Lori Rea for Delegate

AFL-CIO

lorirea — Tue, 04 May 2010 15:41:27 +0000

The AFL-CIO

I am thrilled to have been one of the candidates endorsed by the AFL-CIO Political Action Committee during the 2010 Primary season. In my candidate’s survey I explained my position by stating: “I’ll ensure that our workers who struggle and sacrifice can enjoy economic justice, decent wages and safe working conditions. We must protect jobs at every level and within every industry. We must hold companies accountable for their actions, and hold our government accountable for proper monitoring of their practices.”

I want to be clear that I am supportive of collective bargaining for public employees, despite having been misquoted in the past. As a first-time candidate my relationship with this organization continues to evolve. What is important to note is that this campaign and the AFL-CIO continue to work together toward strengthening common ground. While some philosophical differences do exist, we continue to actively work to maintain an open dialogue designed to eliminate these areas.

Our mutual goals and objectives are to ensure that our greatest treasure, our West Virginia work force, be valued with human respect and equality. As such, these workers should expect to be compensated by means of a decent wage, in a work environment that ensures their health and safety. My efforts in the Legislature will be aimed at achieving these goals.

Relief for Our Seniors

lorirea — Mon, 03 May 2010 14:38:41 +0000

There can be little doubt that we need to find some creative solution for the Homestead Exemption dilemma that exists in our state. Few issues better illustrate just how economically diverse West Virginia is than an examination of this property tax issue.

When first introduced, the original intent was to provide tax relief for those on fixed incomes and those with permanent disabilities. The homestead exemption lowers the assessed valuation of the real estate property prior to the tax rate being applied. In order for seniors to qualify for the homestead exemption, they must be 65 years old, own the home as of January 1st of the tax year, and use the home as their principal residence.

The homestead exemption removes $20,000 from the value of a qualifying residence. That saved West Virginia seniors approximately $22 million according to a 2009 Tax Department review. Unfortunately, when the law was written to exempt a fixed dollar amount, it failed to consider inflation and the associated impact on housing prices. Back in 1983 if someone bought their home for $25,000, the $20,000 savings seemed huge. Nowadays, with the average price of a home in Jefferson County around $295,900, the impact is diminished. So, why not just increase the amount eligible for exemption? Because the home prices in Jefferson County are the third most expensive in the state, while other counties have far lower values.

Let’s take a look at the opposite end of the economic spectrum. In McDowell County, as of February of this year, the average home price was less than $60,000. Many of those homes have a value of $20,000, or less. A $20,000 exemption means that some property owners would have no property tax bill at all. While this seems to make sense for impoverished seniors, it has the unintended consequence of leaving county government with little in the way of revenues with which to provide county services.

A look at the average home price on a county-by-county basis sheds more light on the issue. Where the homestead exemption covers most of the value for McDowell County senior residents, it is less than 7% of the value for those in Jefferson County. Statewide, the median West Virginia home cost stands at $150,000.

So how does this translate into property tax bills? Well, the average Jefferson County property tax bill currently runs about $1,200 a year. In McDowell County, where 37% of the population is at or below the poverty level, the average property tax bill is $60 per year. So the question becomes if the homestead exemption is increased, how would McDowell County fund their services? A homestead decrease could be devastating to county coffers because about 92% of any property tax savings comes at the expense of county services and the local school board. So when we scale up the homestead exemption to help seniors and the disabled, we need to be cautious that we don’t financially devastate county government.

It seems reasonable that the solution is to modify the homestead exemption and to base it on a percentage of the home value, as opposed to a fixed dollar amount. As a consequence, seniors in counties with higher home values could still proportionally realize savings without negatively impacting county governments in less affluent counties.

While this exercise focused on McDowell County, know that there are 256,000 seniors and disabled that live at or near at the poverty level in every county in the state. And, in growing areas like Jefferson County, we have elderly citizens who bought homes 50 years ago for a pittance. Those homes are now worth $250,000 and these folks are struggling to pay their property tax bills. Let’s modify this legislation and ensure that those on fixed incomes don’t have to choose between paying their property taxes and purchasing their prescriptions.

The Chronicle – Focus on Teamwork

lorirea — Mon, 03 May 2010 14:35:50 +0000

We had the most interesting Meet The Candidate event last week. As usual, a dozen residents gathered with me in a living room to explore the most pressing issues in Jefferson County today. I could sense they grew agitated as the conversation swung from farmland protection, to educational enrichment, to transportation questions. There was a general sense of weariness that settled on them, as they considered the wide scope of improvements that we need to effect, in order to create that Brighter Future for Jefferson County that I always speak about. I could feel their frustration as the number of issues mounted and the tasks, in total, seemed overwhelming.

