Dear Friends and Supporters,

Newsletter August 10, 2010     Issue 9

Gathering Momentum

Today happens to be my birthday – but that certainly isn’t a reason to stop and celebrate!  We’re working as hard as ever to bring our message to every voter in the 57th District.  We’ve been going door to door and meeting with folks that have never seen our opponent in the 18 years he has been in office.  Thank you to everyone that has scheduled a Meet and Greet, and to anyone that has the ability to host one, please contact me at simon@simonfordelegate.com or at (304) 591-8610.  I want to thank everyone that has volunteered, planned an event and has helped with the canvassing of the various precincts. The response has been extremely positive.  I’ve heard first hand from citizen after citizen that it is time for a change.  We are tired of decades of failed policy in Charleston.  We need new blood in the state capitol.

We are on schedule with regard to our door to door canvassing.  However, we are a bit behind in fundraising so please consider contributing to the campaign, you can do that here.   If you have been holding off until crunch time, we need to order our signs and other materials right now!

Greetings!

The time is flying by, there are now 85 days until Election Day and 65 days until early voting begins.  One of the exciting things about this year’s election is that we will have a base of operations.  The Jefferson County Republican Headquarters will be opening soon.  It is a great facility and will be a great help in getting the message out to voters.  This will be the first time in quite some time that we will have a Headquarters.  It is located at 324 W. Washington Street in Charles Town.

Our campaign is receiving broad support from Democrats, Independents, Republicans and others alike.  Prosperity and freedom are not partisan issues. The issues that make up our platform – jobs, taxes, the economy, education and the environment, are important to us all.  We are grateful for the support that we have received from people of all political parties.   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.

Our Opponent

Our opponent in November is a 9 term incumbent.  He 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 his proposals:

• Raise the Gasoline Tax
• Increase the State Income Tax
• Tax Internet Sales (On Line Shopping)
• Voted Against the Castle Law

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!

For those of you who do not know what the Castle Law is – it is a law that gives you the right to defend your home.  If someone breaks into your home you have the legal right defend yourself, your family and your home.  My opponent is the only legislator in the state of West Virginia that voted against this bill.

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.  According to the Chronicle, my articles are engendering an unusual number of reader responses.  We are planning to put them up on our website soon.

I appeared on WSHC last week on the radio program Winners and Losers hosted by John Case.  WSHC is the radio station of Shepherd University.  There was an interview portion and there were callers in to the program as well.  All in all it was very thought provoking hour.

One way you can help spread the word about our campaign to pass this newsletter on to as many people as you can.  It is not enough to focus on national issues and races.  State races and local races are actually even more important! Please forward us to your friends and have them visit our website at www.simonfordelegate.com and sign up for our e-newsletter.

News

Here’s an interesting poll result.  We’ve decided to hold this news item over from the last newsletter.  Most West Virginians believe that the Health Care Reform Act is bad for us and should be repealed.  In addition the poll revealed that most of us would like to enact an Arizona style immigration law.
http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/540152.html?nav=5006

Here’s another interesting perspective on this issue from a congressional town hall meeting in the state of California:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1-eBz8hyoE

One more thing – the new bill to overhaul the regulation of the financial services industry is called FinReg and has become law.  However, the bill appears to give the Securities and Exchange Commission immunity to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests:
FinReg FOIA Exemption

Hitting the Road

Our Door to Door campaign is in full swing.  We are averaging around 100 homes per day.  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

Here’s an interesting article that appeared in the Journal.
Organization teaches artisans how to manage their businesses

Regulations have created a problem for businesses of all sizes and categories in West Virginia.  I had a conversation with a friend regarding this issue as well.  Although not covered in the Journal article, in addition to stifling and onerous regulation, apparently artists and artisans have been getting tax bills on their inventory.  That is the subject of my latest article in the Chronicle.  The West Virginia tax on business property, machinery and inventory applies to all businesses big and small and is considered the number one job killing tax by many authorities including the Tax Modernization Project initiated by the governor’s office.  And yet my opponent has gone on record as saying that we have addressed these issues.  We have not and will not be able to until we make changes in the legislature.  I am asking for your support and your vote to address these problems.

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 July 20, 2010     Issue 8

Getting Into High Gear

A great big THANK YOU to everyone that has volunteered to help.  Our organization is growing and gathering momentum.  The more volunteers, the more we can get done, so if you have the time and motivation please let us know!   We’re looking forward to the many Meet and Greets that are being planned.  These events are extremely important.  THANK YOU also to everyone that has donated to the campaign thus far.  We are a little behind in our fund raising efforts.  Many of you have pledged to support our campaign financially.  Please contribute to our campaign as early and as generously as you can.

Greetings!

There are now a little less than 120 days until Election Day and a little less than 100 days until early voting starts.  The days feel like they are flying by, I’m sure that it will accelerate as we get closer to November.  Right now there is some debate as to whether there will be a special election to fill Senator Byrd’s seat.  At the moment, it looks like there will be one.  If so, that may change the voter turnout outlook.  However, it does not change the outlook regarding our race.  Our race is winnable under any circumstances…if we execute.   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.  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)
• Voted Against the Castle Law

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!
For those of you who do not know what the Castle Law is – it is a law that gives you the right to defend your home.  If someone breaks into your home you have the legal right defend yourself, your family and your home.  My opponent is the only legislator in the state of West Virginia that voted against this bill.

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

Here’s an interesting poll result.  Most West Virginians believe that the Health Care Reform Act is bad for us and should be repealed.  In addition the poll revealed that most of us would like to enact an Arizona style immigration law.
http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/540152.html?nav=5006

Hitting the Road

Our Door to Door campaign is in full swing.  We are averaging around 100 homes per day.  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

The financial news network CNBC has conducted a study to find out which states are the best in which to do business.  Virginia was #2, while West Virginia was #46.  In the category of “business friendliness” West Virginia ranked last at #50.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/37516043

I attended the recent candidate forum hosted by the Eastern Panhandle Business Association.  My opponent John Doyle also attended.  In my short speech to the members of the EPBA, I described the business climate in West Virginia as “toxic”.  John Doyle disagreed.  I don’t believe that Mr. Doyle understands the “cause and effect” dynamics – the consequences of current state government economic policy.  In survey after survey, study after study, West Virginia consistently comes in at or near the bottom with regard to economic performance metrics.

One of the key issues in our campaign is the need for good paying jobs.  One of things that I have encountered in my campaign – in going door to door in our communities – is that there is significant poverty in our county.  If we care about poverty and the well being of our neighbors, we need to create an environment that will help people find jobs in order to better care for themselves and their families.  The existence of poverty in our community 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.  Small business is the job creation engine of America. 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 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

Bookmark It