Justice makes stops in area

CAMPAIGN STOP -- Jim Justice, Democratic candidate for West Virginia governor, spoke of his plans if elected as former state Sen. Ed Bowman,and Heather Stone and other members of the Brooke County and Weirton Rotary clubs listened Thursday. The appearance before the clubs was one of several visits made by Justice to the Northern Panhandle. — Warren Scott

WELLSBURG -- During a talk to members of the Brooke County and Weirton Rotary clubs, the Democratic candidate for West Virginia governor said he will draw upon the state's natural resources and other strengths and his experience as a successful businessman to improve its economic climate.

Jim Justice noted a Republican-controlled state Legislature has attempted to address a deficit in the hundreds of millions by cutting the state's budget, but that isn't the only answer.

"It's impossible to cut our way out of this mess. All you're going to do is get weaker and weaker and die," he told Rotarians who gathered Thursday to hear the candidate at the Brooke County Rotary's meeting at the Station Grille restaurant.

It was among several stops, including an appearance at a candidate forum held by the Brooke County Democratic Party at Vito's 2 in Follansbee.

Justice said before he purchased the Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs for more than $20 million, it had gone bankrupt and faced being bought by a national chain that planned to cut its staff and reduce pay and benefits for the remaining employees. He said it took time, but the resort became a success and hosted the first Professional Golf Association Tour event in West Virginia and became home to the New Orleans Saints training camp.

As the owner and chief executive officer of more than 100 companies, Justice said he has the knowledge and contacts needed to draw new businesses to the state.

Justice said besides the potential development of natural gas industries, including multiple ethane crackers, there are opportunities to market coal for metallurgical use and that can revive the state's steel industry.

He said the state's colleges should provide training for future workers in such industries, and the salary for teachers should be raised to keep and attract good educators.

Justice said too often schools, especially state colleges and universities, are the first to receive cuts because legislators "look at education as a necessary evil, not an opportunity."

He said quality schools, along with a relatively low crime rate, are among qualities that will attract new businesses to the state.

Touching on political affiliations, Justice said he has been both a Democrat and a Republican and is a good friend of Eric Trump, Donald's son; and has spoken to Bill Clinton about the state's needs.

"Whoever is our president -- I will be able to work with them and work with them really well," he said.

Justice said he also will work with Republicans in the state Legislature though he will have little patience for those he believes are stonewalling against attempts to move the state forward and opposes the party's stances on prevailing wages for government contracts and Right to Work.

"In all of my travels and contacts, I've never been told by a company they would relocate to West Virginia if Right to Work existed there," he said. "It won't help us move the needle (to prosperity) hardly at all."

During his talk, Justice denounced reports he owes millions in taxes and fines as an attempt to smear his reputation.

Recently National Public Radio reported he owes $15 million in taxes in six states and $2 million in fines to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for mine safety violations.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)