#55counties

The West Virginia Department of Health has issued a public health warning because a number of larger events are expected to increase the number of Mountain State residents traveling for tourism during the summer months. The warning reads: “Healthcare providers should maintain heightened awareness for travel-associated, emerging, and seasonal infectious diseases, including but not limited to measles, influenza, mpox, hepatitis A, dengue, chikungunya, and malaria. Increased travel and population movement may elevate the risk of disease importation and transmission.” “The health warnings we do are HAN (Health Alert Network) alerts just as the CDC does HAN alerts when you are expecting a large, public health problem,” explained Howard Gamble, the administrator of the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department. “We had two HAN alerts go out near the end of May for Ebola because of reports we received, but this one that was distributed by the state’s health department anticipates some issues with season travel, holiday travel, and special event travel. The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department is located inside the Ohio County Courthouse at 1500 Chapline Street in downtown Wheeling. “Those situations could increase infectious disease rates in the in Ohio County as well as the other counties in West Virginia, and the alert lets healthcare providers, hospitals, and some of our first responders that they need to be prepared for potential issues,” he said. “It lets them know that it’s good to ask questions like did an individual travel internationally? Did they go to a large event?” The state Health Department states that traveling to any one of several regional events along with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Independence Day celebrations, and the 2026 National Scout Jamboree in Glen Jean, W.Va., could lead to the spreading of common and rare diseases “The biggest issue when people get sick during international travel is that while it may only affect one or two people in the beginning, it’s likely they don’t know they’ve contracted something for a week or so after they return home and they unknowingly spread it,” Howard said. “We’ve seen that play itself out pretty often because you have no idea that you are spending certain germs. “That's why we need to stay on top of it as a health department, and that’s why we alert our laboratories and our healthcare providers to test and report as soon as they can so we can track it down,” he said. “It's a good alert, but it's more seasonal than it is we are seeing a specific problem. It is that time of year, and yes, we have some large events. The Boy Scout one is large for West Virginia, and so will be the Fourth of July here and throughout the state.” Bug Tracking When a person gets seriously sick, it is wise, the health administrator advises, to review the individual’s activities so warning others can be accomplished. The masses learned that lesson during the coronavirus pandemic about five years ago. “It’s the answers to specific questions about travel that let us know if we need to begin tracking their footsteps,” Gamble said. “The key is, as soon as those issues can get reported, county health departments can begin their tracking to make sure we don't have multiple problems so we don’t miss an opportunity to slow down a disease rate. “So, the alert is, ‘Hey, we're going to have some large events not only in West Virginia but regionally as well as nationwide’, and yes, those individuals could come through West Virginia, come through our interstate system, and could have contact with our general public,” he said. “The HAN Alert is a way to tell people to be prepared, and yes, if necessary, test appropriately based upon international or some other kind of travel.” Gamble played a vital role in Ohio County during the coronavirus pandemic that started spreading in March 2020. The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department offers residents a plethora of services, including medical testing, breast screenings, Narcan training and needle exchange programs, and a number of vaccinations for travel and disease prevention. “A lot of the issues that we're worried about right now are vaccine preventable, and measles is one and influenza is another. And, although we’re not seeing it here in the Northern Hemisphere right now, it is beginning to ramp up in the Southern Hemisphere,” Gamble reported. “But some of those are not vaccine preventable, like Ebola or others that are most often contracted during internationally travel. “Some illnesses are very specific, and it's this time of year that we begin to see some of those diseases pop up, and yes, even here in West Virginia. We have tracked chikungunya or malaria or dengue recently, and some of that is the result of people traveling abroad,” he added. “International not uncommon, and international travel ramps back up in the summer because people are back to traveling more again now that the pandemic is six years behind us.” Read the full article

