Opinions
Is Allen Loughry appealing? Not to us!
Loughry has the right to appeal, just as we all do, but he also has the option to confess his guilt and start making reparations for the harm he’s done. He could set an example for the rest of us, in case we ever transgress the rules of right behavior. That would make him more appealing.
Women-owned businesses are succeeding in the U.S. economy
WASHINGTON – Women entrepreneurs make up a growing share of U.S. small business owners. The American Express 2018 State of Women-Owned Businesses report, which makes its projections based on data from the most recent U.S. Census Bureau Survey of Business Owners, estimates that they own 12.3 million companies in the U.S. – compare that to 1972 when there were only 402,000 women-owned businesses.
Thrasher expected to enter governor's race
MORGANTOWN – Woody Thrasher, who Gov Jim Justice forced out as Commerce Secretary last year, is said to be seriously considering running for Governor. Thrasher won’t comment on his possible candidacy, but the smart money is on him getting in the race.
West Virginia needs more negative campaigning
There are at least two aspects of every campaign: the case the candidate makes for himself and the case he makes against his opponent. The first is inevitably positive, the second inevitably negative – though not necessarily mean-spirited.
Delegate says WVAJ president misleading citizens about work WV CALA does
I am proud of the work that I did when I used to serve on the board of WV CALA and the work it did during the 2019 Session. I hope everyone sees past the misleading information from Mr. New and joins WV CALA in the fight to improve the lives of every day West Virginians.
Manchin vs. Justice: Shootout at the Statehouse Corral
Jim Justice and Joe Manchin are big men — literally and figuratively. They dominate state politics. And, although they once played on the same team and enjoyed each other’s support, they are now rivals, set on a potential collision course in 2020.
Investigation of state Supreme Court is over, maybe
The federal investigation of possible wrongdoing by our state Supreme Court justices, which began more than two years ago, finally is over. Unless, of course, it starts up again, which is also a possibility.
Dark money and bullying tactics at the state Capitol
CHARLESTON – For 25 years now, West Virginia and her citizens have been victimized by a ruthless, unrelenting attack. Why? Because corporate billionaires want to increase their profits at the expense of our state's reputation, our bank accounts and our constitutional rights.
Campaign finance legislation provides greater transparency
CHARLESTON – Transparency is the key component of good campaign finance policy. As we progress through the 21st Century, easily accessible and complete information is not only possible, it’s absolutely necessary for citizens to stay informed on how government is spending tax dollars, conducting business and passing laws.
Walmart patron awarded $17 million after shoplifter knocked her down
Walmart patron awarded $17 million after shoplifter knocked her down
The end of the session is here ... thankfully, now to begin 'betterment' of public education
CHARLESTON – The 2019 regular session of the West Virginia Legislature came to an end at midnight Saturday, and just in time. It’s hard to recall when there was such acrimony among lawmakers under the Capitol dome.
Leniency for Loughry is a tough sale
Assuming his motives are pure, an intervention from a D.C. political consultant on former state Supreme Court Justice Allen Loughry’s behalf is a nice gesture. Still, if anyone deserves to be punished severely for breaking the law, it’s a judge.
SBA administrator celebrates two years of supporting entrepreneurs
Dear Editor: Shortly after President Trump swore her in as U.S. Small Business Administrator, Linda McMahon vowed to meet as many small business owners and their employees as she could.
West Virginia doesn't need an intermediate court of appeals
CHARLESTON – Like that poison ivy sprout that comes back every spring, legislation to create an Intermediate Appellate Court in West Virginia is back yet again. It’s no more necessary now than it has ever been, and it’s just as noxious as that stubborn poison ivy.
Legislature needs reformation before school reform can happen
CHARLESTON – When Senate President Mitch Carmichael (R-Jackson) calls for reform of our public education system, the place to start is with the West Virginia Legislature itself.
No need to oppose legislation that saves money
If we can save money by passing Senate Bill 318 (to move the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit to be under control of the state Attorney General's office) and at the same time protect benefits going to legitimate claimants, let’s do it.
Shock for Republicans: A strike for schools as teachers refuse to sell out students
The Republicans designed Senate Bill 451 as straightforwardly as any protection racket. A 5 percent raise for West Virginia’s educators, inextricably linked to a series of proposals to weaken her public schools. The text of the bill explicitly stated that if any part of its “omnibus” provisions were found unconstitutional or illegal, the raise would be taken away.
Loughry’s legacy will live on in the (Steve) Canterbury Tales
Former state Supreme Court justice is going to prison – and he won’t be lounging on a $32,000 blue suede couch in his cell.
Fewer school districts would mean real education reform
Eliminating the 55 school districts and replacing them with about a dozen would dramatically drop the cost of administration to the point that every teacher could get a raise and the taxpayers would still save money.
Opposition to charter schools doesn't make sense
It is puzzling to us that there could be such great acceptance of public charter schools in New Orleans and such total opposition from the unions and the school boards, including the State School Board, in West Virginia, where our public schools rank near the bottom in achievement.