Roads 

Improving the condition of roads in District 76 requires a multifaceted approach, combining advocacy, legislation, oversight, and community engagement. Jon Dodds is committed to the following strategies:

 

Advocacy and Legislation:

Raise Awareness: Jon will highlight the poor road conditions at every opportunity, including floor speeches, committee meetings, and media appearances, to keep the issue at the forefront of political discussions with other legislators.

Propose and Support Legislation: He will introduce or co-sponsor bills that allocate additional funding for road repairs and maintenance, especially in rural areas, and advocate for changes to funding formulas that currently favor urban areas.

Seek Federal Funding: Jon will collaborate with the state's federal delegation to secure funding from programs like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) for critical road projects in the district.

 

Oversight and Accountability:

Hearings and Investigations: If necessary, Jon will support hearings or investigations into the state's Department of Transportation (DOT) and other agencies responsible for road maintenance to identify inefficiencies or mismanagement and hold officials accountable.

Monitor Budget Allocations and Project Progress: He will track how funds are being allocated for road projects in the district, ensuring promised improvements are being made, and stay informed about project timelines to hold contractors accountable for delays or subpar work.

 

Community Engagement:

Meet with Constituents: Jon will hold town hall meetings and public forums to hear directly from residents about their concerns with road conditions, allowing him to tailor his advocacy efforts to the specific needs of his constituents.

Work with Local Officials: He will collaborate with county commissioners, mayors, and other local officials to identify priority road projects and coordinate funding efforts, ensuring that state and federal funds address the most pressing needs.

 

Prioritizing the Worst Roads:

Identify Critical Roads: Working with local officials and citizens to identify the most critical roads in need of repair, Jon will ensure that limited resources are used effectively and targeted where they are most urgently needed.

Advocate for Needs-Based Repairs: Jon will push for a needs-based repair schedule, prioritizing the worst roads first to enhance safety and make a tangible impact for residents.

 

Targeted Patching vs. Full Repaving:

Flexible Approach: Jon will advocate prioritizing short, critical sections of heavily damaged roads for patching while considering full repaving where necessary for long-term durability and cost-effectiveness.

 

Innovative Solutions:

Explore Alternative Materials and Methods: Jon will encourage the exploration of alternative materials and construction methods, such as recycled materials, pothole-filling technologies, and preventative maintenance strategies.

 

Transparency and Accountability:

Increase Transparency: Jon will advocate for greater transparency in how road construction and maintenance budgets are allocated and spent, through public reports, hearings, and supporting legislation for increased disclosure from the Department of Transportation.

 

Economic Impact:

Highlight Economic Benefits: Poor road conditions negatively impact the local economy by deterring businesses, increasing transportation costs, and hindering tourism. Jon will use data to quantify this impact and advocate for improved infrastructure to boost the economy.

 

Staying Informed and Engaged:

Ongoing Education: Jon will stay updated on transportation infrastructure developments, funding opportunities, and best practices while maintaining regular communication with constituents about his efforts and being open to feedback.

 

By combining these strategies, Jon Dodds aims to significantly improve the condition of roads in District 76, ensuring safer and more efficient transportation for all residents.

 

Crime and Drugs

Legislative Action:

Advocate for Stronger Laws: Jon will push for legislation with stricter penalties for drug trafficking, ensure needed funding for drug treatment programs, and expand resources for law enforcement to effectively combat crime and drug issues.

Support Existing Programs: He will ensure adequate funding and resources for existing programs such as community policing initiatives, rehabilitation centers, and educational programs aimed at preventing at-risk youth from getting involved in drugs and crime.

Propose and Support Bills: Jon will introduce or co-sponsor bills that address specific aspects of the problem in the district, working to gather support from colleagues and advocate for their passage.

 

Community Engagement:

Public Forums: Jon will work with local legislators and groups to host town hall meetings and other public forums to discuss crime and drug issues, hear community concerns, and gather local input on potential solutions.

Collaborate with Community Organizations: He will work closely with local police, addiction treatment centers, social service agencies, and other organizations on the ground to address the issue comprehensively.

Raise Awareness: Jon will partner with local media outlets and community leaders to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs and crime and educate residents on available resources and support services.

 

Building Connections:

Work with Other Delegates: Jon will collaborate with delegates across districts to build consensus and develop multi-pronged legislative approaches to the problem.

Connect with State and Federal Agencies: He will collaborate with relevant state and federal agencies to leverage additional resources and expertise to address crime and drug issues in District 76.

