This month, Mountain State Spotlight traveled to Pocahontas County to speak with residents in Cass, Hillsboro and Marlinton about what they want candidates to talk about as they ask for their votes.
Based on those conversations, we asked questions of Republican Jonathan Kyle and Democrat Dama Nestor as they run to represent the 66th House of Delegates district, encompassing northern Pocahontas County and southern Randolph County.
Kyle founded Mountaineer Insurance Services in 2006, where he serves as president. He also serves in various other roles in Randolph County, including as a board member for the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce.
Nestor, an Elkins native, worked as a medical transcriber in Washington D.C. for over 25 years until she retired. She has also volunteered for several organizations including the Women’s National Democratic Club. She did not reply to emailed questions.
Here are Kyle’s emailed responses to those questions edited for length and clarity:
While speaking to voters in your district, I heard many were concerned about rising housing costs and a limited supply of units for renters following the tourism boom. This issue is growing nationwide as there is not enough inventory. How do you propose addressing this housing shortage and unaffordable rent prices for residents?
Kyle: I recently read your article on housing in Pocahontas County and there certainly is a vastly different housing market near Snowshoe Mountain compared to other portions of Pocahontas County. Tourists and new people who are accustomed to much higher costs of living are moving into our area post-COVID and are having an impact on prices.
I am personally in the real estate investment business, and the feasibility of new developments is significantly hindered by the disparity between the sales prices and rental rates necessary for construction and the financial capacity of many local citizens.
This situation has resulted in a market dominated by older properties, which, while they carry their own charm, often do not meet the desires of prospective homeowners seeking modern amenities and energy efficiency. I have been working on this in the private sector over the last few years and will continue to focus on this from a government perspective once elected.
It is also crucial to recognize the strong cultural value West Virginians place on homeownership. Our state proudly ranks number one in the nation for homeownership, a testament to the deep-rooted connection our residents have with their communities. This commitment to owning a home reflects not just a desire for stability, but also a strong investment in the future of our neighborhoods.
Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts among local government, developers and community organizations to create viable solutions that can support both new construction and the needs of our citizens.
In Pocahontas County, residents said they wanted to see more funding poured into public schools. They said teachers in the district are underpaid, and students need more resources. How do you plan to bring more funding to public schools in the county?
Kyle: First and foremost, I recognize that our teachers are the backbone of our education system. They work tirelessly to educate and inspire our children, yet many are underpaid for their invaluable contributions. Additionally, our students deserve access to the resources and support necessary to thrive academically and socially.
To address these challenges, I believe we must critically examine the current state funding model, which has not adequately served our district. It is essential to advocate for reforms that ensure a more equitable distribution of funds, particularly for rural areas that often receive less support than their urban counterparts.
We need to identify opportunities to cut administrative costs without compromising the resources available in our classrooms. This means ensuring that our schools will have the necessary materials, technology, and extracurricular programs that enrich the student experience.
In addition to advocating for state-level reforms, I plan to continue to work closely with local stakeholders, including school boards, educators, and community members, to identify specific needs and explore alternative funding sources. This could involve pursuing grants, establishing partnerships with local businesses and engaging in community fundraising initiatives.
It’s also crucial to maintain safe and comfortable learning environments for our students. This involves not only adequate funding for classroom resources but also investing in infrastructure improvements to ensure that our schools are welcoming and conducive to learning.
Residents in your district said they wanted more options for grocery stores and small businesses throughout Pocahontas County. They said they often travel between 30 minutes to an hour to grab their essentials or watch a movie at a theater. How do you plan to bring more business into the county?
Kyle: We have witnessed the unfortunate trend of large chain retailers closing their doors due to the limited population base that cannot support their high overhead costs.
Amid these challenges, I recognize a significant opportunity in the growth of small entrepreneurial ventures within our community. These businesses often demonstrate resilience through innovation and possess lower overhead costs, enabling them to respond effectively to the unique needs of our residents.
By reinvesting local funds into our communities, we can create a stronger economic foundation that benefits us all, rather than allowing larger chain stores to draw resources away from our local economy.
To foster this entrepreneurial spirit, I am committed to advocating for increased tax incentives and well-structured grants that support the startup phase and early years of operation for small businesses. We already have local organizations such as Woodlands Community Lenders partnering with local lending institutions and working to assist new business startups and I believe we need to build upon this foundation.
I also believe it’s important to note here that it is essential for our citizens to actively support local small businesses. While these businesses may not always offer the lowest prices and often face challenges competing with online retailers and larger chain stores, they play a vital role in our community.
Local retailers contribute to the economic vitality of our towns and frequently provide unique services and products that larger corporations may overlook. By choosing to shop locally, we strengthen our community and help ensure a vibrant, diverse economy that benefits everyone.
Voters in your district said there was a lack of a diverse job market as seasonal jobs aimed at attracting tourists have become more in demand. How do you plan to bring more stable, diverse jobs to the county?
Kyle: While I wholeheartedly support and value the seasonal job opportunities that attract tourism, I agree that we must place greater emphasis on cultivating a more varied economy. A key challenge we face is the need to create a more willing workforce.
Many of our residents find that the benefits of government assistance can outweigh the income from available jobs, which hampers our ability to attract a stable labor force. The system needs some reforms, and I know I have a lot of experience to gain about how these systems function on the state and federal level once I get to Charleston.
To address this issue, I believe we should focus on supporting the startup and growth of small businesses that offer year-round employment. This can be achieved through targeted tax incentives and well-structured grants aimed at nurturing these enterprises during their critical early years.
Small businesses are the backbone of West Virginia’s economy, especially in rural districts like ours and they play a crucial role in providing stable, diverse job opportunities.
Together, we can build a future that offers a wide range of employment options, ensuring a more sustainable economic landscape.