Shenandoah Valley residents are feeling the pinch, and candidates vying for seats in Virginia’s 35th and 36th House districts know it. At a recent forum, the candidates focused heavily on “kitchen-table issues” – the everyday expenses and concerns that directly impact families in the region. Housing costs, energy bills, and job opportunities emerged as the dominant themes, signaling the anxieties weighing on voters' minds as they head to the polls.

The escalating cost of housing was a recurring point of discussion. Many families in the Shenandoah Valley are struggling to find affordable places to live, whether renting or buying. Candidates addressed the need for solutions ranging from promoting the construction of more affordable housing units to exploring policies that could help keep property taxes manageable for long-time residents. Some candidates suggested incentivizing developers to include affordable options in new projects, while others emphasized the importance of responsible zoning regulations that balance growth with community needs.

Energy bills also proved to be a hot topic. With fluctuating fuel prices and the approaching winter months, residents are worried about the affordability of heating their homes. Candidates presented various strategies to alleviate this burden, including promoting energy efficiency programs, exploring renewable energy sources, and advocating for policies that would stabilize energy costs. The discussion highlighted the need for both short-term relief and long-term solutions to ensure energy affordability for all residents of the Shenandoah Valley.

The availability of good-paying jobs was the third major area of focus. Candidates acknowledged the importance of a strong local economy that provides opportunities for residents to thrive. Discussions centered on attracting new businesses to the region, supporting existing local businesses, and investing in workforce development programs that equip residents with the skills needed for in-demand jobs. Some candidates emphasized the importance of fostering a business-friendly environment, while others highlighted the need for investments in education and training to ensure that the Shenandoah Valley has a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the modern economy. The focus on these bread-and-butter issues suggests that voters in the 35th and 36th districts are primarily concerned with the economic well-being of their families and communities. The upcoming election will likely hinge on which candidates can offer the most compelling and realistic plans to address these pressing concerns.