Question #1: What kind of development do you see as appropriate/inappropriate for this county?  Please give specific examples. How would you directly involve yourself in development projects?

Gandee, Debra Jo Galford

Developing more tourism based businesses in this county is one of the most appropriate areas to start and maintain, but we must have diversification too.  As we grow our agricultural businesses, we need to provide commercial kitchens, canneries, meat processing plants, and distribution centers.  We have the opportunity of encouraging the development of micro-breweries using our pristine waters.  Grants are available now for county government to build technical centers that would further educate our citizens in needed employment areas.  I would meet with our state and federal agencies and representatives to further any of these plans and be open to other developments.  I would be willing to work with any of our entrepreneurs to provide advice and financial aid information, along with understanding our government policies and regulations.

Groseclose, Jesse A.

  1. I see any development that provides quality service and jobs to our community as appropriate; provided it does not negatively affect our environment, other industries or our quality of life. The service sector is one area that holds great potential for both job growth and business opportunities. We also need to better train our youth to become mindful stewards of our assets while having a positive economic impact on their lives. As commissioner, I would take every opportunity to promote healthy development in cooperation with agencies such as the Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation, The Board of Education, The Department of Agriculture and other vested local and state agencies.

Jamie Walker

Mr. Walker did not respond to Eight Rivers Council by the deadline.

Wilfong, Ben

To properly advance development in our local community we need a voice to advocate for them at the local and state level. I will be that advocate. The citizens of Pocahontas County have the right to economic growth (a strong economy creates jobs), to raise a healthy family, and lead a productive, fulfilling life. I envision an innovative, accountable county government that delivers on its public commitments smartly and transparently, while harnessing the power of technology.  Technology is crucial to the sustainability and growth of our community.   Lack of reliable high speed internet services has a direct impact on our schools and the services offered to students, businesses suffer and our opportunities for economic expansion are halted.  As a result, every citizen of Pocahontas County suffers.  I have helped lead efforts in our state legislature with Governor Tomblin, State Senators as well as the House of Delegates to bring a reliable high speed internet infrastructure to Pocahontas County as well as West Virginia as a whole.  I have been involved in efforts to bring additional businesses to Pocahontas County that utilize the resources we have here as well as serving on the Convention and Visitors Bureau to ensure that our tourism industry flourishes.  In addition, I will work to eliminate wasteful spending, continue to promote our tourism visibility, and continue to place an emphasis on promoting and growing current occupations that harnesses the resources right here in Pocahontas County.