Dear Friends and Supporters,

Newsletter June 21, 2010     Issue 7

A Lot to Celebrate

There sure is a lot going on.  We hope everyone had a great Father’s Day.  Summer began today and today was the 147th anniversary of the establishment of West Virginia as a state.  Our state is unique in many ways.  Happy Birthday to wild wonderful West Virginia!

Greetings!

Summer time is generally not a time when most folks focus on political races.  However, this is the time when it most important to build the foundation for a successful campaign.  A big thank you! to all of the volunteers that have joined us already.  We have a great team and it continues to grow.    Please email me or call me if you have some time to help in the effort: simon@simonfordelegate.com or (304) 591-8610.  We have a winning strategy, but we need your help to execute it.  (We also need financial contributions – please see below).

Our campaign is focusing on jobs, taxes, the economy and education.  Further, I believe that we can have economic prosperity and still be good stewards of our environment.  You can find a lot of information about our campaign on our website www.simonfordelegate.com.

Our Opponent

Our opponent in November is John Doyle, a 9 term incumbent.  Mr. Doyle believes that government needs to grow and that taxes must be raised to fund that growth.  With regard to taxes, here are several (but not all!) of Mr. Doyle’s proposals:

• Raise the Gasoline Tax
• Increase the State Income Tax
• Tax Internet Sales (On-line Shopping)

The economy of West Virginia has already been severely hobbled because of high taxes.  We need good paying jobs.  Small businesses are the job creation engine of America. We have severe difficulties in attracting new businesses to our state because our taxes are higher than our neighbors.  We are simply uncompetitive. Raising taxes will wreak further havoc on our economy.  The tax burden of Jefferson County is already more than 25% higher than the national average.  We need someone in Charleston that will act based on sound economic principles.  I am asking for your vote!

Campaign News

I continue to write a weekly column for the Shepherdstown Chronicle.  I would love to hear feedback on the articles.  Please let me know what you think.

I am pleased to announce that there are several meet and greets being set up in the near future.  This is a great way to spread the word regarding our campaign.  A meet and greet is where concerned citizens invite their friends and neighbors over to meet the candidate.  It is not enough to focus on national issues and races.  State races and local races are actually even more important!  If you are able to host a meet and greet in your home I would be honored to attend.  Please contact me at simon@simonfordelegate.com or at 304-591-8610.

News

The West Virginia legislature, which convened a special session in May to focus on education, was supposed to reconvene this month.  That has now been postponed until next month.  The impetus for the special session appears to have been the federal Race to the Top program.  Here’s a brief synopsis of what happened in May.  http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/537286.html

Hitting the Road

Now that the primary is over, we are starting our door to door campaign over!  We have a lot of ground to cover now and I will be knocking on as many doors personally as I can.  We need volunteers to help in our door to door campaign and to help with new voter registrations.  Please help us if you can!

Of Local Interest

One of the key issues in our campaign is the need for good paying jobs.  A recent article in the Journal shows that Jefferson County ranks 32nd out of 55 counties in West Virginia with regard to our average paycheck.  Our next door neighbor Berkeley County ranks 1st.   We need to examine why our county is lagging with regard to our earning power. Hint: let’s examine our tax structure… Here’s the article:
http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/538367.html?nav=5006

This underscores the importance of creating an economic climate in West Virginia that allows entrepreneurs to start new businesses and attract successful businesses to relocate to our state.  We need good paying jobs. 

Fundraising

We are back in fundraising mode!  We raised enough money to run a successful Primary campaign.  Thank you for your generous support.  However, we’re going to have to raise significantly more in order to win in November.  Please consider contributing to the campaign – $10, $25, $50, $100, $250….up to $1000.  We need your vote, and we need your financial support!  You can contribute securely at our website using your credit card:

http://www.simonfordelegate.com/contribute/

Or please send a check payable to:

Speaking of support – here’s something nice.  Click here to help feed rescued animals – for free.  The food is paid for by advertisers.  How’s that for a free market solution to a heart wrenching problem!

Other ways you can help

The new way!

Please – register as a fan on the Simon for Delegate Facebook page or follow me on Twitter.  The more people sign up the bigger our presence becomes.  I will be posting regularly on the Facebook page.  It is also a great place for people to post comments with regard to issues and the campaign itself. 