Seek Expert Advice: Jon will consult with criminologists, addiction specialists, law enforcement officials, and other experts to ensure proposed solutions are evidence-based and effective.

 

Initial Action Plan:

Target Crime-Ridden Areas: Jon will meet with city and town councils and citizens to identify and document high-crime areas. This information will be used to prioritize resources and efforts effectively.

Quarterly Law Enforcement Meetings: Jon will work with law enforcement leaders to hold quarterly meetings with the sheriff and city and town police chiefs to build a coalition of cooperation, share information, and strategize on targeted actions to reduce crime and drug abuse.

Broader Engagement: He will involve community organizations, neighborhood watch groups, and businesses in the affected areas to create a comprehensive understanding and approach to the problem.

 

Additional Strategies:

Innovative Policing: Jon will encourage the adoption of modern community policing techniques and data-driven crime prevention strategies to enhance law enforcement effectiveness.

Holistic Approach: Including social services, mental health professionals, and addiction specialists in the coalition will help address underlying issues contributing to crime and drug abuse.

Track Progress: Jon will implement mechanisms to monitor and adjust strategies based on their effectiveness and feedback from the community and law enforcement.

 

By combining these strategies, Jon Dodds aims to create safer communities in District 76, addressing crime and drug issues through legislative action, community engagement, and building robust coalitions. This comprehensive plan ensures that every step is actionable, realistic, and targeted towards making a significant difference.

 

Rising Costs 

 

Tax Relief and Financial Incentives:

Jon aims to push for tax cuts for families and small businesses, alleviating financial burdens and promoting economic freedom. Additionally, he will advocate for property tax relief, particularly for low-income families and seniors, to effectively manage housing costs.

 

Regulatory Reforms:

Jon will prioritize streamlining regulations for businesses to reduce operational costs and foster a more business-friendly environment. He will also work to expedite permits for energy projects, increasing domestic energy production and lowering energy costs.

 

Supporting Workforce Development:

Jon fully supports expanded vocational training and apprenticeship programs, equipping workers with skills for higher-paying jobs. He will also offer incentives for companies creating jobs in high-need areas to reduce unemployment and stimulate local economies.

 

Healthcare Cost Management:

Jon seeks to expand access to telehealth services, decreasing healthcare expenses and improving healthcare access, especially in rural areas. He advocates for transparency in healthcare pricing to empower consumers and lower overall healthcare costs.

 

Enhancing Food Security:

Jon supports local farmers markets and food hubs to enhance access to fresh, affordable food and bolster local agriculture.

 

Domestic Energy Production:

Jon advocates for responsible domestic energy exploration and production. He will promote policies supporting West Virginia's energy industry, emphasizing job creation, energy independence, and national security interests.

 

Infrastructure Investments:

Jon will support upgrades to transportation infrastructure, including roads and public transportation, especially in areas struggling with fuel costs. Additionally, he will advocate for investments in energy infrastructure, such as pipelines and distribution networks, to enhance energy reliability and affordability.

 

Research and Development:

Jon will advocate for investments in research and development of innovative energy solutions, particularly in clean coal technologies. He will promote partnerships between government, academia, and industry to drive technological advancements and economic growth in West Virginia's energy sector.

 

Jon Dodds' commitment to promoting domestic energy production and infrastructure investments reflects his dedication to addressing the root causes of rising costs and fostering economic growth and stability in District 76. By advocating for responsible energy policies and strategic infrastructure investments, Jon aims to create a more resilient and prosperous future for West Virginia, ensuring affordable energy and reliable transportation for all residents. These initiatives align with his principles of fiscal responsibility, economic freedom, and national security, demonstrating Jon's proactive approach to tackling the challenges facing the district and the state.

 

Freedoms and Liberties 

 

Jon Dodds believes that our freedoms and liberties are the bedrock of our democracy, rooted in the principles of our Founding Fathers. As a constitutionalist and fiscal conservative, Jon is dedicated to ensuring that the government remains by the people and for the people. He emphasizes that our rights do not come from the government but from our Creator, who made all men and women equal.

 

Jon is unwavering in his commitment to the Constitution and the protection of all its amendments. He believes in standing for the flag and kneeling before God, honoring the values that define our nation. The First Amendment is paramount, and Jon staunchly defends freedom of speech, insisting that even speech we disagree with must be protected to safeguard our own rights.

 

Religious freedom is a sacred right that Jon will vigorously defend. He is committed to ensuring that no individual or organization faces persecution, cancellation, or discrimination because of their beliefs. Jon believes that protecting religious liberty is essential to maintaining a free and just society.