I reminded them that we could not delay that first step, just because the journey seemed arduous. I agreed that it was indeed a lot to tackle. But, I reassured them that I am unafraid of the challenge. In fact, I am eager for us to begin because I am confident of the outcome.

That conversation was not at all unlike this series of articles that I’ve been writing about in The Chronicle. Taken one at a time, the issues cause us to consider our position on how to go about fixing the school calendar or refining the Homestead Exemption. But if you take in the full 360 degree view, all at once, it can seem too daunting. Rather than shying away from it however, I suggest we stop and contemplate just how critical this process is to our future.

The state of affairs today is the result of doing not nearly enough. We know where continuing that trend will lead us. I vote that we try something new. I’m willing to lead that effort if the people of Jefferson County are willing to help me. I do not profess to have every answer on my own. But I am supremely confident in our collective ability to repair our roads, to remove our snow, to educate our children and create smart, gainful employment for our workforce. And, I believe we can accomplish all of that without sacrificing our skyline to black, glass buildings and urban sprawl.

I believe that we can retain our farms and utilize them to provide better nutritional meals for our school children. I believe that we can create employment opportunities for our graduates that will allow them to settle right here in Jefferson County, as they prosper personally and professionally. I am confident that we can share our rich culture and priceless heritage with visitors, all the while fiercely protecting it for future generations. I have a strong conviction that we can put health and safety at the forefront of all our decisions, while clinging to that small-town uniqueness we treasure so desperately.

I know that these are huge goals we share. Less capable and committed people would probably back down. But I also know that to not shoot for the moon will be a mistake. We are smart enough, resourceful enough, and dedicated beyond belief. This is our moment. The Census will position us with a new political base, allowing us to leverage state resources to maximum Jefferson County benefit. But in the end, it is always leadership that determines how resources are utilized to our greatest advantage. Together, we can do this. We can be effective in accomplishing this critical transition. Now is the time.

The Chronicle – Focus on Debates

lorirea — Mon, 03 May 2010 14:34:28 +0000

It’s that time in the current election cycle, for the great debates! Each week the candidates are invited to participate in a debate that allows them to present their position on issues before groups of voters. Debates are an opportunity for the voters to compare, on a side-by-side basis, how candidates would correct the failing road fund, or diminish the number of uninsured motorists, or create more educational opportunities.

At each debate, I suggest that the voters have an even more important consideration to weigh than just agreement on issues. Voters need to also consider effectiveness. They must have confidence that the candidate can achieve the desired change. What good does it do to agree with a candidate on every single issue, if the candidate cannot convert opinion into legislative success? If the Delegate is ineffective, agreement doesn’t really matter.

So how do we measure effectiveness? Traditionally, by examining their legislative record of performance. When a Delegate (or Senator) introduces legislation, they attach their name to that bill as the sponsor. Sometimes, several Delegates work together on the same piece of legislation. In that case, all names are attached to the legislation and they serve as co-sponsors. In the WV House of Delegates, up to seven Delegates may jointly sponsor a bill. While all Delegates get to vote on the passage of the bill, only the bill sponsors are considered to have advanced that legislation. The successful accomplishment belongs to the sponsors.

So how can you gauge legislative effectiveness? The WV Legislature web site [http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Status/bill_status.cfm] shows each legislator’s performance during the session. You can enter a Delegate’s name and see a list of the bills they sponsored during the session. Using Delegate Lawrence from the nearby 58^th District as an example, she put forth forty-seven pieces of legislation during the last session. Of those bills, ten were advanced. Typically, only 10% of all the bills put forth are advanced. So, Delegate Lawrence had outstanding effectiveness.

But what about the more established Delegates with years of experience behind them? Experience does not necessarily equate with effectiveness. Delegate Doyle from the 57^th District put forth seventy-one bills last session, but only advanced one. That was the least effective performance of any legislator in the Eastern Panhandle.

Both at the debates and in recent newspaper ads, we’ve been told about the success of the Eastern Panhandle legislative team on specific bills. And certainly, working as part of a team is an important element of success. But a closer look at the facts will show that not all of the Delegates mentioned are really listed as the bill sponsors. Delegates with less effective performance records claim credit for bills that others sponsored. This is an illusion, much like a magic trick. It is an attempt at success by association.

