Local Politics

Local Politics http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/-t1.htm Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:33:48 GMT 10 Local Politics http://illiweb.com/fa/prosilver/site_logo.gif http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/-t1.htm Stimulus Project in Burnsville http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/stimulus-project-in-burnsville-t3997.htm ohio county
http://stimuluswatch.org/2.0/awards/view/48139/grounds-maintenance-services]]> Local Politics Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:33:48 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/stimulus-project-in-burnsville-t3997.htm#37371 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/stimulus-project-in-burnsville-t3997.htm OH NO, I smell another tax increase on cigarettes. http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/oh-no-i-smell-another-tax-increase-on-cigarettes-t3962.htm SamCogar West Virginia officials are predicting deficits in the Medicaid program of $95 million in fiscal year 2013 and another $169 million in 2014 unless the economy improves and enrollment goes down. Medicaid is a state-federal program that provides health care services for nearly 400,000 low-income, aged and disabled West Virginians for about $2.5 billion a year. Until this year, the state was receiving about $3 in federal money for each $1 in state money put into the program. ... Local Politics Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:16:00 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/oh-no-i-smell-another-tax-increase-on-cigarettes-t3962.htm#37178 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/oh-no-i-smell-another-tax-increase-on-cigarettes-t3962.htm Mollohan Scandal Property Goes to Foreclosure http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/mollohan-scandal-property-goes-to-foreclosure-t3911.htm Armon Ayers http://www.nlpc.org/stories/2009/10/20/property-heart-mollohan-scandal-goes-foreclosure Mollohan Scandal Property Goes to Foreclosure Submitted by Peter Flaherty on Tue, 10/20/2009 - 11:16 Media reports indicated that a vacant lot on Bald Head Island, North Carolina co-owned by Rep. Alan Mollohan (D-WV) and his former aide Laura Kuhns, and their spouses, is going to a foreclosure auction. The lot was one of five properties co-owned by the Mollohans and Kuhnses that have been ... Local Politics Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:34:15 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/mollohan-scandal-property-goes-to-foreclosure-t3911.htm#37008 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/mollohan-scandal-property-goes-to-foreclosure-t3911.htm Greyhound training tracks and state funds http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/greyhound-training-tracks-and-state-funds-t3865.htm SamCogar The funds, which are calculated using a formula based on each dog's track winnings, were paid out to 61 breeders, in amounts as small as payments to at least eight breeders of less than $2,000 for the year. The top ten payouts were to: Dean R. Miner, $513,631; Diana C. Douglas, $441,597; Greg Strong, $397,704; William S. Gibson, $362,768; Ronis Cavender, $330,197; Riggins Racing Inc., $292,276; Greg Geter, $277,279; James B. Jackson, $257,270; Tomblin ... Local Politics Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:45:43 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/greyhound-training-tracks-and-state-funds-t3865.htm#36799 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/greyhound-training-tracks-and-state-funds-t3865.htm I got it wrong, your 'YOU' debt is bigger. http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/i-got-it-wrong-your-you-debt-is-bigger-t3853.htm SamCogar Gov. Joe Manchin said during a meeting Thursday with a work group studying the estimated $7.8 billion unfunded liability of health coverage promised to public employees when they retire. "We all know it's a problem, right?" Manchin said. "The private is taking advantage of the state system." Cheatham also gave estimated figures for how the state's projected debt would be affected by the PEIA finance board's decision this year to stop subsiding retirement premiums ... Local Politics Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:36:02 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/i-got-it-wrong-your-you-debt-is-bigger-t3853.htm#36708 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/i-got-it-wrong-your-you-debt-is-bigger-t3853.htm Signs prod bus drivers to turn off engines http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/signs-prod-bus-drivers-to-turn-off-engines-t3771.htm SamCogar I wonder why no one posted this story on our Forum? CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Most of the time, students are the ones listening to rules and regulations on the first day of school. But around the state, schools have posted a gentle reminder to bus drivers encouraging them to be kind to the environment and their school board's pocketbook. They (the signs) are provided to schools free of charge thanks to money the state Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Air Quality received ... Local Politics Sat, 29 Aug 2009 13:00:06 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/signs-prod-bus-drivers-to-turn-off-engines-t3771.htm#36180 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/signs-prod-bus-drivers-to-turn-off-engines-t3771.htm