1. Over the past few years, mountaintop removal coal mining and the related valley fills has become a widely debated public issue. What is your position on removing the tops of ridge-lines and mountains, then filling valleys with rock and dirt from coal mining?
I’m from the coal fields of Eastern Ohio. Ground water pollution is the problem. Deep mining has less damaging results. We have over 200 years of coal and gas reserves in the state of Ky. Let’s give business credits to spark investment.
2. Currently, over 92% of Kentucky’s electricity comes from burning coal. Kentucky’s electricity rates have also risen 41% over the last five years. What is your vision for Kentucky’s energy future? What energy policies would you support or propose?
Again, coal is one of our largest assets. High sulfur content is the problem with the EPA. Precipitators to reduce external air pollution will work. More coal production and natural gas.
3. In 2005 the legislature made many changes to Kentucky’s tax code, including a provision that exempted people living below the federal poverty line from paying state income taxes. But on average, Kentucky’s state taxes still disproportionately impact lower- and moderate-income families. According to the Institute for Taxation and Economic Policy, the lowest earning 60% of tax filers pay, on average, between 9.5% and 11% of their incomes to state and local taxes, while the wealthiest 1% pay around 6%. Do you believe Kentucky should bring more balance to our state tax structure? What policies would you support or propose related to taxes paid by low-wage workers?
Lower taxes allow more money for an individuals cost-of-living. Paying on an ability to pay is right, but I advocate no increase of taxes for individuals & businesses. We need to cut spending.
4. The Kentucky General Assembly last year faced a budget shortfall of $742 million. They chose to fill this gap by enacting the 11th round of budget cuts for the state since 2007. Most state agencies were cut by 8.4% and higher education was cut by 6.4%. Over the last four years, many state agencies have been cut anywhere from 20% to 38%. What is your position on these cuts and whether additional tax dollars are needed to fund education and other public services?
This problem is due to decling revenue. Allow Casino Gambling to go on the ballot for a yes or no vote by the Commonwealth. An option for county to opt out if necessary. Look how this has worked in Indiana.
5. Kentucky is one of the four most difficult states for former felons to apply and receive their voting rights back. Over 186,000 Kentuckians have lost their right to vote because of our disenfranchisement laws. What is your position on the issue of restoring voting rights for former felons?/p>
If they paid their debt to society and are rehabilitated some cases should be allowed. Murderers and rapists no-way.
6. Undocumented immigrants are a growing part of Kentucky. Some Kentuckians claim that undocumented workers are problematic because they take jobs and government services needed by citizens. Other Kentuckians say that immigrant communities make substantial positive contributions to our state and that their needs are just as important as citizens’ needs – and furthermore our economy couldn’t function without them. What is your stance on immigration and undocumented workers?
Everyone needs to be registered. Illegal aliens are a substantial drain on public services, schools & hospitals.