The Times West Virginian Opinion

Quit playing games; ‘do what is right’ in renewing extension of the payroll tax cut

2012-02-10T05:00:00-05:00

Once again, lawmakers in Washington, D.C., are working on a deal to extend a payroll tax cut for 160 million Americans beyond the end of the month.
And once again, debate has ensued.

Superintendent, BOE must find accord if schools are to progress

2012-02-09T05:15:00-05:00

We’re a little confused.
In October, an item appeared on the agenda of a Marion County Board of Education meeting to hire an administrative assistant of Human Resources and Student Support Services. But the item was pulled from the agenda with no public discussion about why, and the position was not filled.

George Esper: Outstanding man as correspondent and WVU professor

2012-02-08T05:00:00-05:00

Many West Virginians would no doubt be shocked to learn that the outstanding correspondent from the Vietnam War was a West Virginia University graduate from Uniontown, Pa.
His name was George Esper, one familiar for many years around the WVU School of Journalism for his tenacious coverage of the Vietnam War that established him as a highly revered print reporter of the 20th century.

Hiding state records has no place in a democracy

2012-02-07T05:00:00-05:00

In private business and personal life, people may hide some activities, exercising their right of privacy. But government is different.

Results about Twitter, free from censorship

2012-02-05T05:00:00-05:00

So Twitter announces that it will allow country-specific censorship. What followed was #outrage, #disbelief, #protest, #RighteousIndignation, #TwitterBlackout and #rage.

West Virginia must develop plan to fulfill highway needs

2012-02-05T05:00:00-05:00

There is no dispute that improving West Virginia’s roads is one of the state’s biggest needs.
We use them daily — out of necessity and for pleasure.
They’re also vital to West Virginia’s economic health.

Best interests would be served if FGH and city both move on

2012-02-03T05:00:00-05:00

In December, Marion County Circuit Court Judge David Janes ruled that the Fairmont General Hospital Board of Directors can appoint its own members and that the City of Fairmont’s charter no longer applies to the hospital.

Educational partnership a step in the right direction

2012-02-02T05:00:00-05:00

Officials involved in a new educational partnership between Pierpont Community & Technical College and FirstEnergy Corp. call the endeavor a “great opportunity.”
We think it’s even more than that.

Meth causes senseless waste, terrible damage in West Virginia

2012-01-31T05:00:00-05:00

Terrible damage is inflicted on West Virginia — and upon abusers and their families — because dopeheads feel compelled to blank out their minds with drugs of many sorts. We can’t understand the sad need that impels them. It causes a senseless loss to society and individuals, filling prisons and wrecking jobs.

Limited funds for workforce training can’t be wasted through drug abuse

2012-01-29T05:01:00-05:00

There’s only so much money to go around when it comes to workforce training. And with the national economy still in a bit of a slump, there’s even less money to go around and even more of a reason to make the money invested in these programs count.