Candidates Discuss Appalachian Ohio Infrastructure

David Pepper and Brian Stewart addressed regional utility and healthcare challenges at a summit at Marietta College.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Utilities

Candidates Discuss Appalachian Ohio Infrastructure

Live Poll

Do you feel your local community is heading in the right direction regarding regional development?

David Pepper and Brian Stewart participated in the Rural Development Summit at Marietta College, discussing infrastructure and development needs across Appalachian Ohio. The event featured panels on regional utilities, hospital access, and rural broadband expansion.

Why it matters

The discussion highlighted pressing regional disparities, including limited healthcare access and shifting utility regulations, as Ohio approaches significant policy changes in the coming year. These issues remain central to the long-term economic stability and quality of life for residents in the state's rural counties.

Seven counties in Appalachian Ohio currently lack access to an inpatient hospital. Meanwhile, statewide initiatives like the Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Program continue to provide funding for rural connectivity projects.

The players

David Pepper

David Pepper is a candidate who participated in the policy discussions regarding Appalachian Ohio development.

Brian Stewart

Brian Stewart is a candidate who joined the summit to address the future of the Appalachian Ohio region.

Kathleen Dougherty

Kathleen Dougherty serves as the President of Marietta College and moderated the event panels.

Center for Appalachian Innovation

The Center for Appalachian Innovation is the academic body that hosted the Rural Development Summit.

The details

Candidates fielded questions from students during panel discussions hosted by the Center for Appalachian Innovation, covering topics ranging from House Bill 15 to future Medicaid funding levels. The conversation focused on the challenges of industrial power production and regional connectivity.

September 24, 2026: Candidates spoke at the Rural Development Summit.
January 2027: Planned Medicaid cuts are scheduled to take effect.

Market Landscape

The discussion on House Bill 15 follows a broader trend of legislative efforts to localize utility production in Ohio. This policy debate positions the regional utility landscape against state-level industrial growth and production targets.

Residents in the region face potential service shifts as Medicaid cuts take effect in early 2027. Additionally, local businesses and users may see changes in how power is produced and accessed under the current legislative framework.

The takeaway

Rural development depends on the intersection of state-funded broadband initiatives and stable healthcare access. Voters should monitor upcoming legislative sessions as the state navigates these critical infrastructure changes.