#houseofdelegates

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

TO: Speaker Roger “Hatfield” Hanshaw and Governor Patrick “McCoy” Morrisey Gentlemen: The state of West Virginia has 55 counties with about 1.75 million residents in six different regions, and the median age (43) continues to increase as the Mountain State’s population continues to decline. Our labor force participation is around 54 percent – the lowest in the country – and about 8,000 residents have died from a drug overdose over the last decade. That’s today’s West Virginia. The median income is under $40,000, only 33 percent of us are college graduates, and nationwide we’re 47th in economy and education, 49th in healthcare, and 50th in infrastructure. That’s why the economy and job creation, the state’s roads and bridges, our senior citizens, public schools, childcare, and healthcare are the top priorities among the residents Meanwhile, no one in our state cares about the repeal of Certificate of Need when they’re having a tough time putting dinner on the family table, and anyone needing dark-money-funded PAC attacks to win a political primary race is part of the bigger problem Mountain State residents are facing today. What’s worse, gentlemen, is that lines have been crossed, and that’s not the West Virginia way. Sincerely, The People Who Pay You Read the full article

He ran on the issue of “safe fun” when campaigning nearly three decades ago to become the student government president at West Liberty State College. That was during the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 academic years and the annual Homecoming Dance was held in downtown Wheeling. So, his first campaign platform was to bring the event to campus so he and his fellow students weren’t forced to travel on the rural roads of Ohio County. “It was a long time ago, but in a way, it feels like it was yesterday, too,” Ennis said. “It was a lot of fun for me to be involved the way I was with student government, and it was a great way for me to build my resume at the time. Plus, there were some things that I wanted to help change, and that’s what we did. Ennis was graduated from West Liberty University in 2001, and then he earned his Master's from Marshall while beginning his career in coal mine safety. “One example was the Homecoming dances we had back then down at what was known then as the Civic Center,” he recalled. “A lot of people felt that we could change venues for a better atmosphere, so that’s what we did. I know it doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it was for the college kids that wanted to make Homecoming a more personal experience, and I think that’s what we accomplished.” Year No. 2? Well, his campaign promise was to fight for an on-campus beach volleyball court. “There were a number of students back then that supported the construction of a beach volleyball court over the hill from the Student Union near where the Campbell Science Building is now, and it was a lot of fun once it was completed,” Ennis remembered. “It’s not there now because of the construction that’s taken place on campus since then, but that was something else we got done. Derek places his family first while he's navigating his job, his real estate business, and now his campaign for District 4-House of Delegates. “My thought at the time was that we wanted to have a lot of fun while we were in college, so why not make it safer? Keeping our students closer to campus just seemed to make sense,” he explained. “That’s why we moved to the dance to campus, had the beach volleyball court installed, and had live concerts on campus, too.” His college campaigns, though, were not as complex as his primary run in the 4th House District. “Back then, I grabbed a couple of my old sheets from my dorm room and I spray painted on them my name and my little logo and then hung those sheets out of my dorm window,” Ennis remembered. “I got candy bars to pass out in front of the Student Union, and that way I was able to talk with a lot of students back then. So, I guess we were doing the same things back then that we do now during a campaign, but there’s a lot more to it now. “The radio commercials, the videos, going to all of the events; it’s been a lot of fun and I’ve enjoyed meeting so many people in the county,” he said. “But the issues are far important than a dance and a volleyball court, that’s for sure.” Ennis has served as his own campaign manager during the Republican primary in the 4th House District. Then and Now Instead of dance venues and sandy recreation, the issues facing Ennis now as someone hoping to represent the 4th District involve the economy, infrastructure, public education, tourism, and West Virginia families. “It’s definitely different now,” he said. “But it’s also the same in some ways because one of the first lessons I learned in college about running for that office was that I wasn’t always right just because I was the candidate. I had to learn from the other students back then just like I’ve learned from the (potential) constituents now,” he explained. “Back then, maybe the big issue was to have a beach volleyball court so the students could stay close to campus, but now the biggest issue is trying to give families reasons to stay here. “Ohio County is a special little area. We have a lot to offer,” the Republican candidate insisted. “I want to be the voice for our community in Charleston, and I want to protect the special things that we do have in our community. Communities are built by families, and I'm a family guy. I'm an Ohio County resident who is a blue-collar guy who also owns a business, so I think I have a fair approach and a balanced voice that will help me fulfill the Delegate role in Charleston next year.” The environment is something Ennis appreciates very much and - if elected - he hopes to work with administrators with the state Division of Natural Resources. His knock-and-talk efforts, Ennis admitted, have been impeded by track meets and other after-school events, but he’s still done his best to meet as many could-be constituents as possible. “It was about building relationships then, and it’s the same today,” he said. “Now that I’ve been running a primary campaign for a couple of months, I can say there are a lot similarities between what I did back then to what I’ve been doing this spring. “I connected with people then like I am now, and I’ve learned a lot because people are going to have different opinions and different outlooks,” Ennis added. “In college, running for student government president may have been able building my resume, but now it’s more about my kids being able to live close so, if and when they make me a grandfather, they’re here instead of having to move away.” Read the full article