Why DC parents want charter schools http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/why-dc-parents-want-charter-schools-t3769.htm ohio county http://www.heritage.org/Research/Crime/cda0906.cfm]]> Local Politics Sat, 29 Aug 2009 10:34:31 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/why-dc-parents-want-charter-schools-t3769.htm#36171 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/why-dc-parents-want-charter-schools-t3769.htm Stephanie, you and yours owe a total of … $24,400.00 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/stephanie-you-and-yours-owe-a-total-of-2440000-t3693.htm SamCogar CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- If the state had to settle up its nearly $11 billion in obligations for pensions and retiree health-care benefits for public school and state employees today, the bill would come out to about $6,100 for each resident of the state. Helmick noted that when the Legislature extended Public Employees Insurance Agency coverage to retirees, the premium for family coverage was only about $85 a month. Today, that total premium can run as much as $2,000 a month. "No ... Local Politics Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:04:59 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/stephanie-you-and-yours-owe-a-total-of-2440000-t3693.htm#35893 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/stephanie-you-and-yours-owe-a-total-of-2440000-t3693.htm Looking up to be a boomer year for WV employers. http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/looking-up-to-be-a-boomer-year-for-wv-employers-t3569.htm SamCogar CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginia's fund that provides benefits to jobless residents is paying 114 percent more than it did last year as the unemployment rate continues to jump, a WorkForce West Virginia official said Thursday. The state's unemployment compensation fund paid $181 million in benefits this year through July 3, said Michael Moore, the agency's director of unemployment. That figure was $84.5 million for the same period last year, he said. "We're looking at ... Local Politics Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:55:29 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/looking-up-to-be-a-boomer-year-for-wv-employers-t3569.htm#35165 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/looking-up-to-be-a-boomer-year-for-wv-employers-t3569.htm Legalize prostitution in West Virginia http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/legalize-prostitution-in-west-virginia-t3313.htm SamCogar Legalizing prostitution in West Virginia would pay off all the unfunded debt that the Democrats have obligated the Taxpayers for. It would also guarantee a Budget Surplus every year ...... as well as the reduction or voiding of many taxes that are now being collected. Unemployment and welfare would be drastically reduced. Put the tax burden on the backs of the "working females" and with a 50% B&O Tax on gross income ..... the debt will quickly slide away and the good times ... Local Politics Fri, 22 May 2009 12:15:41 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/legalize-prostitution-in-west-virginia-t3313.htm#33604 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/legalize-prostitution-in-west-virginia-t3313.htm Mountain top mining debate http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/mountain-top-mining-debate-t3439.htm Aaron This should be interesting. I do believe I will attend. Dear Don, Thanks for your offer to publicly discuss climate change, human-made global warming, and its implications for the coal industry in general and mountaintop removal in particular. That is an excellent suggestion. I would be glad to participate in a format that allows the public to become better acquainted with the science and its implications. I had planned to return to a meeting in Washington immediately after ... Local Politics Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:29:23 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/mountain-top-mining-debate-t3439.htm#34482 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/mountain-top-mining-debate-t3439.htm Feds: DEP does not properly oversee mining flood prevention http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/feds-dep-does-not-properly-oversee-mining-flood-prevention-t3509.htm ziggy CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginia regulators and coal operators have not properly implemented state rules meant to keep strip mining from contributing to flooding during heavy rains over narrow mountain hollows, according to a new federal report. Mine operators have inconsistently applied computer modeling in permit applications, and state regulators have approved those applications anyway, according to the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement report. In addition, ... Local Politics Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:06:54 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/feds-dep-does-not-properly-oversee-mining-flood-prevention-t3509.htm#34874 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/feds-dep-does-not-properly-oversee-mining-flood-prevention-t3509.htm Sin taxes are the real sin being perpetrated. http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/sin-taxes-are-the-real-sin-being-perpetrated-t3441.htm SamCogar "When