Knowledgeable newcomers seek Jefferson Co. House seat

A fiscal conservative, Espinosa said he will champion economic growth and job creation in the county if he makes it to Charleston.

“I recognize that small businesses are critical to our economy. I’m confident West Virginia will realize the prosperity the rest of the nation enjoys as we become more competitive with our tax code, regulatory climate and legal system.”

He said the call to run for the House of Delegates surfaced as his children grew older. “I’ve thought about it over the years. Now I have the opportunity to serve. Jefferson County needs a fiscal conservative to represent the 66th District. Someone who can represent the values that most residents in the district hold,” he said.

Espinosa said he’s running a grass-roots campaign by talking to voters on their doorsteps.

“I’ve been gratified by their response. My message about fiscal conservatism, limited government and controlling spending is resonating with them,” he said. 

Another Espinosa issue concerns what he calls the tight grip the state holds over local school districts. A finding in a recent audit on education efficiency found that no other school system in the United States is more insulated from local control, he said.

“West Virginia is the most regulated and centralized school system in the country,” he said. “Too much is dictated through the state code. Local school boards need more autonomy.”

The proposed U.S. 340 corridor from the Virginia line to Charles Town “is a significant issue for Jefferson County,” he said. “It’s a vital link to the county’s economic development.”

Espinosa is a regional manager for Frontier Communications.

He and his wife, Cathy, and their children, Paul, 23, Megan, 19 and Emma, 12, live in the Pembroke Grove development near Summit Point.

Members of West Virginia’s House of Delegates earn $20,000 for the two-month legislative session.
 
 

Campaign finances

According to an Associated Press report, Maxey outraised raised Espinosa $16,200 to $4,000. Each candidate reported campaign balances of around $20,000 with Maxey slightly ahead after Espinosa loaned his campaign $10,000.