Can coal come back to West Virginia, or do you have to look for alternative industries? The history of our state is that we’ve been extracted and don’t have a lot to show for it. Coal will be a part of West Virginia, and the trick is getting Environmental Protection Agency approval on mines. We do have more coal to be mined. But when you have a federal government that wants to sit on permits, or deny permits, or not let you open up mines, you’ve got a problem. We do have several active mines that are doing a great job. We are still one of the top coal producers in the country. But we actually can do more if we get smart and we get creative. And there are rare earth elements in West Virginia. I believe that we can leverage all of our resources to make West Virginia the state in the union with the cheapest power in the country and use that for the foundation of all of our economic growth and development. And I’m talking about a 50 to 70% reduction in power costs and using that as something that not only drives the economy but is something that is good for everyone. A business will look at West Virginia as having incredibly low taxes, low regulatory barriers, and very, very cheap power as a place to come. And if you think about older West Virginians, if you cut their power bill by 50 to 70%, you’ve done something impactful and meaningful for them. That’s more money they have in their pockets to take care of their grandkids. More money to do things inside of the local economy. More money to do anything that they need. That’s what I think is the great leveling game changer: leveraging our assets to do something to drive economic growth and development for everybody. What do you do outside of politics and business? My wife, Cassie, and I have three children. I box. I was rated number one in my age and weight class and division in USA Boxing in 2022. I’ve now hung up the gloves because that was the deal I had with my wife; apparently, fighting made her nervous as can be. So I hung up the gloves to run for governor, but I still train and workout and spar. My family has a history of boxing, and I love the sport. Any final thoughts or messages? Watch out. We are breaking away as we speak. And we’ve got some very fun creative advertising and marketing out there that is going to be very different than what politicians have provided when it comes to communicating with voters. As an auto dealer, you assuredly have that creative ace up your sleeve. As auto dealers, we’re good at marketing. And an election is a marketing contest. Save the Date! HRADA Charity Golf Tournament Grab a Foursome or Become a Sponsor Today! Ford’s Colony Williamsburg, VA Tues. May 7, 2024 Scan the QR code to sign up! vada.com 11
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