people are stressed out, they smoke and drink and play the Lottery more," he said. Though May, cigarette tax collections are at $99,579,279 -- about $1.98 million, or 2 percent, ahead of estimates. Smokeless tobacco taxes are also running about 1.35 percent, or $675,528, ahead of the $4.98 million year-to-date estimate. Likewise, liquor revenues are up 1 percent, or $1.13 million ahead of estimates, at $13.9 million. The only sin tax ... Local Politics Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:47:05 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/sin-taxes-are-the-real-sin-being-perpetrated-t3441.htm#34497 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/sin-taxes-are-the-real-sin-being-perpetrated-t3441.htm And cigarette smoke gets blamed …… and taxed. http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/and-cigarette-smoke-gets-blamed-and-taxed-t3454.htm SamCogar WASHINGTON - People living in nearly 600 neighborhoods across the country are breathing concentrations of toxic air pollutants that put them at a much greater risk of contracting cancer, according to new data from the Environmental Protection Agency. The levels of 80 cancer-causing substances released by automobiles, factories and other sources in these areas exceed a 100 in 1 million cancer risk. Parts of Los Angeles and Madison County, Ill., had the highest cancer risks in the nation ... Local Politics Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:54:51 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/and-cigarette-smoke-gets-blamed-and-taxed-t3454.htm#34553 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/and-cigarette-smoke-gets-blamed-and-taxed-t3454.htm Judy Hale - Let's work for schools together http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/judy-hale-let-s-work-for-schools-together-t3221.htm SamCogar To see how greatly concerned our Educators are, read this. Judy Hale - Let's work for schools together Great schools succeed when we learn from their teachers rather than forcing policy upon them. Successful reform starts at the local level, in the classroom. They are born of ideas developed and nurtured in classrooms by the educators who work with students every day. If you harness the strengths, experience and know-how of our teachers and include them in the decision-making process, ... Local Politics Tue, 05 May 2009 10:47:24 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/judy-hale-let-s-work-for-schools-together-t3221.htm#33149 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/judy-hale-let-s-work-for-schools-together-t3221.htm Why elected County Officials deserve big salarie$ http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/why-elected-county-officials-deserve-big-salarie-t3070.htm SamCogar Because big salarie$ attract the most qualified people which is important to insure there is competent and dedicated personnel who keep a watchful eye over the daily activity of their Elected Office so that the public and/or taxpayers are not getting screwed ............... without being kissed. PHILIPPI, W.Va. -- Barbour County's prosecutor has asked a court to remove County Clerk Debra Talbott from office because a medical condition has kept her off the job for two years. Prosecuting ... Local Politics Fri, 10 Apr 2009 07:33:53 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/why-elected-county-officials-deserve-big-salarie-t3070.htm#32321 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/why-elected-county-officials-deserve-big-salarie-t3070.htm A stacked deck. http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/a-stacked-deck-t3067.htm SamCogar With the unions opposing Manchin's school agenda, many members of the Legislature will be torn between reform and what their unions want. More than half the 25 members of the House Education Committee, for example, are current or former employees of county school systems. The chairwoman, Mary Poling, D-Barbour, was a math teacher and she served on her county's board of education for 34 years. Her vice chairman, Brady Paxton, D-Putnam; Minority Chairman Walter Duke, R-Berkeley; ... Local Politics Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:45:30 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/a-stacked-deck-t3067.htm#32281 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/a-stacked-deck-t3067.htm Bravo Senator Wells! http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/bravo-senator-wells-t3026.htm Stephanie State Senator Criticizes Teacher Unions CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WV Metro News) -- Kanawha County state Senator Erik Wells took on the state's two teacher unions Thursday, accusing them of being more interested in pay than students' education. "We have to change," an emotional Wells said during a Senate Finance Committee meeting Thursday. "I get tired of the WVEA and the AFT always talking about pay and not about kids." Wells made the comments as he pushed ... Local Politics Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:01:05 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/bravo-senator-wells-t3026.htm#31991 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/bravo-senator-wells-t3026.htm WV Legislature http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/wv-legislature-t2987.htm Stephanie Bill to require hiring full-time athletic directors at every high school What new ways to