Here are the questions we tried to get Moore Capito to answer

Mountain State Spotlight reached out to Moore Capito’s campaign several times requesting an interview, then sent written questions from our staff and our readers. The campaign did not answer the questions. Here’s what we asked:

Much of your career in the statehouse has focused on taxes and the business sector. As governor, how will you continue to foster a business-friendly climate, while still maintaining protections for workers and consumers in the state?

It’s no secret you come from a political dynasty. Do you have higher political aspirations than the current office you’re seeking?

You’ve received a good chunk of campaign contributions from the financial and energy sectors. How will West Virginians know you’re working for their interests, as opposed to your donors’ interests?

This is a question from our readers — how will you balance economic development with protecting West Virginia’s water, air and land quality?

Much of your career has been spent defending and promoting coal. Currently, there is a community in Wyoming County whose water is undrinkable due to either past or present coal operations. There’s also a legislative audit showing there’s financial issues with a state fund to clean up abandoned mines .  How do you intend to remedy the environmental degradation caused by coal while making sure the people who rely on coal for living aren’t left high and dry?

As governor, how will you make health care more affordable and accessible for vulnerable populations like the poor, women, seniors, people of color, people with disabilities and LGBT+ West Virginians?

As governor, one of your duties is to submit an executive budget for the Legislature to hash out. You’ve also expressed an interest in speeding up the income tax cut triggers that are currently the law of the land. As Governor, what would you cut and what would you save in terms of agencies and programming to keep a balanced state budget?

As Governor, will you continue the push you made several times in the state legislature for paid family leave for state workers?

This is one from our readers. How will you improve West Virginia infrastructure, including roads, broadband, water, gas and sewer? Can you tell us how you’ve made improvements to these sectors in the past?

This is also from our readers — what will you do to ensure housing is available and affordable to those who need it in West Virginia’s growing communities, such as Berkeley and Jefferson counties in the EP?

A lot of our readers told us abortion was a top issue for them. You’ve gone on record in support of the state’s current laws regarding abortion. What is your stance on other issues in regards to reproductive health, such as contraceptives and the morning after pill?

During this campaign, you’ve frequently touted your record on restricting access to puberty blockers for transgender minors and for preventing transgender children from competing in the sports of the gender they identify with. However, in 2019 you sponsored a bill that banned conversion therapy for minors in the state, which failed. Part of the covered minors in that bill included trans youth. How do you jive those two positions together?

Here’s another one from the readers — what will you do to support high-quality education in West Virginia?

Here are the questions we tried to ask Capito’s opponents — Patrick Morrisey and Chris Miller . Mac Warner is the only GOP gubernatorial candidate who agreed to a sit-down interview; you can read the transcript here.

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