So if you get the chance to attend an upcoming debate, ask each incumbent to quantify their effectiveness. For those candidates never elected before, ask what programs they have effectively advanced at the grassroots level. It’s probably the closest comparison you can make.

Remember, we are electing Delegates and Senators to create and advance legislation that serves our people. If they cannot successfully pass legislation, they are not being effective. Being ineffective diminishes our access to the fullest possible representation. It limits our success in Jefferson County. Your vote for Delegate or Senator should be about electing someone who can be effective in advancing our legislative interests. Anything else is just political mumbo-jumbo.

The Chronicle – Focus on our Future

lorirea — Mon, 03 May 2010 14:31:40 +0000

In West Virginia, we like to congratulate ourselves for having fewer fiscal woes during this difficult economic period than the surrounding states. While “they” wrestle with massive budget deficits, our immediate adjustments have been considerably less severe. Understanding why we are better off will sound a bit like a good news/bad news explanation. But hopefully, it will illustrate the pressing need to implement changes that can lead our state toward a brighter future. In other states, personal incomes have dropped dramatically of late. As many American households became temporarily subsidized by unemployment compensation, tax revenues and government services have required similar downward adjustments. With less money available, state governments have been forced to diminish services or to borrow federal money to maintain them. In West Virginia, our personal incomes have remained relatively stable. How can this be? The bad news is that the answer lies in the source of those incomes. Unfortunately, an unusually large share of our personal incomes stem from entitlement programs. Because so many of our counties have a profile of older, less-wealthy citizens, who in many cases are disabled, these citizens rely more on program payments for income, than the more typical employment source. The good news? Well, thus far, federally funded programs have not been diminished to the point that entitlements have been slashed. As a consequence, our personal income levels have remained stable. While West Virginia has been insulated thus far, imagine the potential longer term consequences. If our national economy cannot be stabilized soon, federal programs will by necessity have to be decreased. The fiscal consequences will be dramatic. Even as the economy begins to turn around, our recovery will be substantially slower. In those other states, citizens will return to the workforce and again generate increased incomes. State revenues will climb and “their” programs will recover. Entitlements are never a path to prosperity. They are certainly contribute to survival for those in need, but that is vastly different than a flourishing, thriving, state economy. As a consequence, our recovery will be slower to happen, while still leaving us vulnerable. If West Virginia remains at the bottom of the poverty list, or the list that gauges the percentage of those without college degrees, in effect, we diminish our greatest asset – our human capital. If West Virginians think coal is king, I’d suggest that people are the real resource that makes everything else happen. So, how do we improve our vitality? By strengthening our weaknesses. That includes improving citizen health and safety; decreasing poverty; protecting our environment; and enhancing education. Does your legislator put forth bills that address the barriers to a healthier, more-stable economy? If not – why not? The status quo is inadequate and we can do better. We must demand of ourselves excellence in everything we do. We must encourage business development at every turn; treat education as a top priority; and get our citizens healthy and fit. Then, we will prosper.

The Chronicle – Focus on Voting Options

lorirea — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:34:43 +0000

The Chronicle – April 2, 2010

Last week we took a look at the structure of our political districts and precincts in Jefferson County. So hopefully, everyone is ready to head to the polls for the primary election. It will be held on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 and the polls are open from 6:30 AM until 7:30 PM. But what if your schedule doesn’t allow you to be there that day? Are you unable to cast your vote? What if you are a new voter – or just new to this state? Let’s take a look at the voting requirements and how we can ensure that everyone who wants to vote, gets a chance to do so.

Only registered voters may cast a ballot for any election. In order to be registered, you must be a US citizen who is at least eighteen years of age on or before the next General Election (November 2, 2010). You must be a permanent resident at an address located in Jefferson County, West Virginia. Because voting is a privilege, those currently under conviction, on probation or on parole for a felony, treason, or election bribery, may not cast a vote. Also, those deemed mentally incompetent by a court are prohibited from participating in an election. If you have any question about voting, visit http://www.jeffersoncountyclerkwv.com/voter_registration.html.

If you haven’t registered to vote yet, how do go about it? Well, you need to do so before April 20, 2010. The County Clerk serves as the chief election authority for all Jefferson County special and regular elections. The Clerk employs over 200 citizens as election officials who work at the polls on Election Day. But the Clerk’s office needs adequate opportunity to complete voter registration to insure that every name is listed on the proper voting precinct. And that takes time. So voter registration must be stopped in advance of election day to allow for this administration.