Tried and true…

Please forward this newsletter to family, friends, associates, and acquaintances and encourage them to sign up.  The internet is a great way to spread the word.  Please email simon@simonfordelegate.com with “Sign Up” in the subject line to sign up – or sign up directly on the website – www.simonfordelegate.com.

Of course, telephone and old-fashioned conversation can’t hurt either!  No matter how you go about it, I appreciate your support and hearing from you.  I know it takes a lot to stand up for what you believe in.  I’ll work had to earn your trust and in turn, I’ll stand up for you in Charleston!

We are looking for volunteers to help with the campaign – if you have the time, that would be a huge help.  We still have room on the campaign committee as well.

About Elliot

I am running for the West Virginia House of Delegates in the 57th District.  This is a statewide office – the lower house in the West Virginia state legislature.  I will be on the ballot in the general election to be held Tuesday, Nov 2, 2010.

Please feel free to email or call me with regard to issues and suggestions.  My information is printed at the bottom of the page.

Warm regards,

Elliot Simon

The Committee to Elect Simon for Delegate
R. Davis, Treasurer
PO Box 1320
Harpers Ferry, WV  25425
304-591-8610

www.simonfordelegate.com

Bookmark It

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Newsletter May 30, 2010     Issue 6

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer.  But more importantly, it is the day that we honor those who have fallen in the defense of our freedom.  There would be no United States of America without the heroes that have defended our great nation.  Here’s a thank you to all who have served, past and present:
Thank You Soldiers

Greetings!

We’re back – stronger than ever!  Thank you all for your great support and help.  Because of you we now have one success under our belts.  The Primary campaign is now over and it is time to focus on the road ahead.  We have a strategy that can win in November if we execute properly.  Our analysis shows that the votes are there!  We are in the process of fine tuning our organization to focus on grass roots organizing on the precinct level.  Please email me or call me if you have some time to help in the effort: simon@simonfordelegate.com or (304) 591-8610.  We can win, but we need your help to do it.
As part of our grass roots campaign, the social media can be very effective if we all pitch in and make it work. Please forward this newsletter to people you know.  The more subscribers we have the more effective we can be.  Also, below there is a section called “Other Ways You Can Help”.  Please sign up and join our Facebook page and our Twitter page.
Oh, and by the way, we also need to raise funds.  Please contribute!

News

Last issue we posted this link:
Reuters Survey on Trust in Government
This time we will add these two links:
http://www.wvbudget.gov/BudDocs/$comes.pdf
http://www.wvbudget.gov/BudDocs/$goes.pdf
These two documents show the total revenues and expenditures for the state of West Virginia for fiscal year 2011.  However, the number that was reported in the press was 11.6 Billion, up from 11.5 Billion for the previous year.  The reason for this discrepancy is that there are hundreds of special revenue accounts that are not part of the legislative budgeting process. Because of this, the West Virginia budgeting process gets low marks with regard to transparency.  This is something that needs to change.

Campaign News

I continue to write a weekly column for the Shepherdstown Chronicle.  I would love to hear feedback on the articles.  Please let me know what you think.
As most everyone knows, we are running against John Doyle for the House of Delegates in the 57th District.    There are some things on which Mr. Doyle and I agree, but there are many more issues where we do not. Over the course of the campaign the differences will become clear.  In this election voters will have a clear choice.
With regard to the issues, we will start with two where I strongly disagree with John Doyle.  One issue is state wide.   Mr. Doyle is proposing to raise the West Virginia gasoline tax 5 cents per gallon.  The other issue is national, but with strong repercussions for our state.  John Doyle supports a single payer health care system.  This would result in a complete takeover of our health care system by the government.  There are many reasons why I am opposed to both of these proposals.  Let me know how you feel about them:  simon@simonfordelegate.com.

Hitting the Road

Now that the primary is over, we are starting our door to door campaign over!  We have more ground to cover now and I will be knocking on as many doors personally as I can.  We need volunteers to help in our door to door campaign and to help with new voter registrations.  Please help us if you can!

Of Local Interest

Isabel and I stopped by the Saturday Charles Town Market today.  It’s on the 100 block of North Samuel Street (by the Library) in Charles Town between 9AM and Noon.  It’s a great way to support local agriculture!