There were times during his three years as a member of the House of Delegates when Bill Flanigan sparred hard with his fellow lawmakers over proposed policy because of a little something called the state’s Constitution. He warned them, too. And now that he’s been elected to the Supreme Court of Appeals, Flanigan is looking forward to the day when he and his High Court colleagues have the chance to correct those mistakes (while maybe making that “neener-neener-neener” sound) while interpreting state code the way it was intended. “I'm looking forward to being able to apply the laws as the legislation determines them to be applied. Not how I want them applied, but how they are intended to be,” Flanigan insisted. “I’ve offered amendments to laws I believed were unconstitutional, and some of those amendments were accepted, and some of them weren’t.  He wanted to meet as many people as possible during his campaign. and Flanigan came away with a much better understanding about his beloved state. “I’m looking forward to the time when one of those laws comes before us,” he said. “It will give me the chance to help get it right. I think that's probably one of the coolest things I'm going to be able to do.” That’s why he campaigned the way he campaigned. Flanigan visited all 55 counties in West Virginia and didn’t hide his love for the state or for its people while attending a plethora of “Meet and Greets” hosted by both Republicans and Democrats. He ate all the chicken and roast beef dinners, and, yes, shook every extended hand and kissed baby after baby while meeting all the people and answering all the questions – the ones he’s allowed to answer, anyway – so he could have the chance to officially fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Justice Beth Walker in June 2025. Along the way, he advised everyone he could to review his legislative career as a check into his character, and people were impressed, Flanigan still believes, that a candidate for the Supreme Court would travel to all corners and valleys of the state. In fact, he credits those trips for his decisive, 114,828-82,477 victory over appointed Justice Thomas H. Ewing on May 12th. At least a few times each week, Flanigan was a guest on Wheeling area radio, and most often he's was on the air while driving across the Mountain State. “I hope people voted for me because of my honesty, and because I’m very upfront with everyone,” the Justice-elect said. “My voting record as a legislator speaks to my ideals and what I stand for without me having to say a word because of the restrictions we’re under when speaking publicly and to the media. “I'm hoping that (voting) record helped residents quite a bit when it came to voting for me because I’m proud of my work as a lawmaker. It allowed them to believe that I’m going to stay on point and stay with what the law is,” he said. “That was always my main concern because most amendments I put on bills dealt with keeping a law constitutional, and that was something that was always been important to me and always will be.” Bill missed his wife and family during his two months on the road visiting all 55 counties in the state of West Virginia. That was the plan – just be Bill – but it wasn’t easy because Flanigan is a family man. “I’ll admit it. I had some tough days during the campaign because I was out there all alone, living out of hotels. I missed my family so much,” Flanigan said. “And it was difficult to get a real meal because I didn’t really have the time to eat at the different functions and events because I was busy trying to speak with everyone. There were a lot of nights at 9 p.m. when I would realize I hadn’t eaten anything. “Then there were other days when I attended three different dinners and had eaten far too much,” he said with a smile. “I know one of these days I’ll be able to get back to my routines with my diet and working out, but nothing will be normal again thanks to the voters of West Virginia.” And now he goes to work, and even though Gov. Patrick Morrisey has yet to schedule his swearing-in ceremony, Flanigan has visited Charleston to meet future staff members, to interview prospective clerks, and to gather a lay of this new and exciting land. Flanigan was elected to fill the final two years remaining on retired Justice Beth Walker's term, and then he plans to run for re-election. “The job description is that we're going to be sitting on top of the West Virginia court system. We make the decisions from the top down,” Flanigan said. “We will be reviewing the lower court systems to make sure the laws were applied correctly underneath, and I want to see a better consistency in our courts.  “I'll be one of five, and we'll sit down together, listen to arguments, and we'll make the decision on whether the law was followed the first time correctly. And if it wasn't, we will remand it back down with a new order saying, ‘This is what we think you need to look at’,” he explained. “We get to look at what's preserved that was objected to or appealed, and that's really what we're limited to. “It’s about our Constitution. That’s the job. And I can’t wait to get started.” Read the full article

