• 54th District
• Non-Incumbent
• jaluoni24@aol.com
• 3045460198

1) If Amendment 2, “Property Tax Modernization Amendment”, on the General Election ballot passes in November, would you support eliminating the inventory tax and exempting tangible machinery and equipment directly used in business activity from personal property taxes? If so, how should the State assist counties and municipalities with the lost revenue that would come from the Legislature changing the tax code? If you do not support amending these taxes, please explain why.

I support Amendment 2. I also support eliminating the inventory tax and exempting tangible machinery and equipment directly used in business activity from personal property taxes. The State Senate has issued a well-developed and plan that will result in more revenue to each county than they are currently receiving from these taxes. Eliminating this tax will make the state more attractive to business and industry and give the counties more tax dollars. West Virginia is one of a few states that still has this onerous tax on business and that is the reason why I support eliminating this tax.

2) What do you believe are the biggest issues hindering business and population growth in West Virginia, and what could the Legislature do to address these challenges?

Business taxes are too high. Our broadband infrastructure is lacking. To address these, the Legislature can lower business taxes, remove unnecessary regulations, make sure we have low-cost reliable energy available, and more aggressively use our 6 billion dollars from the Federal Infrastructure Act for better broadband access and road repairs. The State should also accent the local colleges and our Bridge Valley Technical Center for workforce development. These business-friendly policies and legislation will encourage more businesses and entrepreneurs to locate in West Virginia.

3) What should the State be doing to provide more support and assistance to its Capitol City Area?

The State Commerce Department should look to promote the Capital City Area, by accenting the transportation advantages, such as the interstates, Yeager Airport, water and rail transportation. The State should follow through with needed road repairs in Kanawha City and along the Interstate 64 Bridge. I also support the Legislature mandating tougher penalties for violent crime, property crime, and drug dealing to make the area a safer place for everyone.