Dolph Santorine believes he is fully prepared to become a member of the state’s House of Delegates thanks to his career in the business world and creating jobs, and because he’s ready to help change the mindset in the state capital. Santorine is a candidate in the Republican primary in House District 4, and he brings with him over 40 years of experience in a number of different business areas, including manufacturing, online digital, entrepreneurial startups, and real estate. He and his wife, Lora Kaye, reside in Ohio County, and the couple has four adult children and two grandchildren. “In West Virginia, we’ve had too many years of government trying to pick winners and losers, which never, ever works,” Santorine said. “Instead of encouraging private investment, government was too involved. Instead of investment coming to the valley, it went elsewhere or didn’t happen, but I think we’re ready for that change in mindset. Dolph and his bride, Lora K, enjoy travel when time permits. “We need to attract motivated young people to build their dream in Wheeling or doing it in the Northern Panhandle,” he said. “And I think about this – could you imagine what could happen if we have no income tax? That’s where I would like to help take the state.” One significant accomplishment during the state Legislature’s 60-day regular session was providing approximately $230 million in tax relief by reducing the state income tax by 5 percent, and Santorine is hopeful he can assist with orchestrating additional reductions in the future. “I believe people will flock to West Virginia if we’re successful with getting rid of our income tax because that’s what we’ve seen take place in other states like Florida and Tennessee,” Santorine said. “We’ll become the place to be, especially with the taxes in the northeast that are getting out of hand. If we’re the state that’s making more economic sense, you can have a much better quality of life here. “So many of today’s jobs are not place-specific because many people can do their jobs almost anywhere,” he said. “So, why not Wheeling?” As a husband, father, and proud grandfather, Dolph feels deeply invested in the future of Wheeling and Ohio County. A Keen Observer Santorine has served as a political pundit on local radio and as an online columnist, too, and he’s been a member of the Ohio County Republican Executive Committee for a number of years. He’s also campaigned for state office before, and his reasons for running today remain the same. “I believe my motivations now are what they’ve always been, and that’s because I haven't changed that much.” Santorine said. “I do have more experience with the issues that are very important to people here in Ohio County, and I’ve spoken with the voters about those topics. “My dad was a coach and I feel you have to pick up part of that (as a son), and I’ve always known that I can’t be a one-man band. One man can add tremendously to a baseball team, but he can’t win the game,” he said. “I’ve always been able to get my point across, and turn great ideas into results.” Dolph is prepping to celebrate his Mom during this Mother's Day weekend. As a keen observer of West Virginia politics, Santorine was pleased with the cut to the income tax, but he believes that even more time should be spent on economic issues. “Our legislators have lost that focus and they've become distracted by things that are not as important to the constituents,” Santorine said. “Like jobs.  All of a sudden, we're talking about all kinds of social legislation, and granted, they are issues that matter, but it's not moving us to where we need to be economically. Where we need to be is having a net gain in population in West Virginia.” “All my years of being in the corner office, of building businesses and adding strategic value are reflected in being part of the community. I’ve been showing up,” he said. “I've got the skills to navigate the legislative process, which is not for the faint of heart, and I can get results. And the other thing is, I listen and move forward on what's important to the voters.” Dolph has been very active in the Wheeling community, and he's been a member of the Ohio County Republican Executive Committee for several years. Job creation, rightsizing taxes, educator compensation, the state’s seniors, and tourism are his top issues, and that’s why the Republican candidate is anxious to add value as a leader while representing his friends, family, and neighbors. “I think every action we take today should reflect the future which we wish to create,” Santorine said. “Legislation is both short-term and long-term, and sometimes we need to realize that things that get legislated didn't work. And that's okay, but what's happened before is so many of these bills get watered down with trying to make them perfect. And it's never going to be perfect. “Legislation must be good enough to get us to the starting line so we can come back and polish it later to make it even better,” he said. “That’s why I'm going to consider anything and everything because when I get elected, I won't be representing the Republicans, Democrats or the unaffiliated.  I will represent everyone.” Read the full article

