Laura Marker
Candidate for South Charleston · City Council Ward 4
Why I'm running
No candidate statement provided.
Beyond the ballot: Three questions
We asked candidates three questions about mistakes, disagreements and changing their minds. Their answers offer readers a look at how they reflect on their decisions, navigate difficult situations and approach public service beyond their policy positions.
1. A decision I got wrong
Tell us about a time you made a decision that you later realized was wrong. What led you to that decision, how did you respond when you recognized your mistake, and what did you learn from the experience?
No response provided.
2. Standing by my convictions
Describe a time you disagreed with someone whose support, approval or relationship mattered to you. How did you handle the disagreement, and what ultimately guided your decision?
No response provided.
3. Changing my mind
What is one belief or strongly held opinion you have changed your mind about? What caused you to reconsider your position, and how would that experience influence the way you serve in public office?
No response provided.
Where I stand on the issues
Candidates rated their agreement with five statements about issues affecting their communities, using a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).
South Charleston should continue using public financing tools to support commercial development at Park Place, even if doing so commits future city revenue to development-related obligations.
No rating provided.
South Charleston should prioritize improvements to existing commercial corridors over providing additional public support for new retail developments.
No rating provided.
Before South Charleston commits public resources to a major development project, the city should publish a detailed explanation of the project's financial risks and projected public benefits.
No rating provided.
South Charleston should prioritize funding for existing city services and infrastructure over offering new financial incentives to attract businesses.
No rating provided.
South Charleston should prioritize investments in housing and residential neighborhoods to attract and retain residents, even if doing so means providing fewer public incentives for new commercial developments.
No rating provided.
Responses are presented as submitted by candidates. An unanswered item does not imply agreement or disagreement.