He’s known her his whole life, and he’s adored her unconditionally since his childhood days in Harrison County, but Bill Flanigan’s recent travels to all 55 of her counties reminded him that he and his beloved West Virginia are ultimately inseparable. That’s the reason. That’s it right there. That’s why Flanigan has fought for “fair” as a state lawmaker – not once but twice – and why he is now a candidate for Division 2 of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. Flanigan is an attorney practicing in Wheeling who currently represents the 4th House District in Ohio County, but when the filing deadline arrived back in late January, he decided it was time for him to finally chase his dream of serving on the Mountain State's highest court.   This county list has been updated since Flanigan hit the campaign trail in March. So, he bought a truck and he stuck a magnet campaign sign on its driver’s side tour. And off he went to meet today’s West Virginia.   “My stops around the state reminded me of the same West Virginia I grew up with in Harrison County. That’s how I’ve been looking at it when I think about all of my travels and all of the people,” Flanigan explained. “I’ve met people who love our state, who have struggled with the economy, and who have been tragically flooded whether it’s been in McDowell County, or in Marion, or at home in Ohio County. You can see that they’ve been fighting back because that’s what we do here. “We help each other, we fight for each other, and we stand by each other. It’s an incredible thing to see in all areas of West Virginia, and I love that we are who we are here,” he said. “People can say what they want about us, but none of it matters when the people in our state need each other. “I’ve been reminded why I’m so proud to be from West Virginia, and it's not just the beauty of the state. That’s part of it, but it's really the people I grew up around; the people I trust and know and love.” While Flanigan was on his way to visiting all 55 counties in the state, he visited many historical landmarks. Beauty & The Beast During its 162-year history, West Virginia’s population has never exceeded 2.1 million residents, and the state has been bleeding population for the last three decades while her residents have struggled with the decline in the coal industry and the rise of the opioid epidemic. There is poverty, a concerning lack of broadband, thousands of abandoned buildings and former homes scattered in all 55 counties, and a plethora of “bridges to nowhere” because everyone has moved away. Politics has played a role, too, and there’s plenty of blame to spread on both sides of the aisle. “But one thing I’ve noticed while traveling around the state is that 85-to-90 percent of the people could care less about half of the things that we’ve been running as a legislative body,” Flanigan reported. “They don’t care about all of the social issues because it’s not relevant to them. They want to see good jobs. Flanigan's brand-new truck now has nearly 10,000 miles on it. “They want to see a fair court system. They want to see an equal shake,” he said. “And they want West Virginia to be first. They don’t care about whatever is happening right now in our state with all of the division in the Republican Party or in politics in general. All of this outside influence coming in is upsetting to the people of West Virginia; that’s a real complaint I’ve heard from the people of our state.” There have been “Meet and Greet’ events, lots of spaghetti and chicken dinners, and discussions, speeches, and sit-downs in every nook, corner, and cranny of his native state, and along the way he’s learned once again that the negative labels stuck on the state simply are not true.     “But I’m not sure how to change the reputation about our state other than to tell people who think bad things are wrong. I’ve heard that people from around the country think we’re a bunch of hillbillies, and that’s just not true because some of the most impressive human beings I know are from right here in West Virginia,” Flanigan said. “We are an impressive people, and I saw that every day I made stops in all of the 55 counties, and it made me proud. “I’ve driven through towns and I’ve stopped and talked with people,” he said. “I’ve seen the genius of West Virginians, and I’ll forever be impressed. I wish I could show it to people, too, but they’d change their minds, that’s for sure.”     (Paid for by the Committee to Elect Bill Flanigan) https://ledenews.com/a-qa-with-bill-flanigan-people-want-to-be-heard-and-want-a-system-that-works/ Read the full article

