if any, specific county agencies or programs would you seek to reduce or eliminate in next fiscal year budget?
Question #6: There is talk that because of state budget problems, the state parks may either eliminate or drastically reduce support for Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, Beartown State Park, the Greenbrier River Trail and Seneca STate Forest. What actions would you propose the commission take to attempt to prevent this?
Closing Statements: