Mr. Elliott:

We wish to congratulate you on completing your 55-county “The Place Where We Belong” Tour and we want you to know we appreciate your efforts to visit all the regions in the state to discuss topics like childcare, broadband, our veterans, infrastructure, historic preservation, the attempted assassination of former U.S. Donald J. Trump, and your opponent.

We noticed, though, the future of energy production in West Virginia was not a topic you posted about on your candidate Facebook page during your tour, and we’d like to know where you stand.

Do you envision a future for West Virginia coal?

Will you defend, support, and promote the state’s oil and gas producers?

Do you agree the renewable energy industries are not yet prepared to fuel the country’s ever-demanding grid?

Or are you a member of the “Clinton Crew” mindset that pushes for the elimination of everything connected to fossil fuels?

We ask because we don’t know, and because the state’s generated revenue currently – and still – is so dependent on extraction taxes.

We’re positive your “The Place Where We Belong” tour was a fascinating experience that offered a compelling stream of stories about our state, and “Bravo!!” for embarking on the two-month expedition. We do hope our state’s role in energy is a topic you’ll include as you continue offering your thoughts and perspectives during the next two months.

That is, of course, as long as our lights keep coming on.

Sincerely,

Realists in West Virginia