He’s known her his whole life, and he’s adored her unconditionally since his childhood days in Harrison County, but Bill Flanigan’s recent travels to all 55 of her counties reminded him that he and his beloved West Virginia are ultimately inseparable. That’s the reason. That’s it right there. That’s why Flanigan has fought for “fair” as a state lawmaker – not once but twice – and why he is now a candidate for Division 2 of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. Flanigan is an attorney practicing in Wheeling who currently represents the 4th House District in Ohio County, but when the filing deadline arrived back in late January, he decided it was time for him to finally chase his dream of serving on the Mountain State's highest court.   This county list has been updated since Flanigan hit the campaign trail in March. So, he bought a truck and he stuck a magnet campaign sign on its driver’s side tour. And off he went to meet today’s West Virginia.   “My stops around the state reminded me of the same West Virginia I grew up with in Harrison County. That’s how I’ve been looking at it when I think about all of my travels and all of the people,” Flanigan explained. “I’ve met people who love our state, who have struggled with the economy, and who have been tragically flooded whether it’s been in McDowell County, or in Marion, or at home in Ohio County. You can see that they’ve been fighting back because that’s what we do here. “We help each other, we fight for each other, and we stand by each other. It’s an incredible thing to see in all areas of West Virginia, and I love that we are who we are here,” he said. “People can say what they want about us, but none of it matters when the people in our state need each other. “I’ve been reminded why I’m so proud to be from West Virginia, and it's not just the beauty of the state. That’s part of it, but it's really the people I grew up around; the people I trust and know and love.” While Flanigan was on his way to visiting all 55 counties in the state, he visited many historical landmarks. Beauty & The Beast During its 162-year history, West Virginia’s population has never exceeded 2.1 million residents, and the state has been bleeding population for the last three decades while her residents have struggled with the decline in the coal industry and the rise of the opioid epidemic. There is poverty, a concerning lack of broadband, thousands of abandoned buildings and former homes scattered in all 55 counties, and a plethora of “bridges to nowhere” because everyone has moved away. Politics has played a role, too, and there’s plenty of blame to spread on both sides of the aisle. “But one thing I’ve noticed while traveling around the state is that 85-to-90 percent of the people could care less about half of the things that we’ve been running as a legislative body,” Flanigan reported. “They don’t care about all of the social issues because it’s not relevant to them. They want to see good jobs. Flanigan's brand-new truck now has nearly 10,000 miles on it. “They want to see a fair court system. They want to see an equal shake,” he said. “And they want West Virginia to be first. They don’t care about whatever is happening right now in our state with all of the division in the Republican Party or in politics in general. All of this outside influence coming in is upsetting to the people of West Virginia; that’s a real complaint I’ve heard from the people of our state.” There have been “Meet and Greet’ events, lots of spaghetti and chicken dinners, and discussions, speeches, and sit-downs in every nook, corner, and cranny of his native state, and along the way he’s learned once again that the negative labels stuck on the state simply are not true.     “But I’m not sure how to change the reputation about our state other than to tell people who think bad things are wrong. I’ve heard that people from around the country think we’re a bunch of hillbillies, and that’s just not true because some of the most impressive human beings I know are from right here in West Virginia,” Flanigan said. “We are an impressive people, and I saw that every day I made stops in all of the 55 counties, and it made me proud. “I’ve driven through towns and I’ve stopped and talked with people,” he said. “I’ve seen the genius of West Virginians, and I’ll forever be impressed. I wish I could show it to people, too, but they’d change their minds, that’s for sure.”     (Paid for by the Committee to Elect Bill Flanigan) Read the full article

He’s known her his whole life, and he’s adored her unconditionally since his childhood days in Harrison County, but Bill Flanigan’s recent travels to all 55 of her counties reminded him that he and his beloved West Virginia are ultimately inseparable. That’s the reason. That’s it right there. That’s why Flanigan has fought for “fair” as a state lawmaker – not once but twice – and why he is now a candidate for Division 2 of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. Flanigan is an attorney practicing in Wheeling who currently represents the 4th House District in Ohio County, but when the filing deadline arrived back in late January, he decided it was time for him to finally chase his dream of serving on the Mountain State's highest court.   This county list has been updated since Flanigan hit the campaign trail in March. So, he bought a truck and he stuck a magnet campaign sign on its driver’s side tour. And off he went to meet today’s West Virginia.   “My stops around the state reminded me of the same West Virginia I grew up with in Harrison County. That’s how I’ve been looking at it when I think about all of my travels and all of the people,” Flanigan explained. “I’ve met people who love our state, who have struggled with the economy, and who have been tragically flooded whether it’s been in McDowell County, or in Marion, or at home in Ohio County. You can see that they’ve been fighting back because that’s what we do here. “We help each other, we fight for each other, and we stand by each other. It’s an incredible thing to see in all areas of West Virginia, and I love that we are who we are here,” he said. “People can say what they want about us, but none of it matters when the people in our state need each other. “I’ve been reminded why I’m so proud to be from West Virginia, and it's not just the beauty of the state. That’s part of it, but it's really the people I grew up around; the people I trust and know and love.” While Flanigan was on his way to visiting all 55 counties in the state, he visited many historical landmarks. Beauty & The Beast During its 162-year history, West Virginia’s population has never exceeded 2.1 million residents, and the state has been bleeding population for the last three decades while her residents have struggled with the decline in the coal industry and the rise of the opioid epidemic. There is poverty, a concerning lack of broadband, thousands of abandoned buildings and former homes scattered in all 55 counties, and a plethora of “bridges to nowhere” because everyone has moved away. Politics has played a role, too, and there’s plenty of blame to spread on both sides of the aisle. “But one thing I’ve noticed while traveling around the state is that 85-to-90 percent of the people could care less about half of the things that we’ve been running as a legislative body,” Flanigan reported. “They don’t care about all of the social issues because it’s not relevant to them. They want to see good jobs. Flanigan's brand-new truck now has nearly 10,000 miles on it. “They want to see a fair court system. They want to see an equal shake,” he said. “And they want West Virginia to be first. They don’t care about whatever is happening right now in our state with all of the division in the Republican Party or in politics in general. All of this outside influence coming in is upsetting to the people of West Virginia; that’s a real complaint I’ve heard from the people of our state.” There have been “Meet and Greet’ events, lots of spaghetti and chicken dinners, and discussions, speeches, and sit-downs in every nook, corner, and cranny of his native state, and along the way he’s learned once again that the negative labels stuck on the state simply are not true.     “But I’m not sure how to change the reputation about our state other than to tell people who think bad things are wrong. I’ve heard that people from around the country think we’re a bunch of hillbillies, and that’s just not true because some of the most impressive human beings I know are from right here in West Virginia,” Flanigan said. “We are an impressive people, and I saw that every day I made stops in all of the 55 counties, and it made me proud. “I’ve driven through towns and I’ve stopped and talked with people,” he said. “I’ve seen the genius of West Virginians, and I’ll forever be impressed. I wish I could show it to people, too, but they’d change their minds, that’s for sure.”     Read the full article

The law makes him stop. It gives him pause, as they say, because it’s what platforms life as we’re supposed to know it. The law, too, is for everyone, and with no exclusions, of course, and that’s exactly why Bill Flanigan is running for a seat on the West Virginia Court of Appeals, Division 2. Not only has he played a part in crafting legislation as a member of the state’s House of Delegates, but Flanigan also is an attorney who’s defended the rights of Mountain State residents for a couple of decades. So now, Flanigan feels he’s ready for the next step, and that’s why he initiated a whole-state tour two weeks ago. He bought a new truck, loaded it with “Flanigan For” signs, and he’s been zig-zagging his way through all the nooks and hollows of the wild and wonderful state. And sure, such travel allows him to meet and greet folks from each of West Virginia’s 55 counties, but at the same time, he’s learning the differences in the economies and in the cultures. And this is what he’s learned so far: People want people – real people and not politicians – in all elected positions. “The folks I’ve met so seem to be surprised that someone running for a position on the (Supreme) Court is out here campaigning,” he said. “But it’s the only kind of campaigning I know because if you want the people’s vote, you have to know the people.” While he remains a member of the state House of Delegates representing District 4, Flanigan has been traveling the state in an effort to meet as many folks from all parties as possible. What have you learned so far about West Virginia while visiting more than 30 counties? Traveling across more than 32 counties so far has reinforced just how diverse and resilient West Virginia truly is. Each community has its own unique character, but I’ve seen a common thread—people who care deeply about their families, their communities, and being treated fairly. I’ve heard concerns about jobs, infrastructure, and access to justice, but I’ve also seen a strong sense of pride and independence. What’s stood out most is that no matter where you go, people want to be heard and