spend, spend, spend taxpayer money will this crew think of next? Aaron, I think you were the guy who sort of reprimanded me for not voting for Brady Paxton in the last election. You told me he was a nice guy. Well, nice only goes so far with me. I'm pleased I voted for McCormick. Local Politics Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:22:08 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/wv-legislature-t2987.htm#31794 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/wv-legislature-t2987.htm W.Va. Senate mulls collective bargaining bill http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/wva-senate-mulls-collective-bargaining-bill-t2929.htm Stephanie W.Va. Senate mulls collective bargaining What will they think of next? CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginia would recognize state employee unions and allow collective bargaining under a Senate bill, a measure Gov. Joe Manchin says he's open to discussing. According to the AFL-CIO, West Virginia is almost unique among states without so-called "right to work'' laws that prohibit collective bargaining for state workers. Of 28 such states, only Colorado has a similar prohibition. ... Local Politics Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:43:09 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/wva-senate-mulls-collective-bargaining-bill-t2929.htm#31455 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/wva-senate-mulls-collective-bargaining-bill-t2929.htm Century Aluminum posts closure notice http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/century-aluminum-posts-closure-notice-t2667.htm ziggy Wednesday February 4, 2009 BREAKING NEWS: Century Aluminum posts closure notice for Ravenswood by George Hohmann Daily Mail Business Editor RAVENSWOOD, W.Va. -- Century Aluminum announced it will immediately begin shutting down its Ravenswood smelter, with the layoff of the majority of the plant's remaining 651 employees to be completed by Feb. 20. http://www.dailymail.com/News/200902041384 Local Politics Wed, 04 Feb 2009 21:56:54 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/century-aluminum-posts-closure-notice-t2667.htm#28895 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/century-aluminum-posts-closure-notice-t2667.htm Gays are last victims http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/gays-are-last-victims-t2909.htm ziggy March 12, 2009 Prejudice Gays are last victims Decade after decade, America grows more moral, slowly erasing cruel prejudices of the past. Blacks, Hispanics, women, Jews, the aged, the handicapped, Catholics, Asians and other minorities gradually have won equality laws protecting them from unfairness they once suffered. The only minority still lacking full acceptance is homosexuals - and they're making strong progress. Across America, many governments and corporations are ... Local Politics Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:49:27 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/gays-are-last-victims-t2909.htm#31272 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/gays-are-last-victims-t2909.htm The Sorry State of Education http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/the-sorry-state-of-education-t2768.htm Cato I saw the thread on teacher hiring so I thought I'd throw out a few throughts on what I think is wrong with education. Especially since I have a wife and daughter teaching. First, it may come as a surpirze to many that I agree, getting rid of poor teachers is nearly impossible. Two of my kids a a math teacher that was a complete idiotI can't explain how she held her job as long as she has, but she did and alot of kids have suffered for it. I also am aware of an english teacher whose ... Local Politics Mon, 16 Feb 2009 18:23:55 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/the-sorry-state-of-education-t2768.htm#29835 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/the-sorry-state-of-education-t2768.htm Were anti-abortionists to embarrassed to post this story? http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/were-anti-abortionists-to-embarrassed-to-post-this-story-t2784.htm SamCogar . Probably so given the 2nd story posted below. Dozens of abortion bills introduced in the Legislature Prohibiting gender-based procedures, providing certain fetuses with anesthesia and requiring pregnancy tests are among dozens of abortion bills pending in the West Virginia Legislature this session. As of Tuesday, there were 35 bills regarding abortion listed on the Legislature's Web site. The number was fairly typical compared with other years, lawmakers said, and many were ... Local Politics Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:00:23 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/were-anti-abortionists-to-embarrassed-to-post-this-story-t2784.htm#29961 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/were-anti-abortionists-to-embarrassed-to-post-this-story-t2784.htm Delegate Staggers Withdraws Support HB 2749 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/delegate-staggers-withdraws-support-hb-2749-t2863.htm Keli HSLDA ^ | 3-4-2009 |

Dear HSLDA Members and Friends, This morning, while radio host Tom Roten was interviewing Delegate Margaret Anne Staggers and me live on WVHU, Del. Staggers said that she did not support her own bill, H.B. 2749, the sports access bill, as written. Your phone calls had an impact!

