CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Ahead of the November Election, an hour-long debate on Amendment 2 will air this Monday on MetroNews “Talkline.”
“Talkline” Host Hoppy Kercheval will welcome state Senate Finance Committee Chair Eric Tarr as he presents the merits of Amendment 2 while Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper will be outlining the opposing side.
During the segment from 10-11 a.m., Kercheval will take questions from listeners by texting 304-TALK-304.
The debate is sponsored by the Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications at Shepherd University. Executive Director Ashley Horst said Monday’s discussion will give voters an opportunity to hear both sides of the issue.
“I think the most important thing for people to take away from the debate on Monday is that they need to be informed about what the ramifications are of voting either yes or no on Election Day so that way they can make an informed decision before they head to the polls,” Horst said.
Amendment 2 would give the state Legislature the authority to change or eliminate personal property taxes in West Virginia.
Some call it a win for West Virginians as it keeps cash in residents’ pockets and can be used to attract more businesses to the state. Others like Gov. Jim Justice are criticizing the amendment saying that it takes away local control and that counties depend on the funds to support local public services like schools, libraries and emergency services.
Gov. Jim Justice has toured several parts of the state this month to speak out against Amendment 2.
Horst said they’re committed to bringing different viewpoints together to foster greater civic engagement and responsibility in elections.
“We encourage thoughtful and constructive dialogue. We want to bring the public together so they can ask questions and be informed,” she said.
The last day to register to vote is Oct. 18.
Early voting runs from Oct. 26 through Nov. 5.
Election Day is Nov. 8.