CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Republican Party Chairman Conrad Lucas says a recent vote from the GOP’s executive committee against the road bond issue should serve as a wake-up call for supporters.
“It’s now imperative that they campaign on this issue and that they work this issue and they explain to those who are concerned,” Lucas said during a Wednesday appearance on MetroNews “Talkline.”
Voters are scheduled to go to the polls Oct. 7 to vote for or against the nearly $3 billion bond that will be financed through already passed fee and tax increases.
The GOP executive committee voiced its opposition in a resolution that passed on a near unanimous vote at a meting last weekend. The concern is focused on what the committee members perceive as unanswered questions, Lucas said.
“There’s a fear for what this could lead to in the future in terms of future tax increases and future fiscal problems for the state,” Lucas said. “Those taxes and fees were passed and I can assure you those taxes and fees didn’t sit well with them.”
Lucas said it’s now important for those who are championing the bond, including Gov. Jim Justice, to address the issues and address them publicly.
“It’s an opportunity for the governor to sell his agenda to the state and now to his new party, the Republicans,” Lucas said.