(Excerpt) Read more at hslda.org ...]]> Local Politics Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:52:52 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/delegate-staggers-withdraws-support-hb-2749-t2863.htm#30814 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/delegate-staggers-withdraws-support-hb-2749-t2863.htm Here's a little tidbit for you democrat lovers http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/here-s-a-little-tidbit-for-you-democrat-lovers-t2853.htm Cato WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A senior Senate Democrat said Tuesday he would consider taxing U.S. workers on their employer-sponsored health insurance to help pay for extending coverage to millions of uninsured Americans. "I think that tax provision should be on the table," said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, who will play a major role in writing the legislation to revamp the U.S. healthcare system as promised by President Barack Obama. "It's too aggressive. It ... Local Politics Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:28:58 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/here-s-a-little-tidbit-for-you-democrat-lovers-t2853.htm#30736 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/here-s-a-little-tidbit-for-you-democrat-lovers-t2853.htm RIP http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/rip-t2771.htm ohio county pro tem of the State Senate, dead at 80.]]> Local Politics Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:37:35 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/rip-t2771.htm#29858 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/rip-t2771.htm Teacher hiring http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/teacher-hiring-t2761.htm Aaron So our schools are forced to hire what they know will be bad teachers simply because they meet criteria set forth on paper and then ther can't fire them after a year when they know they are bad teachers. Is it any wonder our schools are failing miserably? Teachers union leaders blast hiring proposal The leader of one of West Virginia's teachers unions blasted a proposal Thursday that would change teacher hiring practices in the state. By Davin White Staff writer CHARLESTON, ... Local Politics Sat, 14 Feb 2009 14:06:28 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/teacher-hiring-t2761.htm#29804 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/teacher-hiring-t2761.htm A blue dog democrat breaks rank and snarls. http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/a-blue-dog-democrat-breaks-rank-and-snarls-t2697.htm SamCogar CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Congress' "stimulus package" doesn't "stimulate." The majority of "stimulus" projects don't create immediate jobs. Tax cuts don't put people back to work, and projects timed to take effect only after 2010 don't help us when we need them! ----------------------- Unfortunately, the whole "stimulus" idea is dicey to begin with: As much of a Roosevelt Democrat as I am, the New Deal projects did not extricate us from the Great Depression. ... Local Politics Sun, 08 Feb 2009 12:27:54 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/a-blue-dog-democrat-breaks-rank-and-snarls-t2697.htm#29309 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/a-blue-dog-democrat-breaks-rank-and-snarls-t2697.htm The "State's Newspaper" Must Have Missed This. http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/the-state-s-newspaper-must-have-missed-this-t1433.htm ohio county In all fairness, I cannot tell about the propriety of this suit. I cannot imagine VISA and Mastercard turning over and settling for $12 million if they are not guilty. I don't see anything that discusses the merits of the case. I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. And in all candor, the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General's Office has done a lot of work for me. My Dad got older and fell prey to charlatans, crooks, purveyors of sweepstakes, etc. I was able ... Local Politics Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:26:42 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/the-state-s-newspaper-must-have-missed-this-t1433.htm#16994 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/the-state-s-newspaper-must-have-missed-this-t1433.htm A sign of things to come for Republicans??? http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/a-sign-of-things-to-come-for-republicans-t2642.htm Aaron WVa Republicans look to rebound after bad year by The Associated Press CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- West Virginia Republicans have not enjoyed much good news in recent years. Last November was another tough election cycle for the party, with the rival Democrats keeping a firm grip on the Legislature and winning every open statewide office. But GOP leaders see signs of hope in unexpectedly robust fundraising numbers for January. The party brought in $19,000 in January, up from ... Local Politics Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:30:50 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/a-sign-of-things-to-come-for-republicans-t2642.htm#28685 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/a-sign-of-things-to-come-for-republicans-t2642.htm Carter Zerbe commentary http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/carter-zerbe-commentary-t2559.htm ziggy