want a system that works for them instead of some faraway corporate or political interest that has no idea what life here is like. Flanigan has had a deep understanding of the representation of the people, and that's why he's attending a plethora of community meetings during his travels. Should it be a prerequisite for an individual running for a state office to visit every county in West Virginia before they can become an official candidate? I don’t think it should be a formal prerequisite, but I do believe it’s something every serious candidate should strive to do. You can’t fully understand the needs of a state as diverse as West Virginia from a distance. Visiting communities, listening to people directly, and seeing the challenges firsthand make you a better, more informed candidate—and ultimately, a better public servant. Flanigan has represented West Virginians in two different districts during his political career. What have you been listening to during your drives from event to event? A mix of things, honestly. I’ll rotate between news, legal podcasts and occasionally my Kindle, but I also like to unwind with music—especially on longer drives. It helps keep me focused but relaxed. I'm all over the genre spectrum, though, classic rock, sometimes country, reggae, rap, and heavy metal, depending on the mood. Those drives give you a lot of time to think, so having something steady in the background helps.  At least a few times each week, Flanigan is a guest on Wheeling area radio shows, and most often he's on the air while driving across the Mountain State. Favorite band? Favorite song? Favorite movie? Favorite cartoon character? My favorite band is something I’d probably change depending on the day, but I’ve always appreciated Hank (Williams) Jr., Johnny Cash, and Rage Against the Machine. Favorite song is tough, but anything with a strong message or story tends to stick with me. That’s why I can always listen to "A Country Boy Can Survive". As for movies, I enjoy films that deal with justice and perseverance. “Braveheart” is something I've watched over and over again, but overall, my favorite movie is “The Princess Bride”. A cartoon character is tough; I grew up with two television channels to watch! Mighty Mouse, but I think I liked him because of that voice that came on "Here he comes to save the daaaaaay, Mighty Mouse is on the waaaay”.  He appreciates the differences in the areas he's visited so far during his all-county tour, and Flanigan feels the experience will help in the position he's running for at this time. Why do you love the law? I love the law because it’s the foundation of a fair and orderly society. At its best, it ensures that everyone—no matter who they are—has a voice and is treated equally. It’s not just about rules; it’s about justice, accountability, and protecting individual rights. Being part of that system, and working to uphold those principles, is something I take seriously and find deeply meaningful. https://ledenews.com/bill-flanigan-launches-campaign-for-west-virginia-supreme-court/ Read the full article

The candidate filing period in West Virginia has officially closed, and just like that, the field is set. Maybe this thinking is the reason behind my desire to scream, “Play Ball” once closed. Points to ponder. This primary election is a little more than three months away. Names are now final. Ballots are taking shape. Before long, yard signs will soon sprout along rural roads and neighborhood corners. Campaign mailers will begin filling mailboxes. Television and social media ads will follow close behind. The question for voters is not whether the election season has begun. It has. The real question is what each of us plans to do between now and the primary to get familiar with the candidates asking for our vote. Every election cycle brings a familiar refrain. Some voters say there are too many races. Some say they do not know the candidates. Some say politics is confusing, noisy, or exhausting. Some say all three and more. Those feelings are understandable, especially in a state like West Virginia, where ballots can include everything from local committees and boards, to legislative seats that cover large geographic areas, to statewide races, and of course, the amendments. Still, the filing deadline is an important civic milestone. It represents the moment when responsibility quietly shifts from the candidates to the voters. Candidates have stepped forward and declared their intentions. Now it is up to the electorate to decide how seriously to engage. For many voters, engagement starts with the most basic step. The first responsibility is learning who is running. That may sound simple, but it matters more than people realize. Too often, voters walk into the polling place recognizing only one or two names. Sometimes those names are familiar because of a last name, a party label, or a sign seen repeatedly at a busy intersection. Familiarity is not the same as understanding. This is especially true while voters in the formerly multi-member districts learn who represents them in the House of Delegates single-member districts. West Virginia’s primary elections have in many cycles