Many Blessings Throughout My Life’s Journey

August 17, 2010

It was a significant honor to be recognized last week in conjunction with the YMCA’s Spirit of the Valley initiative. I extend thanks to the many friends, family, and associates that contributed.
Over $225,000 was raised for programs that will benefit area children and families, including the YMCA Community Assistance Scholarship Fund, the YMCA Activate America Youth [...]

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YMCA Spirit of the Valley Helps Many People

July 20, 2010

Non-profit organizations are essential within any community and the YMCA of Kanawha Valley is a great example. Its facilities and programs help families and individuals live more healthy and socially-engaged lives.
It’s my privilege to be recognized for the organization’s “Spirit of the Valley” award, but more importantly, I welcome you to consider giving for the [...]

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Senator Robert Byrd, West Virginia’s Greatest Statesman

June 28, 2010

Today marks a sad day in West Virginia’s history, given the passing of U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, who has died at the age of 92.
It’s fascinating to recount the senator’s life. A man from humble beginnings who eventually became the longest-serving member of Congress, and perhaps its most knowledgeable of the U.S. Constitution.
Robert Byrd [...]

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State of West Virginia Must Address OPEB Liability

June 25, 2010

The state of West Virginia has an $8 billion problem, which is an unfunded liability for retiree health care costs, known as Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB). The causes are complex, but at its core, the matter has resulted from a lack of strategic thinking and the absence of a long-term focus.
Today the Charleston Gazette [...]

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Expanding Technology, Community and Economic Growth in West Virginia

June 9, 2010

As West Virginia becomes more “wired” to the Internet and community development initiatives expand, the potential for economic growth will increase as well.
The state is primed to benefit from the rise of technology-based jobs, which can be conducted remotely from any place in the world, so long as a broadband connection exists.
Consider Boise, Idaho, recently [...]

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Report Highlights Needs of West Virginia Seniors

June 7, 2010

West Virginia’s seniors are an integral part of the state. Their efforts have established a foundation for many people to succeed and their wisdom continues to guide us. With this in mind, it is our responsibility to help ensure that our elderly maintain a worthwhile quality of living. The importance of such is amplified, when [...]

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Planning Underway for West Virginia Education Research and Technology Park

May 19, 2010

The selection of Battelle Memorial Institute to prepare a long-range plan for the state Education Research and Technology Park is good news for West Virginia.
Battelle is a world-class organization that will help identify the strengths and opportunities associated with the park’s future development.
The group will focus on “creating a globally-competitive, multi-tenant research and innovation center [...]

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SURVEY: Do You Think West Virginia Needs Education Reform?

May 17, 2010

The West Virginia Legislature has been called into a May special session by Gov. Joe Manchin, whose agenda offers several potential reforms within the state’s education system.
Though I’m not a member of the Senate Education Committee, it’s still my job to understand public opinion on such matters. I asked a few of my counterparts serving [...]

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Moving Forward After West Virginia’s Upper Big Branch Mine Explosion

April 29, 2010

The Upper Big Branch mine explosion has thrust West Virginia back into the national and global consciousness. People often take for granted the comforts afforded them by the labor of coal miners, but this disaster serves as a sobering reminder.
Attending the recent memorial service in Beckley, I was saddened by the somber tone, yet inspired [...]

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Generation Charleston Town Hall Discussion of Charter Schools and Metro Government

April 22, 2010

A defining element of democracy is the freedom of public dialogue. Though we may not always agree on the issues, our ability to discuss them freely can  make local, state, and national governments more responsive.
Such an exchange of ideas will occur today, during a town hall (5:30 p.m.) style meeting facilitated by Generation Charleston, arranged [...]

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