http://www.wvgazette.com/comments?build=yes&ContID=200901260406]]> Local Politics Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:04:20 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/carter-zerbe-commentary-t2559.htm#28064 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/carter-zerbe-commentary-t2559.htm Unemployment doubling http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/unemployment-doubling-t2580.htm Aaron But I thought democrats were going to save us all... Jobless rate may double by 2010 A new analysis warns that more than 77,000 West Virginians could be out of work by the end of the year. By The Associated Press CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A new analysis warns that more than 77,000 West Virginians could be out of work by the end of the year. The Mountain State's unemployment rate will soar to between 8.7 percent and 9.5 percent by the final three months of 2009, according Moody's Economy.com. ... Local Politics Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:36:11 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/unemployment-doubling-t2580.htm#28223 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/unemployment-doubling-t2580.htm Has anyone heard of this group? http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/has-anyone-heard-of-this-group-t2545.htm sodbuster http://wvgazette.com/News/200901240668

Just wondering who they are, who organized the group, etc.

There is no contact info in the story.]]> Local Politics Sun, 25 Jan 2009 15:10:38 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/has-anyone-heard-of-this-group-t2545.htm#27905 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/has-anyone-heard-of-this-group-t2545.htm WV Unemployment Benefits http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/wv-unemployment-benefits-t2493.htm Stephanie I have taken the liberty of highlighting the points I find of particular interest and most likely to stimulate discussion. http://www.dailymail.com/Business/200901120684 CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The state Chamber of Commerce says rather than increasing a tax on employers used to pay unemployment benefits, lawmakers should consider reducing benefits and eliminating payouts to some people, including strikers and workers who are fired for failing drug tests. Employers pay a tax on the ... Local Politics Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:25:27 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/wv-unemployment-benefits-t2493.htm#27453 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/wv-unemployment-benefits-t2493.htm Kick the public school addiction http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/kick-the-public-school-addiction-t2471.htm SamCogar "We've got a problem," said longtime Kanawha County school board member Pete Thaw. Other board members, the public, and most individual teachers know there is a problem. The only ones who do not see the elephant in the room are teacher union leaders and the Anti-Christian Liberties Union, neither group known for keen moral eyesight. Teacher unions and the ACLU cried that constitutional rights would be violated by random drug testing. It is ironic that both groups ... Local Politics Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:20:31 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/kick-the-public-school-addiction-t2471.htm#27264 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/kick-the-public-school-addiction-t2471.htm Legislating from the Bench http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/legislating-from-the-bench-t2356.htm SamCogar CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A federal judge halted the Kanawha County school system's plan to randomly drug test teachers. U.S. District Judge Joseph Robert Goodwin said the drug testing plan would force teachers to submit to an unconstitutional and unjustified search. He also gave a scathing rebuke of the policy and the school board that approved it. Goodwin said the Kanawha school system's plan to randomly test 25 percent of its teachers and other school personnel each year was made even ... Local Politics Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:36:23 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/legislating-from-the-bench-t2356.htm#25922 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/legislating-from-the-bench-t2356.htm