Here are the questions we tried to get Del. Paul Espinosa to answer

• The Eastern Panhandle has long experienced growth, while other parts of the state have seen population declines. However, there’s concern by residents I spoke with about whether or not the infrastructure – not just roads, but sewer, water, even the number of grocery stores – are able to keep up with the growth. As a state lawmaker, what have you done and what else will do if you’re sent to Charleston again?
• Speaking with long-timers in the Panhandle, there’s some mixed feelings about all the growth and the folks moving in from elsewhere. While most feel positive about the economic progress, there are some reservations about having the culture and the history of the area washed away. As a state lawmaker, how have you helped preserve the history and culture of the Eastern Panhandle while making sure growth is not hampered? What do you intend to do if elected to this position?
• Cost of living is a huge issue in the Eastern Panhandle – not only for housing, but even for essentials such as gasoline and food. I spoke with one young married couple who would be out on the street if it weren’t for a family member taking them in. I spoke with another guy who struggles to make ends meet, even though he was able to buy a house before interest rates rose. What have you done as a state lawmaker to make sure these hardworking people can continue to survive and thrive in the Eastern Panhandle? What do you intend to do if sent back to Charleston?
• State, county and municipal taxes, as well as local fees, were brought up in my discussions with people in the panhandle. As a state senator, what do you intend to do to continue reducing the tax burden on people who might be struggling to make ends meet?
• I also heard concerns about the youth in the Panhandle not having enough to do. While there’s certainly options like Little League and Girl Scouts, these programs typically cost money. As a state lawmaker, what have you done to support recreational and community opportunities for kids who might be from a low-income background? What do you intend to do to make sure there’s good opportunities for all kids?
• While all the focus might be on the new money flooding into Berkeley and Jefferson counties, there’s quite a few people who are being left behind. I observed people sleeping on the sidewalk in downtown Martinsburg. As a state lawmaker, what have you done to keep these folks from slipping through the cracks? What do you intend to do if elected to this office?
• Solar panel compounds are a hot button issue, particularly in Jefferson County. I attended a town hall on the matter last week and heard many concerns from the public, ranging from broader opposition to the Green New Deal to concerns about possible contamination to the land to the lowering of property values. Realistically, what, if anything, is your role to address these concerns?

Here are the questions we tried to get Del. Paul Espinosa to answer appeared first on Mountain State Spotlight , West Virginia's civic newsroom.