Opinions
Driving innovation through the support of entrepreneurship
WASHINGTON – The ability of small businesses to drive innovation is critical to U.S. competitiveness. The U.S. Small Business Administration recently announced the addition of seven new clusters to its portfolio of communities it supports through the Regional Innovation Clusters Initiative, raising the total number of clusters in the program to fourteen.
The high price of fantasy and a licentious culture
It’s clear from the increasing prevalence of such cases, however, that our licentious culture is toxic, encouraging adults and the young people they should be protecting to see each other as objects of their sexual fantasies.
A thoughtful approach to water quality standards for West Virginia
The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce applauds conscientious legislators and a diligent and watchful Manufacturer’s Association for providing specific and precise data that convinced legislators to take a step back from the unknown consequences of Senate Bill 163.
State lacks caregivers for those with intellectual, developmental disabilities
It is time to come together to address this workforce crisis. A modest increase in funding will not only provide jobs to thousands of West Virginians but will ensure those with intellectual and developmental disabilities are receiving the care and support they need.
West Virginia is really cooking now
People used to work in their homes. The frontier family and the mom-and-pop shop were the norm once. Maybe they will be again.
2019 Legislative Session: A victory for Agriculture
CHARLESTON – With the 2019 Legislative Session in the books, we now have time to reflect on what our state leaders have accomplished.
West Virginia committed to remain a national leader in election cybersecurity
CHARLESTON – The old saying goes, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” When it comes to technology, the new saying is, “Hack me once, shame on me.”
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.