Arnoldsburg: Balancing worries about inflation and energy transition with hope for the next generation

ARNOLDSBURG — Tuesday morning was filled with errands for Kenneth and Debbie Arnold. After trekking to their local polling place, the couple of nearly 48 years spent time plucking cardboard portraits of Calhoun County High School’s senior class out of their church’s front lawn.

“We always put their pictures in the yard,” Debbie said. “They’re getting ready to mow, and we have to give the pictures to the kids Thursday.”

The Arnolds are proud of and excited for the graduating class, even though they know it’s not easy to be a young person right now. Debbie worries about how increasing prices — something she and her husband have noticed more now that they both have fixed incomes — will impact all central West Virginians.

“Everything’s so high,” she said.

Mountain State Spotlight reporters are traveling around the state, asking West Virginians what’s on their mind this primary election day. To read other stories from this series, click here.

Kenneth is concerned about how the transition to green energy will impact Calhoun County. He used to work as a well servicer, and their family once owned some gas wells.

He says he isn’t opposed to renewable fuels, but he wants the shift to be done with care for people producing the energy.

“It’s definitely coming over the years,” he said. “But they’re wanting to do it in a short period of time, and that’s not going to happen.”

But even so, the couple still thinks it’s possible for the class of 2024 to thrive, as long as the new adults listen to their hearts and follow advice from trustworthy leaders.

Arnoldsburg: Balancing worries about inflation and energy transition with hope for the next generation appeared first on Mountain State Spotlight , West Virginia's civic newsroom.