Natalie Tennant on Technology

Expand R&D, broadband, tourism, & energy sectors

• We will get our people back to work in jobs with dignity and a good wage.
• We will be aggressive in moving our economy forward by investing in biosciences, research and development, innovation for long-term technological advancement.
• We will expand Internet broadband access to all corners of West Virginia, using the federal stimulus funds that have already been allocated for this effort.
• We will continue our commitment to an energy-based economy and our coal and natural gas industries.
• We will reignite our tourism efforts through new branding of West Virginia. We can bring more vacationers to West Virginia and create jobs.

Find funding to keep our infrastructure strong

A: We have to address infrastructure--roads, sewer, even broadband, when I talk about infrastructure. The roads are so very important. Money has to be targeted to fixing our roads. And this is where we can work hand-in-hand with development and an economic boom that we might have through Marcellus shale. When we talk about building up our communities, the roads are so important. And every time I come to Raleigh County, no matter where I'm talking in or to whom I'm talking, folks are always mentioning the roads. So I know it's a concern here. And I get that when I go back up home in Marion County, so we will find funding to address keeping our infrastructure strong and addressing the problems we have with our bridges as well. In some cases, it could be a crisis situation for some of our bridges. So we will dedicate funds that will make sure our infrastructure is improved.