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In response to the editorial on families published in the Jan. 17 edition of The Inter-Mountain, I would like to share the following things on the rankings, which in my opinion were correct about West Virginia.
1. We lack reliable internet in all 55 counties, making it difficult for business, schools or even for state residents in their homes to look up something or pay a bill online.
2. We lack good roads to get younger residents in. Look how long it is taking to complete Corridor H.
3. Look at Belington and Philippi in Barbour County. Look at Parsons and Davis in Tucker County. Look at Harman and Beverly in Randolph County. You can shop at Dollar General or Family Dollar. What happens when you need a pair of shoes or clothes to wear to a funeral, wedding, graduation or how about every day? You must drive to other counties for Target, Sam's, Michaels, or dining options other than pizza or hamburgers. I am sure you can see this as a deterrent to getting people to move to this state.
4. Recreation opportunities: Has it occurred to anyone that not everyone likes to hunt, fish, camp or hike? A lot of younger families like Top Golf, Main Event, amusement parks, water parks, skate parks, move theaters that are an experience themselves, with their diverse food offerings and entertainment, not just the theater, zoos and museums.
5. We still have a state income tax, we still have a sales tax. Look around at the more thriving states that do not have these taxes.
Lawmakers, county and city governments around the state need to work together to change the outlook, or West Virginia will continue to be ranked in the bottom nationwide, with no chance for growth, and our young people will leave the state for better opportunities, and no new young families will move here.
Daisy Cutlip
Beverly