Editorial: Yes, Let's Applaud and Set New Goals

The State Journal, April 14, 2005

During the past three months, Gov. Joe Manchin and the West Virginia Legislature have made significant contributions to building the West Virginia economy. We may have just witnessed a watershed event the rebirth of hope in our mountains.

While no one walked away completely pleased with every aspect of legislative action, we safely can say our elected leaders demonstrated commitment to bringing West Virginia into step with the nation's economy. In short, our legislators and governor heeded the will of the people, who are weary of seeing their children flee to work in other states.

We have made strides in bringing order to our chaotic workers' compensation system, and we now are embarking on the privatization of the debt-ridden program. We have seen the passage of meaningful civil justice reforms that can and will make a difference in our business climate. Those actions alone give us reason for optimism.

Here are some observations about the legislative session past:

• Gov. Manchin was skillful in tying much of his civil justice reform package to a very real and measurable problem: the cost of car insurance. He got legislators' attention. He got his message across.
• The Legislature's freshman delegates and senators asked insightful questions and took part in meaningful debate. Rather than obstructing, derailing or floundering, they did their jobs. They listened, learned and voted their consciences.
• The timing apparently wasn't right this session for table games. In fact, some of the state's leading gambling lobbyists appeared to be strategically reserved during the session, perhaps recognizing that many lawmakers are wary of more debates or votes on gambling.
• While on the topic of gambling, perhaps we eventually could trade table games for more control or perhaps the phase-out of the "limited video lottery" parlors that now blight our neighborhoods. Such a deal could improve our communities and, at the same time, protect our tracks' investments.

While we applaud the recent success, we know that our work is far from complete. We must examine our worn roads and inadequate water and sewer systems. We must expand broadband and other technology-based infrastructure. We must examine and improve the efficiency of government at all levels. We must recognize and eliminate barriers to the economic growth that can sustain our communities and the families that live here.

It is a new day in West Virginia. We have much to celebrate, but we have much more work to do.