Opinions
Insuring cars that don’t exist
Have government employees taken the same cavalier attitude toward state vehicles that some state Supreme Court justices have taken toward furniture and other property belonging to the taxpayers?
Manchin replays catastrophic 2016 governor's race strategy
WHEELING – Way back before the beginning of time, in early 2015, West Virginia began to talk about the Governor’s race. Earl Ray Tomblin was finishing up and the seat would be open.
Preserving the integrity of West Virginia's election system
CHARLESTON – Recently, Texas media reported that approximately 58,000 non-U.S. citizens may have voted in Texas elections. While Texas Secretary of State David Whitley took proactive steps to ensure the integrity of Texas’s elections, reports like this reinforce the overwhelming need to remain vigilant in protecting our elections.
Getting around third-party rules for bigger cash haul
In short, if you want to make a third-party bad-faith claim, just say the third party’s not a third party.
We can tell West Virginia's story the best
While the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce does many things, such as advocating for our membership and promoting opportunities in our region, this position has given me greater insight related to a question that I have asked myself throughout my career — How do we make West Virginia a better place to live, work and thrive?
Innovation is key to transforming education
CHARLESTON – When there is a good idea, a truly viable option to move our state forward, we should work together to transform that idea into a tangible opportunity. The road to progress has fewer bumps when we travel in the same direction. As State Agriculture Commissioner and State Treasurer, we agree that “road to progress” begins with education.
‘Nip it in the bud!’
That’s what Deputy Barney Fife would blurt out on “The Andy Griffith Show” whenever a citizen of Mayberry would step out of line just a bit.
The state Supreme Court gets the message
CHARLESTON – Breaking news: The other day, state Supreme Court Chief Justice Beth Walker and Justices Tim Armstead and Evan Jenkins were having lunch together in the cafeteria in the basement of the state Capitol, and they paid for their own meals!
Protecting your backyard from unlawful regulation
CHARLESTON – As your Attorney General, I have worked hard to keep the regulatory power of the federal government at bay, particularly as it creeps into the everyday lives of West Virginians.
Auditor working to improve practices, transparency
CHARLESTON – While the state Legislature is debating and setting budgets for the coming fiscal year, it’s important for West Virginia citizens to know the State Auditor’s Office has been and continues to implement modern and improved accounting practices to track the spending of your taxpayer dollars.
Let the debate on an intermediate court of appeals continue
This alternative bill codifying the state Supreme Court rule guaranteeing appeals as a matter of right seems like a step in the right direction. Whether or not it obviates the need for an intermediate court, however, is debatable – and should be debated.
Education is the state's greatest responsibility
CHARLESTON – There is no greater responsibility of state government than to provide a thorough education for our children.
Lawmakers have a big to-do list in 2019
As we look ahead, we can’t think too long about the needs and challenges we face in West Virginia without turning our attention to jobs and the economy. Both are critical components to a vibrant state and a prosperous future for our residents.
West Virginia ahead of the game with industrial hemp
One agricultural initiative that West Virginia has been way ahead on is the development of industrial hemp.
How long must we wait for an intermediate appellate court?
A bill to establish an intermediate appellate court was introduced again last week at the opening session of the Legislature. In his address to the assembly, Gov. Jim Justice endorsed the measure and encouraged the lawmakers to pass it.
One Stop Business Center celebrating one year anniversary with open house
CHARLESTON – “Moving at the Speed of Business” is the motto of the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Business and Licensing Division. Advances in technology and a new user-friendly website have given our office the opportunity to communicate more effectively and respond quicker to the needs of the state’s business community and entrepreneurs.
Anti-growth mentality hurts West Virginia
CHARLESTON – West Virginia is certainly making progress on several fronts, but some in the state are determined to sabotage our potential for progress by trying to outlaw or restrict one of our most successful economic development tools.
U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of – not from – religion
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof....” Though the First Amendment protects our right to follow our faiths, courts have often misinterpreted it to justify restrictions on religious freedom.
We need the full story on Warner and BRIM settlements
CHARLESTON – A true story with information left out becomes highly deceptive. The media has reported extensively on the settlement cost involved in the termination of 12 individuals in the Secretary of State's Office when Mac Warner took office.
It’s time for the state to invest in agriculture
If you believe agriculture should be part of our effort to diversify our state’s economy, lend us your voice. Tell your elected officials to join our cause. It’s time we invest in agriculture.