You may register to vote in person, at the county clerk’s office at 100 E Washington Street in Charles Town. You will be asked to present a photo ID and a document containing your current physical address. This can include a utility bill, bank statement, checkbook, paycheck, or a government issued document. You may also register by mail by downloading an voter application. But you cannot transmit your form electronically. You must mail it to the Clerk’s office at Voter Registration, PO Box 208, Charles Town, WV 25414.

Now that you are registered, what if you’re in the military? Or work out of the area? Or have difficulty getting to the polls? Well there are several other ways to cast a vote. Those with a legitimate reason for not being able to get to the polls on May 11th, can take part in Absentee Voting. Absentee Ballots have restrictions intended to protect the sanctity of the voting process because an Absentee ballot is issued outside of the tightly-controlled polling protocols.

Acceptable reasons for an Absentee ballot include: travel; educational attendance; incarceration or detention (aside from the conditions mentioned earlier); uniformed service member, spouse or dependent; overseas voter; or illness, injury, or medical confinement. Or, employment where hours worked or distance from the county makes voting in person impossible. Finally, if the polling place or county courthouse is inaccessible to you, you may also request Absentee voting privileges. In many of these cases, you must be able to provide confirmation of your inability to vote in person with supporting materials.

Typically, Absentee ballots are sent out 42 days prior to the election. Completed, or voted ballots must be received by the clerk‘s office no later than the Friday after the primary election.

Finally, if you do not meet any of the Absentee voting restriction, but still have problems getting to the polling precinct on election day, you may participate in Early Voting. This effort allows citizens an extended voting period that operates between April 21^st and May 8^th. In order to participate, you must appear at the Jefferson County Courthouse from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Monday through Friday. Election officials will verify your inclusion on the polling roster and issue you a ballot. You move to a temporary voting station in the Courthouse and complete and cast your ballot. Early voting will also be offered on some Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the County Clerk’s Web site for dates.

Regardless of which method you use, the most important reminder is: exercise your privilege as a citizen in good standing by casting a vote. Your vote is your voice. Don’t be silent

The Chronicle – Focus on Open Spaces

lorirea — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:30:21 +0000

The Chronicle – April 9, 2010

Can you imagine a more beautiful place than Jefferson County in the Spring? Mother Nature has popped and the fields, hillsides, valleys, all along the river, every aspect of nature has come to live. Driving past all this beauty reminds me how lucky we are to have such open spaces to enjoy. One of our challenges will continue to be, “How do we keep it that way?”

Since this is Census time, I’ll admit that I was amazed to learn that a Census of Agriculture is also maintained. On a regular and recurring basis, important facts concerning each county’s farmland are recorded and analyzed. By examining the changing elements of family farms, our government is able to ascertain shifts in the agricultural industry.

The sustainability of our agricultural areas and open spaces are key issues related to the farming industry. More importantly, the preservation of these various sectors, such as livestock and other agricultural businesses, have a huge impact on our ability to protect our open spaces. In short, if we want to retain our farms and open spaces, we must ensure that these farms can operate as profitable businesses. They must be able to generate an income capable of supporting the farmer, their family, and the employees who work there.

Back in 1974, the agricultural census showed that Jefferson County had 434 farms. Over the next twenty years we lost over seventy-five of them. And, during that same period, the average farm size (based on number of acres) decreased by almost 25 acres.

So suddenly, local farming and orchard operations take on a whole different sense of importance. These vital operations, including thoroughbred horse breeding and training, dairy farming and other supporting agricultural businesses, all contribute to the Jefferson County economy.

In West Virginia, the horse industry alone is a major economic engine. It includes a variety of profitable businesses which have become a catalyst for growth. Did you know that we also maintain statewide horse inventories? I didn’t. According to the WVU Equine Inventory, there are 7800 horses devoted to horse racing and racehorse breeding alone in the state. In fact, West Virginia is one of several Mid-Atlantic states with long histories in the horse industry. Back in 1997, West Virginia ranked 24^th in thoroughbred foal crop registrations with 194 foal births. In ten short years West Virginia had climbed to 12^th position in the nation with 654 foal births. By comparison, during the same period, Maryland had a net change of -31.9 and Virginia had a net change of -22.2 in foal registrations. The thoroughbred industry accounts for countless jobs, as well as having a substantial impact on our state economy.

The key to keeping farmers on their land is to insure that their operations remain economically viable. Experts agree that vibrant agricultural industries help farmers to see greater value in retaining their land for agricultural use. These agriculture assets are an integral part of our Jefferson County economy, landscape and natural resource base.