Fundraising

We are still in fundraising mode.  With regard to the Primary, we still have some last minute expenses for which we could use some additional funds.  Your financial support would really go a long way toward ensuring victory on Tuesday.  Please consider contributing to the campaign $10, $25, $50, $100, $250….up to $1000.  We need your vote, and we still need your financial support!  You can contribute securely at our website using your credit card:

http://www.simonfordelegate.com/contribute/

Or please send a check payable to:

Speaking of support – here’s something nice.  Click here to help feed rescued animals – for free.  The food is paid for by advertisers.  How’s that for a free market solution to a heart wrenching problem!

Other ways you can help

The new way!

Please – register as a fan on the Simon for Delegate Facebook page or follow me on Twitter.  The more people sign up the bigger our presence becomes.  I will be posting regularly on the Facebook page.  It is also a great place for people to post comments with regard to issues and the campaign itself.

Tried and true…

Please forward this newsletter to family, friends, associates, and acquaintances and encourage them to sign up.  The internet is a great way to spread the word.  Please email simon@simonfordelegate.com with “Sign Up” in the subject line to sign up – or sign up directly on the website – www.simonfordelegate.com.

Of course, telephone and old-fashioned conversation can’t hurt either!  No matter how you go about it, I appreciate your support and hearing from you.  I know it takes a lot to stand up for what you believe in.  I’ll work had to earn your trust and in turn, I’ll stand up for you in Charleston!

We are looking for volunteers to help with the campaign – if you have the time, that would be a huge help.  We still have room on the campaign committee as well.

About Elliot

I am running for the West Virginia House of Delegates in the 57th District.  This is a statewide office – the lower house in the West Virginia state legislature.  I will be on the ballot in the Republican primary election to be held Tuesday, May 11th, 2010.

Please feel free to email or call me with regard to issues and suggestions.  My information is printed at the bottom of the page.

Warm regards,

Elliot Simon

The Committee to Elect Simon for Delegate
R. Davis, Treasurer
PO Box 1320
Harpers Ferry, WV  25425
304-591-8610

www.simonfordelegate.com

Bookmark It

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Newsletter May 4, 2010     Issue 5

Greetings!

Election Day is now only about a week away.  Because of you, we are picking up more and more momentum.  Our campaign is blessed with the best of everything – smart, knowledgeable, hardworking and dedicated people.  Thank you all for your help, encouragement and financial support.  We have been getting the message out on the radio, print media, internet, public forums and by going door to door.  As we come down the home stretch, we have shifted into overdrive.

Early voting is in progress until Saturday May 8th at the Court House in downtown Charles Town from 9AM until 5PM.  After that, the polls are open on May 11th from 6:30AM until 7:30PM.

I do have an opponent on the ballot in the Primary — I need your vote!  Please help us get out the vote by reminding friends and neighbors to go to the polls and vote.  It would be a great help to forward this newsletter to every registered voter you know.  Every vote counts!

You can find information regarding polling places for the 57th District here: http://jeffersoncountyclerkwv.com/voter_registration.html

Meet and Greet

We are having a Meet and Greet on Sunday May 9th from 11AM until 3PM.  It will be held at:

St. James’ Lutheran Church
Rt. 230
Uvilla, WV

We realize that it is Mother’s Day, but if you’re in the area please stop in for a few minutes and say hello, and Happy Mother’s Day to everyone!!

News

Normally in this space we have a news item that relates to taxes, size of government or fiscal responsibility – or lack thereof.  This story provides a snapshot about how most of us seem to feel about our government:

Reuters Survey on Trust in Government

I believe that there would be similar results with regard to government on the state level.  That is why I am running.  With your help we can change things for the better!

Campaign News

There is a special campaign section in today’s Martinsburg Journal, and in the current editions of the Observer and the Spirit.  Additionally, I have been contributing a weekly column in the Shepherdstown Chronicle.  There will be no column in the edition just before the election.  I would love to hear feedback on the columns.  Here’s a link to a recent story in the Hagerstown Herald-Mail:

http://www.herald-mail.com/?cmd=displaystory&story_id=244624&format=html

Thank you to the NAACP for their candidate forum at the Clarion last night.  The event was extremely well run.