Civics lessons do not always begin in a classroom. For many of us, they started sitting cross-legged on the tv room floor on early Saturday mornings, a bowl of cereal in hand, watching cartoons that somehow slipped in a little education along the way, which for a young Erikka, was the best way to get it. I can still hear the tune from Schoolhouse Rock! and see that rolled-up piece of paper singing, “I’m just a bill, yes I’m only a bill, and I’m sitting here on Capitol Hill.” It was simple, catchy, and whether we realized it or not at the time, it was foundational. That little song introduced a generation to how laws are made and, more broadly, how our government works. Back then, I did not know that those lessons would stick with me or that they would shape how I view public service today, but they did. Here in West Virginia, those same basic principles still guide how our state government operates through its three co-equal branches. These are the legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislative branch is where laws are created. In West Virginia, that responsibility falls to the West Virginia Legislature, made up of the House of Delegates and the Senate. These are the men and women elected from our communities, tasked with introducing, debating, amending, and ultimately voting on the policies that affect our daily lives. It’s not always a smooth or speedy process, and it shouldn’t be. The system is designed to encourage deliberation, compromise, and input from different perspectives. That old cartoon bill didn’t become law overnight, and neither should the real ones. Next comes the executive branch, led by the governor. In West Virginia today, that office is currently held by Patrick Morrisey. The governor’s role is to enforce the laws passed by the Legislature, oversee state agencies, and set priorities for the administration. This branch is where policy meets practice. It is where the ideas debated under the Capitol dome are put into action in our schools, our roads, our public safety systems, and beyond. The governor also has the power to veto legislation, serving as an important check on the legislative branch. However, the legislature has the ability to override a governor’s veto. Finally, there is the judicial branch, which interprets the law. At the top in our state is the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia. When disputes arise over what a law means or whether it aligns with the state constitution, the courts step in. Their job is not to make laws or enforce them, but to ensure they are applied fairly and consistently. It’s a role that requires independence, impartiality, and a deep respect for the rule of law. What ties these three branches together is a system of checks and balances. No single branch holds all the power. Each has its own responsibilities, but also the ability to limit the others when necessary. It’s a structure designed to prevent overreach and protect the freedoms we often take for granted. Two of the three co-branches have candidates up for election this cycle, as well as other local races. Two of the Supreme Court justices are seeking to be elected to seats to which they were appointed by the governor to fill vacancies. One of these is the vacancy created by the untimely death of Justice Tim Armstead, and the other the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Beth Walker. Half of the Senate’s 34 seats are up, as well as a few unexpired terms, for which appointed candidates are looking for the nod of the people to keep their seats. All 100 members of the House are up for election. This is the weirdest election cycle in my memory. It will be interesting to see how the involvement of these PACs impacts the election. I want a simpler time, when West Virginians selected West Virginians who had their backs because they were one of them.  Looking back, it’s remarkable how something as simple as a Saturday morning cartoon could introduce such a complex and important idea. “I’m just a bill” didn’t dive into every nuance of governance, but it captured the essence. Laws are the result of a process, one that requires patience, participation, and accountability. Today, as adults, and more specifically as engaged citizens, we have a responsibility to go beyond the cartoon version. Understanding how our state government works isn’t just an academic exercise; it’s essential to making informed decisions, holding leaders accountable, and ensuring that our voices are heard. In a time when public trust in institutions can feel strained, there is something grounding about returning to those basics. The three branches of government aren’t just abstract concepts. These are the framework that keep our state functioning. While the process may sometimes be messy or frustrating, it is also what allows for representation, debate, and ultimately, progress. So, the next time you hear someone humming that old tune, or maybe you find yourself doing it, remember that it wasn’t just a catchy song; it’s a reminder that government is meant to work step by step, branch by branch, with each part playing its role. I promise you will not get it out of your head today. You are welcome. From a cartoon bill on a hill to the real work happening under the gold dome in Charleston, the lesson still holds true. Our system works best when we understand it, respect it, and take part in it, but not when the unwelcome try to manipulate it. Read the full article

