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Be safe and move over

Editorials

There are plenty of designated days, weeks and months meant to raise awareness and perhaps steer conversations toward finding solutions to some of our biggest challenges. For example, the third Saturday in October is National Move Over Day, according to a representative of AAA, who spoke with WCHS earlier this week. Lori Weaver Hawkins told the news station “That gives us an added way to really educate the public and bring awareness to this issue.” Most of us probably think we understand the law, and the safety implications for not following it, but Hawkins points out, “It’s ...

Officials should always explain their vote

Local Columns

Tuesday night’s vote on a proposal to adjust the pay scales for the non-union employees at the City of Weirton wasn’t so much a surprise that there was dissent, but by how much. The amendment to Ordinance 1313 was voted down by a vote of three in favor and four against. If you’re interested in learning who voted which way, there was an article in our Thursday edition reporting on the vote, as well as some of what was said when the item came up for consideration. Whether you agree with the idea of these non-union workers receiving these pay adjustments or not, the fact is this ...

Government should stay out of contract negotiations

Local Columns

For decades, I had the privilege of serving as president and CEO of Eagle Manufacturing, a company based right here in West Virginia. Over those years, I understood the importance of sitting down together with my employees, talking through challenges and building trust over time. That approach worked for us, and it works for countless businesses across our state. That’s why I’m concerned about a new proposal in Washington called the Faster Labor Contracts Act. While its name makes it sound like common sense, the reality is that this legislation is unnecessary and could make things ...

Let’s take a magical tour to find out what’s happening at the PSC

Local Columns

One thing I admire about younger generations is how engaged they are with electronics And they display no fear of facing new challenges. So, let me invite you on a little magical tour of my own, by way of the Public Service Commission. You may groan at the thought, but the Commission truly touches each of you in many ways every day. Paying attention to what we do is very important to you, and could become habit-forming. And we all like to be in the know, and there is no better place for that than here. As with many mysteries, one needs the key to unlock the puzzle. In this ...

The state stepping in to get the job done

Editorials

This week, Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced that the state will extend its “donor agreement” to keep open the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. At $7,000 a day, Morrisey is likely correct that such a decision is worth the money, given the consequences if New River was to be closed for Bridge Day, or visitors were disappointed when they tried to visit our parks during what should be peak leaf-viewing season. “The political gridlock in Washington, it’s hurting a lot of people, but we took swift action in one area where we felt ...

Benson has big plans for WVU and W.Va.

Editorials

West Virginia University President Michael Benson had a lot of big ideas in his first State of the University address this week. They come as he is in the middle of an effort to visit every county in the state — an important attempt to truly understand his new home and the state his university serves. Sure, it’s nice to learn the holiday lighting party will return to Woodburn Hall this year, but it is also encouraging to hear Benson has a realistic understanding of the challenges faced by the university, and the need to tackle them — with help from those who responded to the ...