Hitting the Road

I have been out knocking on doors all over the district.  Hopefully, I will get to meet everyone. I look forward to meeting you!

Of Local Interest

Here’s an interesting website.  It is a webcam of the traffic on the bridge over the Potomac River from Maryland into Virginia.  This might come in handy during the tourist season!

http://www.upshotmd.org/webcam.html

Fundraising

We are still in fundraising mode.  With regard to the Primary, we still have some last minute expenses for which we could use some additional funds.  Your financial support would really go a long way toward ensuring victory on Tuesday.  Please consider contributing to the campaign $10, $25, $50, $100, $250….up to $1000.  We need your vote, and we still need your financial support!  You can contribute securely at our website using your credit card:

http://www.simonfordelegate.com/contribute/

Or please send a check payable to:

Speaking of support – here’s something nice.  Click here to help feed rescued animals – for free.  The food is paid for by advertisers.  How’s that for a free market solution to a heart wrenching problem!

Other ways you can help

The new way!

Please – register as a fan on the Simon for Delegate Facebook page or follow me on Twitter.  The more people sign up the bigger our presence becomes.  I will be posting regularly on the Facebook page.  It is also a great place for people to post comments with regard to issues and the campaign itself.

Tried and true…

Please forward this newsletter to family, friends, associates, and acquaintances and encourage them to sign up.  The internet is a great way to spread the word.  Please email simon@simonfordelegate.com with “Sign Up” in the subject line to sign up – or sign up directly on the website – www.simonfordelegate.com.

Of course, telephone and old-fashioned conversation can’t hurt either!  No matter how you go about it, I appreciate your support and hearing from you.  I know it takes a lot to stand up for what you believe in.  I’ll work had to earn your trust and in turn, I’ll stand up for you in Charleston!

We are looking for volunteers to help with the campaign – if you have the time, that would be a huge help.  We still have room on the campaign committee as well.

About Elliot

I am running for the West Virginia House of Delegates in the 57th District.  This is a statewide office – the lower house in the West Virginia state legislature.  I will be on the ballot in the Republican primary election to be held Tuesday, May 11th, 2010.

Please feel free to email or call me with regard to issues and suggestions.  My information is printed at the bottom of the page.

Warm regards,

Elliot Simon

The Committee to Elect Simon for Delegate
R. Davis, Treasurer
PO Box 1320
Harpers Ferry, WV  25425
304-591-8610

www.simonfordelegate.com

Bookmark It

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Newsletter April 15, 2010     Issue 4

Greetings!

The Primary, May 11th, is rapidly approaching.  First off, I want to thank all of you who have shown so much support for our campaign.  Thank you for your great advice, your volunteer efforts, your generous financial support and your enthusiasm.   It is great to know that so many of us really do care about the future of our community and our state.  We have been getting the message out on the radio, print media, internet and by going door to door.
I do have an opponent on the ballot in the Primary — I need your vote. You can find information regarding polling places for the 57th District here: http://jeffersoncountyclerkwv.com/voter_registration.html

Also, there is early voting at the Court House in Charles Town from April 21st through May 8th.
We are kicking the campaign into high gear as we come down the home stretch toward Election Day.

News

With each newsletter we include at least one link to a recent news story.  The recurring theme in each has been fiscal responsibility – taxes and government spending – and this one continues that tradition.  In previous newsletters the focus has been on West Virginia.  However, since today is April 15th, otherwise known as Tax Day, we will turn our focus to the federal government with this article:
Washington will spend $31,406 per household this year

The trend is alarmingly up – and West Virginia is no different.  See the legislative section below.

Campaign News

I want to thank WEPM for hosting the candidate debates on April 6th. They were run extremely well. I also very much enjoyed my appearance on the Eastern Panhandle Talk program with Tom Tucker and Jerry Mays on WRNR on September 24th.

Here are upcoming media events:
On the radio: 
  WEPM – AM 1340.  Friday, April 16th at 9:00AM.  The program is called Panhandle Live with Hans Fogle.
In the newspaper:  The Shepherdstown Chronicle features columns written by the candidates.  My column will appear in their next edition.

