Amy Nichole Grady (I)
Leon
Education: Marietta College / West Virginia University
Occupation: Teacher
Gazette Opinion:
Q: What would you do to ensure that West Virginia protects communities from adverse environmental and public health impacts of the rising natural gas industry?
A: To protect our communities from environmental and public health impacts associated with the natural gas industry, we need to make sure we are doing consistent testing and monitoring of BMPs (best management practices) and innovative technologies to ensure they are operating as intended to minimize health risks. Also, we need to make sure the land is reclaimed to its original state.
Q: What legislation would you push to diversify West Virginia’s economy?
A: A diversified economy opens doors for providing goods and services that communities need. In order to do that, it all begins with education. We need to establish a dedicated fund for workforce training in economic sectors that are important to this state.
Q: How should West Virginia fund PEIA?
A: PEIA can be funded by an increase on the gas severance tax (a tiered rate) or by requiring major pharmaceutical companies to pay a tax on each narcotic pill prescribed by a doctor (taxing would minimize the companies "pushing" narcotic prescriptions and could be a start to stopping prescription drug abuse).
Daily Mail Opinion:
Q: Do you support the current practice of "civil asset forfeiture," whereby state law enforcement can seize property from citizens even if they are never charged with a crime?
A: I do not support the current practice of "civil asset forfeiture." Unless a person has been proven guilty of a crime and/or using the property for criminal activity, his property should not be seized under the assumption of guilt.
Q: Should West Virginia join the 43 other states that allow students to attend public charter schools?
A: No. Charter schools are publicly paid for, but privately ran. There are too many questions about charter schools' practices, transparency and lack of accountability. Traditional public schools' laws and public meetings allow citizens to have a say in how their children are educated and how their tax dollars are spent.
Q: Should the severance tax on natural gas (currently at 5 percent) be raised, lowered or kept the same?
A: The severance tax on natural gas should be raised to at least 71/2 percent. Doing this can increase revenue for our state. However, when increasing the severance tax we do need to consider a tiered tax rate to protect the smaller, local oil and gas companies.