determined who will ultimately hold office. In many districts, the primary is more competitive than the general election. That makes the weeks ahead especially important. Decisions made in May can shape public policy for years. This year could be different. Many ballot slots are filled. Many of these candidates are credible, and their ideas are worthwhile of being heard. Will West Virginia follow Virginia and Texas? Time will tell. Getting familiar with candidates does not require expertise or insider knowledge. It requires curiosity and a willingness to spend a little time paying attention. One of the easiest places to start is with the official candidate list published by the Secretary of State. Seeing all the names laid out provides clarity about how many races are on the ballot and which offices directly affect your community. From there, voters can begin to dig a little deeper. Campaign websites and social media pages offer insight into how candidates describe themselves and their priorities. While campaign messaging is polished by design, it still reveals what candidates believe voters want to hear and what issues they emphasize. Listen to River Talk with Steve Novotney Mondays through Fridays from 3 pm to 6 pm. He will have every candidate on live. He will ask the questions. Local news coverage remains one of the most valuable tools available. West Virginia’s journalists attend candidate forums, report on filing announcements, and ask questions that voters may not think to ask themselves. Reading multiple sources helps provide balance and context, especially in contested races. Candidate forums and town halls are another underused resource. These events allow voters to hear directly from candidates in their own words. How a candidate answers a question can be just as revealing as the answer itself. Do they speak in specifics or generalities? Do they acknowledge complexity or avoid it? Do they show respect for opposing views? Do they give one answer at one event and a completely different answer the following week? For legislative and local races, understanding a candidate’s background is particularly important. Many of these offices involve decisions that affect schools, infrastructure, utilities, health care access, and economic development. Voters should ask themselves what experience, perspective, or skills a candidate brings to the role. Lately, candidates seem to like to use the moniker, “I’ve been a job creator,” because they believe that labels them as different from traditional politicians. In my opinion, while I have created jobs, it is not the role of elected officials to create jobs. Success in a boardroom or on a field should not determine someone’s electability. Voting history can also be instructive when incumbents are on the ballot. Past votes provide a record that goes beyond campaign promises. For challengers, endorsements and community involvement may offer clues about priorities and values. Equally important is understanding the office itself. Voters sometimes judge candidates based on issues outside the scope of the position they seek. Taking time to understand what an office can and cannot do leads to more informed choices and more realistic expectations. The next three months will move quickly. Campaigns will try to simplify choices into slogans and sound bites. That is their job. The voter’s job is different. It is to slow things down just enough to ask questions and seek understanding. Democracy works best when voters participate with intention. That does not mean agreeing on every issue or supporting the same candidates. It means showing up informed and engaged. West Virginia has a proud tradition of community involvement and civic responsibility. The closing of the candidate filing period is a reminder that elections are not abstract events. They are decisions made by neighbors about the future of their towns, counties, and state. With the primary just over three months away, there is time. Time to read. Time to listen. Time to learn. The candidates have made their choice to run. Now it is up to each of us to decide how well we will get to know them before we cast our vote. Read the full article

Legislators: We believe it’s imperative you remember one VERY important fact as you ready yourself for this upcoming regular session, a 60-day timeframe during which you will consider what’s best and what’s useless for the citizenry of West Virginia. What’s the one fact? Simple. You represent West Virginians – All. Of. Us. – and not the people who are sending you all of the out-of-state emails about crazed social and economic agendas that have ZERO to do with the issues in our 55 counties. If you’ve performed the duties in your district, then you’re quite aware of the issues your constituents care about most here in the Northern Panhandle … so, stick with those topics and don’t get caught up with the foolish games others play. Instead, the economy, the economy, the economy. Go do the job we need you to do, and thank you for serving. (Psst … it’s an election year.) Sincerely, Montani Semper Liberi  https://ledenews.com/video-the-collapse-of-the-washinhgton-avenue-bridge/ Read the full article