FAIRMONT —
(Editor’s note: West Virginia’s special primary election for governor is coming upon us quickly. Voters will go to the polls Saturday, May 14, and choose among the eight Republican and six Democrat candidates who will go on to run in the Oct. 4 general election. Looking at the Republican and Democrat tickets, the Times West Virginian Editorial Board discussed each candidate and his or her merits, coming to a unanimous decision on endorsements.)
Democrat — Earl Ray Tomblin
As Larry Puccio, chairman of the West Virginia Democratic Party, said the day after the filing deadline for the special election for governor, this year’s gubernatorial candidates represent an all-star lineup, a position West Virginia is fortunate to be in.
But it’s tough to argue with experience, and with 36 years in the Legislature, 18 of which were spent as president of the Senate, we believe Earl Ray Tomblin has the experience needed to continue lead this state on the successful course we currently enjoy.
The Logan County native was part of the leadership in this state that cut taxes, avoided layoffs of teachers, state police and other employees, and paid down billions in state debts, including those in workers’ comp and retirement systems.
For Marion County specifically, Tomblin was instrumental in ensuring that Fairmont State University would receive its portion of four-step increases in equitable funding as well as the funding for Pierpont Community & Technical College’s Advanced Technical Center.
His current role as acting governor — a position he assumed when former Gov. Joe Manchin vacated after being elected to fill the unexpired term left following the death of U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd — has been marked by achievements. In the five months since he took office, his administration has managed to maintain a balanced budget and cut the food tax, an effort set in motion when Manchin was in office. He also vetoed a proposed DMV fee hike.
West Virginia is in a unique position not found in many states in this nation — operating not just with a balanced budget, but with a surplus. There’s more than $500 million in the rainy day fund. We need a leader who can take this solid financial foundation and continue to build upon it, making the Mountain State even more prosperous for its citizens and businesses.
We believe Tomblin is the Democratic candidate who is most capable of doing just that.
Republican — Betty Ireland
She’s a “tough, tested, conservative leader who isn’t afraid to stand up and make the hard decisions.” That’s the claim of GOP candidate Betty Ireland, who we believe can use her experience to take this state to the next level.
A Charleston native, Ireland served as secretary of state from 2005-09, a position for which she earned recognition and praise. Prior to that, she taught for several years in the West Virginia public school system, and then entered the private sector as a small-business owner and executive in the pension business. She’s also served on various boards.
But Ireland is ready to return to active leadership at the Capitol, and has developed an extensive 11-point plan to “get West Virginia working again.” Among its highlights, the plan focuses on key aspects that will be crucial to this state’s future: education, infrastructure and energy.
Ireland also has a lot of “firsts” to her credit. She became the state’s first certified pension consultant. She was the first woman to be elected to West Virginia’s executive branch of government. Could being the first woman elected as governor be her next achievement?
“We need a tough, tested, conservative leader who isn’t afraid to stand up and make the hard decisions, because it is our responsibility to leave West Virginia better than we found it for future generations,” she said.
It’s quite an undertaking, but we believe Ireland is the Republican candidate who can achieve it.
Opinion
Experience gives Tomblin, Ireland an edge in all-star gubernatorial primary
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