Legislative

The West Virginia legislature has wrapped up its session.  The press reports that the budget approved was 11.6 Billion.  This means that the state budget increased by 100 Million over the previous year.  However, this is not the complete picture.  The WV Budget official website puts the total expenditures from all funding sources at 18.3 Billion.   One might wonder what the press is reporting on when they put the budget at 11.6 Billion.  This is why many feel that there is not enough transparency with regard to the West Virginia state budget.
There may be a special session of the legislature in May to address education issues.  Stay tuned.

Fundraising

We are currently in fundraising mode.  We are a little behind at the moment, which curtails our ability to advertise. A winning campaign needs to be adequately funded.  Please consider contributing to the campaign $10, $25, $50, $100, $250….up to $1000.  We need your vote, but we also really (really! Yes – REALLY!) urgently need your support.  Whatever amount you can contribute is critically important and is gratefully appreciated!!   You can contribute securely at our website using your credit card:

The Committee to Elect Simon for Delegate

Bookmark It

Newsletter March 25, 2010     Issue 3

Meet the Candidate

This Saturday, March 27th I will be at the Towns Inn, 175 High Street in Harpers Ferry from Noon until 2PM.  Hope to see you there! It is an informal, casual meet and greet.  We’ll have coffee, tea, soft drinks and snacks.  I’m looking forward to meeting you and discussing your issues and concerns.

Greetings!

Welcome to this issue of our campaign newsletter.  The campaign continues to gather momentum.  We are working hard to get out our message of economic freedom, jobs, lower taxes and smaller government.  The Primary is coming up fast – May 11th is the date.  I do have an opponent.  I don’t know much about him except that he is a freshman at Shepherd University who moved to Jefferson County last fall.  It is important that we all work to together to ensure a Primary win to be able to advance our cause to the general election in November.  It has never been more important to be involved in the process.  Our future is at stake.  I am grateful for all the help and support our campaign has received so far. We are a little behind in fund raising (more on that below).   Let’s bring the campaign to the next level!

News

WV Legislative Wrap Up 8
The West Virginia legislature has finished its regular session. The link leads to the latest edition of the summary published by the legislature.  It pertains to the week ending March 10th (I guess they are a little behind).  As of 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 10, 2010, the 57th day of the 79th Legislature’s 2nd Regular Session, 1,378 bills have been introduced in the House, 139 of which have been passed by the House. Seven hundred and one bills have been introduced in the Senate, 186 of which have been passed by the Senate.

1,378 Bills introduced in the House, 701 Bills introduced in the Senate. That is a lot of Bills.  With all of that activity in the legislature, one would think that something is getting done.  And yet the economy of West Virginia continues to falter.  Unemployment is not improving.  Our national and state legislatures continue to create more and more law.  Our quality of life continues to deteriorate.  I recommend reading the article at the beginning of the Wrap Up 8 – and it has to do with transparency in government.  Throughout my campaign, one of the common themes that I have heard from voters – you want to be informed.  That is one of the most important jobs for a legislator – keeping voters informed.  And that is exactly what I intend to do.

Speaking of transparency in government, now that the legislative session is done, delegates and senators are still in Charleston finalizing the budget.  With regard to transparency and the West Virginia Budget:
Officials Debate New State Budget

According to the sunshine review website:
“West Virginia currently has limited transparency. The West Virginia legislature website posts information about state grant awards here, but unfortunately “The Budget & Spending Transparency Act,” which would have created greater spending transparency, did not pass during the 2009 legislative session.”  (By the way, it didn’t pass this year either – Elliot)

Lack of transparency in government, particularly with regard to the budget is a hot button issue in our state:
Group Aims at Government Transparency in West Virginia

Campaign News

We are getting the message out!  Here are upcoming media events:

I will be appearing on LOCAL RADIO:

WEPM – AM 1340.  Tuesday, April 6th at 8:00PM.

Hitting the Road

Now that Daylight Saving Time is here, I will be out knocking on doors.  I look forward to meeting you!

Fundraising

We are currently in fundraising mode.  We are a little behind at the moment, which curtails our ability to advertise. A winning campaign needs to be adequately funded.  Please consider contributing to the campaign $10, $25, $50, $100, $250….up to $1000.  We need your vote, but we also really (really! Yes – REALLY!) urgently need your support.  Whatever amount you can contribute is critically important and is gratefully appreciated!!   You can contribute securely at our website using your credit card:

http://www.simonfordelegate.com/contribute/

Or please send a check payable to:

Speaking of support – here’s something nice.  Click here to help feed rescued animals – for free.  The food is paid for by advertisers.  How’s that for a free market solution to a heart wrenching problem!