Derek Ennis is a candidate in the Republican Primary for the 4th District of the House of Delegates, and he’s listed his “Top Issues” as Family Strength, Economic Development, Infrastructure Maintenance, Educating to Individuals, Tourism and Natural Resource Management. Below, Mr. Ennis answers specific questions concerning each of those issues. Ennis is very interactive with his children and their education in the Ohio County Schools system. FAMILY STRENGTH – If you are elected to the state House of Delegates, what is the first thing you would propose to strengthen families in West Virginia? Strong families are the foundation of a stronger West Virginia. We already have key advantages like affordable housing, close-knit communities, and a slower pace of life that allows families to stay connected. That is something we should protect and intentionally promote to attract young families who want stability, safety, and community. At the same time, we need to strengthen the systems families interact with when challenges arise. That includes reviewing family court and child welfare processes to improve transparency, consistency, and timeliness. Cases should move efficiently, with clear standards and safeguards that keep children from being caught in prolonged disputes or used as leverage. We should also be honest about legislative follow-through. Important family-focused reforms have failed in the past session due to timing limitations in the 60-day legislative calendar. That is not a judgment on any single bill, but it does highlight a structural issue: meaningful reform is allowed to expire before it can be completed in WV.  This Mountaineer thinks it's odd how I must timely pay my taxes each year or face legal problems; however, WV lawmakers are allowed to run out of time when debating issues directly related to child safety and the deplorable 91% failure of CPS!  I will, no - must, raise that standard when elected.  As part of a 2027 focus, I would support revisiting unfinished legislation, studying why it stalled, and refining it into practical, workable policy.  This reflection would also include sparking conversations on evaluating whether West Virginia should modernize its legislative calendar to allow more time for complex issues. Derek made a few trips to Charleston during the state's Legislature's regular session so he could get his eyes on the lawmaking process. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – What legislation would you compose that would increase the state’s support for entrepreneurs in West Virginia? West Virginia’s growth should be built from within by supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and local industry.  That means reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers, simplifying licensing, and expanding access to start-up capital for small operators. We also need to tell our own success stories. The West Virginia Great Barrel Company (WVGBC) is a strong example of what local manufacturing can look like when craftsmanship, natural resources, and entrepreneurship align in the aftermath of flooding and deviation. It shows that value-added production can thrive in West Virginia when we support it properly. Communities like Valley Grove and Triadelphia highlight both the challenges and the opportunity. When infrastructure and weather events strain a region, we need to pair recovery with long-term investment so small businesses and working families can rebuild and grow. I would also support transportation planning that strengthens local economic corridors. Specifically, improving access into Triadelphia and Route 40 development rather than focusing only on highway on-ramp from I-70 to the Highlands. Economic development should help towns grow, not route opportunity around them. The Ennis family enjoys their excursions in the region, including this one to Top Golf in Bridgeville, PA. INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE – What do you believe are the biggest issues right now when it comes to maintaining the secondary roads in West Virginia? Secondary roads are one of the most important systems in West Virginia, and they face constant stress from terrain, weather, and aging infrastructure. Slips, drainage failures, and washouts require more proactive maintenance rather than reactive repair cycles. The Valley Grove and Triadelphia flooding underscored this reality. Roads, guardrails, and drainage systems were overwhelmed, and recovery has required sustained effort.  Moving forward, we need stronger flood mitigation planning including creek and stream maintenance, culvert upgrades, slope stabilization, and better emergency preparedness coordination. Just as important is long-term follow-through so that communities are not only repaired but made more resilient against future events. Derek places his family first while he's navigating his job, his real estate business, and now his campaign for District 4-House of Delegates. EDUCATING TO INDIVIDUALS – What suggestions would you make to improve how the state’s public school system addresses the needs of each student? Education should be built around the individual student, not a one-size-fits-all system. That includes stronger tutoring support, flexible learning pathways, and expanded career and technical education alongside traditional academic tracks. For students with IEPs and neurodivergent learning needs, the goal should always be high expectation paired with strong support. An IEP should never become a substitute for engagement or effort. It should be a structured plan that ensures the student receives the tools they need to succeed. That means more consistent one-on-one support, targeted interventions, and after-school or supplemental tutoring options when needed. At the same time, we need to improve how we understand student development more broadly like nutrition, developmental readiness, behavioral issues, and the amount of love they receive at home, all play a role in learning readiness. That conversation should be evidence-based and focused on outcomes, not assumptions of current paradigms.  Schools should not be forced to absorb every societal responsibility, but they do play a critical role in identifying needs early and coordinating with families and community resources so students can succeed. As society transitions into A.I. self-paced learning,  this future WV delegate is already asking, "What other areas of childhood development can public education impact beyond the classroom learning experience?"  Derek has been an avid hunter since he and his late father used to go together since his childhood. TOURISM and NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT – What are your ideas to help the state’s natural beauty be utilized more effectively to bolster West Virginia’s tourism industry? West Virginia’s natural beauty is one of our greatest economic assets. Mountains, rivers, trails, and small towns define both our identity and our opportunity. We should continue investing in outdoor recreation, river access, parks, and local tourism businesses while protecting the environment that makes these places special. Just as importantly, we should market West Virginia as a place to live, not just visit, because affordability, safety, and community are increasingly rare nationwide. Tourism and natural resource development should work together to strengthen small towns and create sustainable local jobs. Read the full article

2. Mitchell, Matthew D., Anne Philpot, and Jessica McBirney, “The State of Certificate-of-Need Laws in 2020,” Mercatus Center, Feb. 2021, https://mercatus.org/conlaws.

2. Mitchell, Matthew D., Anne Philpot, and Jessica McBirney, “The State of Certificate-of-Need Laws in 2020,” Mercatus Center, Feb. 2021, https://mercatus.org/conlaws.