When it comes to economic development, all three county commission candidates agree Putnam County needs more jobs and businesses.
They met Tuesday, along with the rest of the candidates running for election in Putnam County, as part of the local Chamber of Commerce's candidate forum.
An important issue to commission candidate Joseph Tyree is bringing the county together. He believes there is a distinct separation between the northern part of Putnam County and the south. In order to bring in new businesses, Tyree said the county needs to unite.
"You have to sell Putnam County to Putnam County," Tyree said. "We have to start thinking about Putnam County as a whole."
Dusty Hurley said that, as director of the Convention and Visitor's Bureau, she has been working with the Chamber of Commerce and Putnam County Development Authority to develop a coworking space in the county.
She also said it's important as a commissioner to connect businesses with resources available to them.
Ron Foster said out of the three candidates, he is the most qualified to bring new jobs to the county since he's a successful businessman.
One of the things that's made his business successful is appointing the right people to the right positions, Foster said. He hopes to bring this formula to the County Commission.
"That's one of the things you do as county commissioner, put the right people on the board," Foster said.
When it comes to finances, Tyree compared the county budget to a family budget. When money gets low, as it often does in family budgets, you have to tighten your budget.
"County government is not about making money, it's about making lives better," Tyree said.
Foster said the Putnam County budget is in good shape.
"When we attract businesses in Putnam County, we expand tax bases," Foster said.
He said by bringing in new businesses, the budget will grow and allow for expansion of programs if necessary.
Hurley, who has worked with numerous county commissions, said she Putnam County is diligent about responsible spending.
"We have a great county and we're fiscally responsible," Hurley said.
She said she hopes to continue the way County Commission is currently operating, with only spending when necessary, and also thinks it's important to work with agency heads to understand budgetary needs well before they propose their yearly budgets.
Financial concerns are an issue for almost all Putnam County candidates.
Board of Education member and candidate Jack Coyner said Putnam County Schools may soon be among the many districts facing cuts.
"We're going to have to make alterations and changes in some of the things that we do in order for the money to help us in the way it's supposed to," Coyner said, adding that he thinks there are too many people working for Putnam County Schools.
Bruce Knell, who has 40 years of teaching experience, agreed that money is the issue in years to come. Although unlike Coyner, who said classrooms may be cut, Knell said administrative positions should be consolidated.
"The last thing we need to do is cut teachers from the classroom," Knell said.
Sam Sentelle, president of West Virginia School Board Association, said Putnam is fortunate that its financial situation is much better than other county school districts.
"They either hurt the small counties or the large counties," Sentell said. "We're fortunate to be right in the middle and have an economy that's not based on fossil fuels."
Magisterial candidates Jean Ann Luikart and Earl Gorrell agree on the importance of handling cases on an individual basis, and taking the time to understand each case in its entirety.
Luikart said day report and home confinement are great alternatives to a jail sentence.
"Each case needs to be assessed on an individual basis," Luikart said.
Gorrell agreed and said it's extremely important to take cases on an individual basis. He also agreed that programs such as day report need to be utilized. "They go to jail and it comes out of our billfolds and our purses," Gorrell said.
When it comes to personal experiences, Luikart said her time as a licensed practical nurse taught her empathy. She said if there are repeat offenders, it's important to take the time to see if there is an underlying cause such as a drug problem, problem at home or anger management issues and identify if there is an intervention program available.
"You're always looking for the best outcome, which might not be what that person wants, but it's for the best," Luikart said.
Gorrell said after his wife died, he became more sympathetic.
"When my wife died, I developed a whole lot more compassion for my fellow man," Gorrell said. "Everyone's situation is different."
The primary election will be held May 10. Early voting starts April 27.
Reach Laura Haight at laura.haight@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-4843 or follow @laurahaight_ on Twitter.