The Times West Virginian

Opinion

November 16, 2011

Strong leadership is in place to help West Virginia meet its many challenges

For the Times West Virginian

FAIRMONT — As the West Virginia Legislature convened very briefly this week, two men who represent Marion County or parts of Marion County took two prominent leadership positions within the West Virginia State Senate.

Sen. Jeff Kessler, D-Marshall, was elected president of the Senate, and Sen. Roman Prezioso, D-Marion, Mon, was reappointed as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee — one of the most powerful positions in the entire Senate.

Kessler’s 2nd senatorial district actually encompasses all of six counties and portions of three other counties — including Marion’s western boundaries.

And he’s had almost a year-long audition for the role. Kessler took the seat as acting Senate president when Earl Ray Tomblin began acting as governor. Now all of the “acting” titles are gone. The West Virginia Legislature certified the recent special gubernatorial election, and Tomblin took on the role in its official capacity Sunday.

Then the Senate Democrats caucused Monday afternoon to nominate a president. Kessler won the nomination by a 17-11 vote. He was later elected on the Senate floor by a 28-5 vote along party lines.

We believe that Kessler has served the state well in the position for the past year. And we cannot stress how difficult the past year has been with a tight national economy, federal mandates and multiple elections to deal with.

In fact, upon accepting the position, Kessler himself said, “We have done good work under difficult, historic circumstances.”

In a way, it feels as if the leadership of West Virginia is geographically balanced and represents both North Central West Virginia in Kessler and southern West Virginia in Tomblin and the Ohio River area in Speaker of the House Rick Thompson. And though these men have strong ties to their regions, we also feel that each of them work toward the benefit of the entire state.

Prezioso also maintains the position he was appointed to last year when Kessler became acting Senate president, and will continue to chair the Senate Finance Committee — one of the most important legislative posts. Every bill that goes through the Senate eventually has to be passed through the Finance Committee to determine its budgetary impact on the state.

Prezioso has proudly represented Marion County since 1996 and has climbed up the ladder of leadership since, proving himself in both Charleston and at home, as the voters continue to send him back to the Capitol every election.

We congratulate Tomblin, Kessler and Prezioso on their confirmation, election and appointment. Though the titles of “acting” have been stripped away, the work begins now, and we feel confident that we have the leadership in place is capable of tackling the issues the state faces today and in the days to come.

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