Other ways you can help

The new way!

Please – register as a fan on the Simon for Delegate Facebook page or follow me on Twitter.  The more people sign up the bigger our presence becomes.  I will be posting regularly on the Facebook page.  It is also a great place for people to post comments with regard to issues and the campaign itself.

Tried and true…

Please forward this newsletter to family, friends, associates, and acquaintances and encourage them to sign up.  The internet is a great way to spread the word.  Please email simon@simonfordelegate.com with “Sign Up” in the subject line to sign up – or sign up directly on the website – www.simonfordelegate.com.

Of course, telephone and old-fashioned conversation can’t hurt either!  No matter how you go about it, I appreciate your support and hearing from you.  I know it takes a lot to stand up for what you believe in.  I’ll work had to earn your trust and in turn, I’ll stand up for you in Charleston!

We are looking for volunteers to help with the campaign – if you have the time, that would be a huge help.  We still have room on the campaign committee as well.

About Elliot

I am running for the West Virginia House of Delegates in the 57th District.  This is a statewide office – the lower house in the West Virginia state legislature.  I will be on the ballot in the Republican primary election to be held Tuesday, May 11th, 2010.

Please feel free to email or call me with regard to issues and suggestions.  My information is printed at the bottom of the page.

Warm regards,

Elliot Simon

The Committee to Elect Simon for Delegate
R. Davis, Treasurer
PO Box 1320
Harpers Ferry, WV  25425
304-591-8610

www.simonfordelegate.com

Bookmark It

Newsletter March 11, 2010     Issue 2

Thanks for your support!  This is my first newsletter sent directly through the website.  Please let me know how it turned out!

Welcome to this issue of our campaign newsletter.  The campaign is progressing extremely well.  We are continuing to get out our message of economic freedom, smaller government, fiscal responsibility, lower taxes and a revitalization of our private sector in order to create jobs.  Small business is the engine of job creation in America.  We need to become small business friendly.

Fiscal responsibility is a cornerstone of freedom.  However, following the example of our federal government, West Virginia continues to fall further into debt:

West Virginia Bond Debt Continues to Balloon

We cannot continue to grow the size of our state government.  When you add up federal, state and local spending, it adds up to  52% of the Gross State Product (GSP).  That’s right, more than half of the spending that happens in West Virginia is government spending.  This is not sustainable.  Picture a person whose feet have grown so large that they now have trouble walking.  We need to change direction quickly – before it’s too late.

Campaign News

We are getting the message out!  Here are upcoming media events:

I will be appearing on LOCAL RADIO:

WRNR – AM 740.  Wednesday, March 24th at 9:00AM.

WEPM – AM 1340.  Tuesday, April 6th at 8:00PM.

Meet the Candidate Events

We will be holding several Meet the Candidate events.  The first will be on Saturday, March 27th at the Towns Inn, 179 High Street in Harpers Ferry.  I will be there from Noon until 2PM.  Hope to see you there!

Hitting the Road

With the onset of Daylight Saving Time, I will be out knocking on doors.  I look forward to meeting you!

Fundraising

We are currently in fundraising mode.  We have been blessed with a tremendous opportunity in this election – it is definitely winnable!  However, a winning campaign needs to be adequately funded.  Please consider contributing to the campaign $10, $25, $50, $100, $250….up to $1000.  We need your vote, but we also really (really!) urgently need your support.  Whatever amount you can contribute is critically important and is gratefully appreciated!!   You can contribute securely at our website using your credit card:

http://www.simonfordelegate.com/contribute/

Or please send a check payable to:

Speaking of support – here’s something nice.  Click here to help feed rescued animals – for free.  The food is paid for by advertisers.  How’s that for a free market solution to a heart wrenching problem!

Legislative

Here’s the latest news regarding updates from the current session of the West Virginia legislature:  Legislative Wrapup 7

No comment (for now).

Other ways you can help

The new way!

