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Moves in legislature could be good for area

Residents of the Northern Panhandle often feel overlooked, or even forgotten, by Charleston when it comes to action in the Legislature.

That could change during the next legislation session, as Ryan Ferns has been tapped to become the next majority leader of the state Senate.

A Republican from Wheeling, Ferns has served in the Senate for only two years, and spent four years in the House of Delegates prior to that. He is one of two to represent the First District — comprised of Hancock, Brooke and Ohio counties — in the Senate.

Our area of the state has been working diligently to rebound following years of economic downturns as a result of the loss of several industries which served as the backbone of the Ohio Valley. Much of the state has focused on coal, which is understandable, but the Northern Panhandle has much to offer, and our hope is Ferns and our other local legislators will help to attract the attention we deserve.

If rumors are to be believed, others from our region also could find themselves in important positions come January. That could only serve to help more, especially as job creation is said to be among the top priorities for lawmakers.

We wish Ferns well in his new position, and also encourage our residents to contact him and our other lawmakers with any of their concerns and suggestions.

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