From The Register-Herald of Beckley: While Gov. Jim Justice was promising petrochemical fortunes for the state at the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s annual shindig this past Wednesday, troubling numbers were rolling in that indicated the state might be in a bit of a rough patch – economically speaking –[Read More…]
Opinion
The Editorial category is a roundup of links to editorials and columns from West Virginia newspapers.
Editorial: Attracting new jobs to W.Va.
From The Intelligencer of Wheeling: Those of us who have jobs this Labor Day can be grateful for them and, if today is a holiday, happy for a day away from the workplace. Too many of our neighbors, friends and family members have not benefited yet from the upswing in[Read More…]
Editorial: Teacher shortages a growing problem in West Virginia
From The Exponent Telegram of Clarksburg: The start of a new school year sees some counties scrambling to fill teacher vacancies, including Harrison County. Closer examination of the situation is troubling. Barbara Owens, director of Professional Development School Partnership and Clinical Experiences at Fairmont State University, outlines some of the[Read More…]
Editorial: Dealing with W.Va. Senator Maroney’s arrest
From The Wheeling News-Register: Obviously, state Sen. Mike Maroney should resign if he is guilty of the prostitution-related charges filed against him in Marshall County — and the sooner, the better. But Maroney, R-Marshall, enjoys the same protection as any other person: He is innocent until proven guilty. Coming to[Read More…]
Editorial: West Virginians should not become big losers online
From The Wheeling News-Register: Opportunities to gamble are all around us. West Virginia has more than 6,200 video betting terminals in bars, restaurants, etc. More than 6,100 of the devices operate in casinos, where table gambling also is available. If you prefer old-fashioned wagering, lottery tickets can be purchased at[Read More…]
Opinion: Rural economy enhancements required to move WV forward
By Kent A. Leonhardt West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture We hear it over and over that access to broadband is key to West Virginia’s future. As our state and other rural communities continuously struggle with connecting rural residents to the internet, President Trump and industry leaders are now exploring ways[Read More…]
Editorial: W.Va. cracking down on ‘Robocalls’
From The Intelligencer of Wheeling: How many times after your phone has rung have you looked at the caller ID, seen it was an in-state number, and answered — only to have a recorded voice offer you help in paying off your student loans? Welcome to ‘robocalls,” those annoying automated[Read More…]
Opinion: W.Va. Statehouse Beat – Some suggestions for beefing up the state Ethics Act
By Phil Kabler, Charleston Gazette-Mail Having covered it from its inception in 1989 to the present day, I have a special regard for the state Ethics Commission, so it is good to hear lawmakers calling for tougher ethics laws in light of the Gazette-Mail/ProPublica investigation into Gov. Jim Justice‘s myriad potential conflicts[Read More…]
Opinion: The Plastic Paradox – W.Va. must embrace petrochemical potential
By Rebecca McPhail President, West Virginia Manufacturers Association In some circles, “plastic” has become an almost verboten term because of growing concerns about waste. But addressing waste around the globe while growing West Virginia’s economy are not mutually exclusive goals. West Virginia’s abundant fossil resources in the Marcellus and Utica[Read More…]
Opinion: The problem with the homelessness label
Attention-grabbing but may obscure real issues By W.Va. Senate President Mitch Carmichael Words are powerful, and they have a particular power when it comes to public policy. As we talk about problems we face in our communities and propose solutions, we have a responsibility to use words precisely and responsibly[Read More…]