Please – register as a fan on the Simon for Delegate Facebook page or follow me on Twitter.  The more people sign up the bigger our presence becomes.  I will be posting regularly on the Facebook page.  It is also a great place for people to post comments with regard to issues and the campaign itself.

Tried and true…

Please forward this newsletter to family, friends, associates, and acquaintances and encourage them to sign up.  The internet is a great way to spread the word.  Please email simon@simonfordelegate.com with “Sign Up” in the subject line to sign up – or sign up directly on the website – www.simonfordelegate.com.

Of course, telephone and old-fashioned conversation can’t hurt either!  No matter how you go about it it, I appreciate your support and hearing from you.  I know it takes a lot to stand up for what you believe in.  I’ll work had to earn your trust and in turn, I’ll stand up for you in Charleston!

We are looking for volunteers to help with the campaign – if you have the time, that would be a huge help.  We still have room on the campaign committee as well.

About Elliot

I am running for the West Virginia House of Delegates in the 57th District.  This is a statewide office – the lower house in the West Virginia state legislature.  I will be on the ballot in the Republican primary election to be held Tuesday, May 11th, 2010.

Please feel free to email or call me with regard to issues and suggestions.  My information is printed at the bottom of the page.

Warm regards,

Elliot Simon

The Committee to Elect Simon for Delegate
R. Davis, Treasurer
PO Box 1320
Harpers Ferry, WV  25425
304-591-8610

www.simonfordelegate.com

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When it comes to the “Big Picture” I have two overriding concerns with regard to my world outlook – the Economy and the Ecology. Both words derive from the same root: Eco. This is a Greek word that means home or household. The Ancient Greeks understood that that the home or household or more to the point – the family – is the basic unit of civilization. In order to have a strong community, we need an environment that provides for the opportunity for each and every family to have the means to live decently and to pursue their happiness. In order to achieve this we need policies that allow for a strong economy and a safe and clean environment so that we can preserve and maintain the unique character of our community as we continue to prosper.

One of the most pressing issues confronting our community is the economy. The national economy is in recession. West Virginia is also in recession. However the policies that govern and create the economic climate locally and are formulated and legislated in our state capital in Charleston are exacerbating the problem. Our tax and regulatory structure present enormous obstacles for entrepreneurs to start businesses and to run their existing businesses. This is especially true with regard to small businesses. Small business is the life blood of the economy of any community. As a result, most of the people who live in Jefferson County commute to businesses that they own elsewhere, or to jobs that exist beyond our borders. In many cases, we even have to shop elsewhere. We need to examine the reasons for this and to make the appropriate changes in policy to address the problem. For those brave entrepreneurs that currently own businesses in the county, we need to remove the barriers they face that impair their ability to thrive and serve our community. We need to create an atmosphere that fosters the creation of private sector jobs. We in Jefferson County deserve to have a vibrant local economy that serves its citizens. Many of those changes need to be made at the state level – in Charleston.

There are other crucial issues we face as well. We need to provide opportunity for our children. Since 1950 the population of West Virginia has trended downward. One of the few places in the state that has bucked this trend is Jefferson County. Over the last ten years our county has increased in population. However, we must ensure that all of our citizens have the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate all that our great community has to offer. Education is the surest way to improve the chances of individual success. We need to ensure that the quality of our schools remains competitive with neighboring communities. We need to attract the best teachers and to reward those teachers that achieve results. Once again, the policies that affect our local schools emanate from the state capitol.

A statistic that may not be well known to West Virginians is that 52% of the Gross State Product (GSP) is made up of government spending either at the national, state or local level. I’m sure that everyone realizes that there is a limit to the extent that government can grow. In fact, the current level of government participation in our economy is not sustainable. Unless we reverse this trend, our standard of living cannot be maintained. With budget deficits ballooning because of the current economic downturn, our state economy runs the risk of falling victim to potential budget cuts. The solution is to rely more on the private sector and less on the public sector. We will then be more self sufficient and most certainly better off in the long run.

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For more information:

http://boe.jeff.k12.wv.us/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectiondetailid=50405&

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For more information:

http://pubcast.org/newsarticle.aspx?id=12355
http://jeffctywvblackhistory.org
http://herald-mail.com/?cmd=displaystory&story_id=235982&format=html

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