 

The Second Amendment is equally crucial in Jon’s view. He sees the right to bear arms as a fundamental safeguard against both criminal and tyrannical threats. Jon believes that law-abiding citizens should never have their rights infringed.

 

Jon Dodds stands firm on the belief that protecting our freedoms and liberties is not just a political duty but a moral obligation. He is committed to defending the values that make our nation strong and ensuring that every individual's rights are upheld and respected.

 

Business and Jobs

 

Jon Dodds is committed to fostering a thriving business environment and creating quality jobs in District 76 and for West Virginia. He understands that economic prosperity is the backbone of a strong community, and he has a clear vision for driving growth and improving livelihoods.

 

Reducing Burdens on Small Businesses

Jon believes in reducing the regulatory and tax burdens on small businesses to allow them to flourish. By cutting red tape and lowering taxes, he aims to create a more business-friendly environment where entrepreneurs can innovate, expand, and create jobs.

 

Supporting Local Workforce Development

Investing in education and workforce development is crucial. Jon advocates for programs that provide vocational training and apprenticeships, ensuring that residents have the skills needed for high-demand jobs. He supports partnerships between local businesses and educational institutions to align training programs with market needs.

 

Infrastructure Improvements

Improving infrastructure is vital for economic growth. Jon is dedicated to securing funding for critical infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and broadband internet. He strongly supports the completion of Corridor H and the expansion of Route 68 to the Ohio Valley, two projects projected to bring billions into West Virginia’s economy. These improvements will not only create construction jobs but also make the district more attractive for businesses and investors.

 

Fostering a Diverse Economy

Diversifying the economy is key to long-term stability. Jon aims to attract a variety of industries, from manufacturing to technology, to ensure a robust and resilient economic base by advocating and supporting policies that incentivize diverse business investments in District 76.

 

Addressing Job Losses and Economic Disparities

Jon is aware of the economic disparities within the district and the challenges faced by those who have lost jobs due to industry changes. He is committed to supporting retraining programs and job placement services to help displaced workers transition into new careers.

 

Conclusion

Jon Dodds' commitment to business and jobs is clear: by reducing regulatory and tax burdens, investing in workforce development, improving infrastructure, and fostering a diverse and innovative economy, he aims to drive economic prosperity and improve the livelihoods of all residents in District 76. As your representative, Jon will work tirelessly to ensure that the district remains a vibrant and prosperous place to live and work.

 

Education 

 

Education is the cornerstone of our society, yet we are facing significant challenges in our schools. As a community, we've witnessed a decline in student enrollment, with many parents opting for homeschooling due to concerns about the direction of education. Safety is a top priority, not just from external threats but also from internal issues such as bullying. It's imperative that our schools provide a safe and nurturing environment for all students.

 

Jon Dodds believes in a balanced approach to education, focusing on preparing students for success in STEM fields—science, technology, engineering, and math. He envisions schools that nurture innovation and critical thinking, equipping our students to be the best and brightest in an increasingly competitive world. Education should focus on imparting knowledge, logic, skills, and critical thinking, ensuring that every student has the tools to succeed.

 

While we have many dedicated teachers, the education system is facing a crisis with a shortage of qualified educators. Jon recognizes the importance of retaining talented teachers and creating a supportive environment for them to thrive. He also acknowledges that there are challenges within the teaching profession, including individuals who may not perform at their best or who prioritize personal ideologies over student success. Jon is committed to addressing these issues and fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and respected.

 

In addition to academic excellence, Jon emphasizes the importance of vocational training and preparation for trades. He believes that every student should be prepared to enter directly into trade or vocational training or to pursue a traditional college path without the need for remedial classes. Furthermore, Jon advocates for leveraging technology and online resources, such as Khan Academy, to support struggling students and ensure that no one falls through the cracks.

 

Looking to the future, Jon sees open-source textbooks as the way forward, eliminating the economic cost and ensuring that students have access to up-to-date and relevant learning materials. While the transition may begin at the collegiate level, Jon believes that ultimately, open-source textbooks will benefit students at all levels of education.

 

Jon also recognizes the importance of engaging with constituents, including parents, students, and educators, to understand their concerns and priorities related to education. By listening to their feedback and concerns, he can better represent their interests and advocate for policies that address their needs.

 

In summary, Jon Dodds is dedicated to ensuring that our education system prioritizes safety, academic excellence, and practical preparation for the future. By addressing issues such as bullying, promoting STEM education, supporting good teachers, and engaging with constituents, Jon aims to create a positive learning environment where every student can thrive and succeed.