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Mountain State Motorhead
West Virginia Delegate Gary Howell
Keyser, West Virginia
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Delegate Gary Howell and the West Virginia State Capitol building in Charleston. |
Delegate Howell enjoys driving this Dodge SRT-4. |
What attracted you to service in the state legislature?
As the owner of Howell Automotive, I saw the obstacles to growth put in the path of business. West Virginias business climate is ranked one of the worst in the nation and that needs to change. I wanted to use my knowledge as a business owner to help make the changes to grow the states economy.
Which efforts have you been involved in to benefit car enthusiasts?
I have been a strong advocate of SEMA-model legislation that helps car enthusiasts enjoy their hobby in a safe and responsible manner. I have worked to remove the tax burden on low-income car collectors, sponsored a bill to implement an objective exhaust noise testing program and crusaded against increased ethanol blends in gasoline. Im currently working on a Car Collector tag that can be transferred between vehicles like a dealer plate. The plate could be used by collectors on recently purchased vehicles or those in the process of restoration.
How has being an automotive business owner and SEMA member shaped your outlook on public policy?
When I read legislation, I try to read it through the eyes of people like Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay and Smokey Yunick. Smokey Yunick would have made a great legislator. His You read the rules for what they dont say, not for what they do, philosophy is one Ive adopted. Many of the problems we experience are derived from the unintended consequences. Heeding Smokeys words helps me identify those consequences.
How does the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus serve the vehicle hobby?
We are your first line of defense from big government interfering with your right to express yourself through your vehicle. We are also your contact point if you have questions, want something changed or want legislation stopped. Legislators come from diverse backgrounds and many may believe that lug nuts is a high-fiber cereal, so you need to keep in contact with ones that know which end of a wrench to hold.
What is your dream car?
A black 71 GTX, 426 Hemi four-speed.
How can hobbyists help you and, ultimately, our hobby?
Hobbyists must first sign up for updates from the SEMA Action Network (SAN), then get involved. Let your legislators know how big an industry the car hobby is and that you vote. Remember, legislators work for you and sometimes they need to be reminded of that. Make sure your legislators know who you are by writing letters on issues that affect the hobby. Like myself, most members of the state legislature are part-time lawmakers.
I have to balance my public, business and personal lives. So, if you wish to contact me on an issue I may not be familiar with, make sure you provide the relevant facts. The SAN can help you with that.