8 Rivers Asked Some Hard Questions--John Answers

Telling the voter where stand is really hard to do.  John has challenged the Commentator to print all candidates disclosures.  We so do! (Free)

 Eight Rivers Council sent a Questionnaire to County Commission Candidates 

Here are some of  John Leyzorek's responses, edited and shortened.

Development is not a  responsibility of Government.  Government's attempts to push or guide development tend to be oppressive, wasteful, corrupt, and ineffective.

A present example of this is our own "Flood Plain Ordinance" By making development in flood plains eligible for Government-subsidized flood insurance, it actually encourages development of areas that would provide more benefit to watershed functioning and recreation by  remaining in a natural state.

Another is the interminable and agonizing history of "Development Authorities",  which have tied up our land and wasted our money on unharvestable fields and empty unusable buildings for many years.

A stronger local economy, is important to Pocahontas County's health as a human habitat.  Historically, there are only two sources of  material wealth, they are natural resourcesand intelligent  labor.   

We are blessed here with an abundance of certain resources including soil, water, timber, and stone, however we are distant from mass markets. 

 We  also have suffered from generations of brain- and labor-drain.Thus the material products most suited to be produced here are high-value ones (eg furniture, medicinal herbs,  art, technical products, not crude raw materials (like unprocessed logs), whose value is much greater than the cost of transportation.  

Private control of these resources and low property taxes (because high taxes force owners to squeeze money out of their property) are the best insurance that they will be managed sustainably and not suffer the"tragedy of the commons".

We are at no disadvantage in producing non-material products, like music, writing, inventions, anything that is pure ideas.

We do not have the population to attract large employers from “outside”:  our hope and goal should be small businesses, started and owned by our own.

Affordable land costs and improved Internet  are two factors that can encourage more of our own young people to build lives (and livelihoods) here, as well as encouraging immigration of people looking for more than just a vacation home.

In my view, tourism is a two-edged sword. It certainly provides revenue and entry-level jobs.  It presents Pocahontas County to the world as a place of beauty, kindness, and serenity. 

 If this encourages vigorous people to bring their intelligence and energy here to contribute to our communities, that is all good.

 If it drives up the cost of homes for working people, that is bad. 

Internet is the prime example of infrastructure and county services that need to be strengthened in Pocahontas, to facilitate commerce and education and attract intelligent people, but low taxes and minimal intrusive and  bureaucratic regulation (like building codes) are key, as well. 

 We can keep taxes low by remembering that Government is never the low-cost provider of services, nor is it moral to take  by force from one to give  to another. 

 As Commissioner, I would stand against any increase in taxes, and against any forced land-use regulation.  Rule of Law is of vital importance as  "infrastructure". 

 When individuals can expect prompt redress for injuries to their own properties, potential polluters think twice before fouling their neighbor's space; when freedom and property are protected, people can put their energy toward creating wealth and progress for the community. 

I proposed,  and will again promote a distributed, voluntary flood mitigation and watershed improvement plan called, “The Thousand Ponds".

 Proponents of the Birthplace of Rivers National Monument look for better protection of nature and more tourism,  two incompatible goals. Opponents fear regulation of traditional land uses.  

I oppose it. 

Pocahontas County is  home, not the Nation's toy.  More regulation and less local control only frustrates stewardship and love of one's home.  We do not need more lost economic base----60% of our land is already largely "off the table". 

Eminent Domain may be acceptable for urgent national defense purposes---but under NO other circumstances. 

 I am on record as an Intervenor in opposition to the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline,  which in my opinion offers zero long term benefit to Pocahontas County, and is being promoted by fraud.   

I proposed to County Commission some years ago a “Private Property Protection Resolution”  opposing the use of Eminent Domain in our County.  

That Commission refused to consider it, but I will move its adoption, if elected.   On some issues many people can come together, on others irreconcilable disagreement will remain despite all efforts.  

I often say that private property is one of the best human inventions, because it allows you and me to disagree and still get along. 

The best hope for consensus on issues that cross property boundaries is careful research and full disclosure; diligence and honesty.  

Attempting to manufacture consensus by hype and emotional blackmail is dishonest and only erodes the social fabric. 

Respect for the rights of others is the foundation of any workable society, and protection of those rights is the  purpose and justification of all government.

  I came to Pocahontas County 29 years ago looking for the opportunity to live in freedom, in harmony with nature, and to belong to a community that respects  traditional values of work, neighborliness, and family.  

I have been richly blessed here in  raising a family, engaging in business on a small scale, enjoying a magnificent natural environment, helping many of my neighbors, and building a home. 

This community is my home, my livelihood comes from it and my children grow into it. I cannot shut my gate and ignore its issues and its future, rather I must fight to defend and improve it. 

I hope to help as Commissioner to make it possible for at least some of my children, and your children,  to do the same.

ELECT JOHN LEYZOREK COMMISSIONER   

        paid for by candidate 

304-799-7191

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