The added benefit is an ancillary improvement to our environment. As the Jefferson County population continues to grow, protecting farm land with farm related industry becomes a critical factor in sustaining our rural legacy. So what can you do to help? Buy local. Support local produce, dairy, meat, mulch, pumpkins, trees, even corn mazes. And, next time you meet a farmer, says thanks and let them know how much you value what they do for our county!

The Chronicle – Focus On Issues

lorirea — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:26:31 +0000

The Chronicle – April 16, 2010

During the church sermon this morning we were asked to pray for the families of the coal miners. I got to thinking about what a tightly woven community little Montcoal, WV is, and what a devastating impact this tragic event will have on all their lives. And, as sermons are meant to provoke reflection, it got me to thinking about our own community.

Prior to this campaign I believe I thought of “us” primarily as a county – with a single county identity. The joy of this experience has been that I got to meet and discover the identities of all the small, special places that make “us” Jefferson County. Sleepy little Shenandoah Junction with their farming legacy. Bolivar, nestled up against her more widely known sister, Harpers Ferry. Skeetersville; Walpers Cross-Roads; Bakerton, Uvilla and the entire River Road path. Even within little Shepherdstown are the East End and West End communities with their own flavor and concerns.

Each of our small towns have a history; a story; an issue. Each is so unique and distinctive – so tightly woven. This journey has exposed the different issues each of our towns hold as important. Another surprising adventure, I must admit. My visits with families in Gap View taught me how many of them live there because of the proximity to our transportation network. Hop on the train, or head across the bridge toward a job each day in Maryland. For them the issues revolve around the stability of MARC train access; gasoline prices; the choke hold of the bridge into Maryland.

All around Route 340, water issues take center stage. Concerns over the recent flooding of the river. And many people, not just those on The Mountain, who feel they pay top dollar for water which they find too distasteful to drink. So they augment their monthly water utility bills with the addition of bottled water for cooking and drinking.

Standing on their doorstep, when I asked about their concerns, the people in Norwood talked about taxes and tea parties, and the double dipping of rental housing taxes that diminishes affordable housing in Jefferson County. I met teachers who had lost their passion for educating, but couldn’t find another job. In Shenandoah Junction, folks told me they wonder whether to pass their farm on to their children, or await the market’s recovery so that they can sell their only real family asset. In Uvilla, an elderly woman baby sits for her granddaughter’s baby, so the girl can work a second job just to pay the rent and buy baby formula.

Are you thinking that the common thread for each of these families, in each of these towns, is unhappiness? Not at all. Despite their specific issue, or their personal tragedy, each one of these people still believes it is possible for them to achieve the American Dream. They press on with their efforts and they tell me to do the same. They tell me they believe it is possible for me to help resolve these issues for Jefferson County.

Throughout this process I’ve come to trust in our capacity to proceed with a common vision that allows us to offer representation of all the voters, in all these small towns, confronting all these issues. As we cure the transportation choke hold, and clean up the water issues. As our economy recovers and the real estate market slowly rights itself. Other issues will appear on our Jefferson County radar screen to take their place of prominence for some time. But as long as we hold tightly together as a community, like Montcoal, we will survive. If you keep the lines of communication open – I promise to keep listening. I’ll shed some light on what matters to you and see if we can’t find a fix for it. That’s my promise.

Thanks To Our Volunteers

lorirea — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:20:31 +0000

I cannot imagine a successful campaign that did not have a strong group of volunteers at its core. The Rea For Delegate campaign is no exception. Our team hit the streets on April 10th and visited many Jefferson County neighborhoods. We spoke with voters to learn of their issues and ask for their support. The response was overwhelming! But it was only possible because students and citizens came together in a living civics exercise.

Who? Rea! Canvas Team - April 10, 2010

We’ll be headed out to additional neighborhoods on April 24th, May 1st and May 8th. So why not come and join us? It’s a wonderful chance to meet new people, have some fun and explore our local political issues.

The Potters Bowl

lorirea — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 21:47:38 +0000

March 5th was a busy night at the Shepherdstown Fire Hall when our community came together on behalf of the Good Shepherd Caregivers. Culinary artists created their soup masterpieces in the kitchen. Our talented local potters crafted beautiful bowls for the soup. The community donated auction items to raise funds for this very worthwhile non-profit organization. A great time was had by all. If you missed it this year, I promise you should watch for it next year.