McGraw’s buddies get another Windfall Profit http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/mcgraws-buddies-get-another-windfall-profit-t2386.htm SamCogar Friday January 2, 2009 The court system works for a few Some people's profitable industry is other people's judicial hellhole ON Monday, the president of the group that represents the trial lawyers in the state, Al Karlin, declared that West Virginia is not the judicial hellhole the American Tort Reform Association says it is. "It is the kind of report that is put out to try and frighten legislators and try and frighten West Virginians to pass laws that give up their ... Local Politics Sat, 03 Jan 2009 15:14:24 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/mcgraws-buddies-get-another-windfall-profit-t2386.htm#26282 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/mcgraws-buddies-get-another-windfall-profit-t2386.htm Larry Starcher http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/larry-starcher-t2371.htm ohio county I firmly believe that laws and institutions are not set in stone, but should be continuously interpreted and reformed to keep pace with the times," Starcher wrote. "I have dedicated my career to tailoring the law to an every-growing, every-advancing society. And I hope that the words of Jefferson will continue to inspire other lawyers and judges who seek justice for their clients. - Larry Starcher http://www.dailymail.com/News/statenews/200812310213?page=1&build=cache Jefferson ... Local Politics Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:11:48 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/larry-starcher-t2371.htm#26022 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/larry-starcher-t2371.htm PotBSurri http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/potbsurri-t2250.htm SamCogar Potpourri: Dec. 15, 2008 CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Why was West Virginia, with two-to-one Democratic registration, a Republican "red state" in the 2008 presidential election for a third consecutive time? Seven factors seem apparent: (1) Young Americans voted strongly for Democrat Barack Obama - but this state has the highest ratio of older residents. (2) Educated voters favored Obama - but West Virginia has the lowest rate of college graduates. (3) Blacks overwhelmingly backed Obama ... Local Politics Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:37:50 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/potbsurri-t2250.htm#24881 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/potbsurri-t2250.htm Could be great news for wv... http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/could-be-great-news-for-wv-t2091.htm sodbuster http://wvgazette.com/News/200811190789

This case could pave the way toward a fairer tax system in wv.]]> Local Politics Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:23:16 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/could-be-great-news-for-wv-t2091.htm#23017 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/could-be-great-news-for-wv-t2091.htm More good work by AG Darrell McGraw... http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/more-good-work-by-ag-darrell-mcgraw-t2156.htm sodbuster http://wvgazette.com/News/200811290265?page=2&build=cache

This article is self-explanatory and educational.

(For those who take time to read the whole article, there is an interesting reference to the current country wide financial crisis in the mortgage industry.)]]> Local Politics Sun, 30 Nov 2008 13:45:12 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/more-good-work-by-ag-darrell-mcgraw-t2156.htm#23740 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/more-good-work-by-ag-darrell-mcgraw-t2156.htm About half of McGraw's lawyer contributors hired by AG http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/about-half-of-mcgraw-s-lawyer-contributors-hired-by-ag-t2220.htm Stephanie The other half are hoping for their piece of the action during his new term. http://wvrecord.com/news/contentview.asp?c=216244 12/4/2008 8:35 AM By Chris Dickerson -Statehouse Bureau CHARLESTON -- About half of the personal injury lawyers who contributed to Attorney General Darrell McGraw's 2008 re-election campaign with large contributions have worked as special assistant AGs for his office. Those appointments mean the attorneys could reap millions of dollars in legal fees ... Local Politics Wed, 10 Dec 2008 04:39:06 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/about-half-of-mcgraw-s-lawyer-contributors-hired-by-ag-t2220.htm#24469 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/about-half-of-mcgraw-s-lawyer-contributors-hired-by-ag-t2220.htm Lessons in Georgia... http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/lessons-in-georgia-t2169.htm sodbuster http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1863231,00.html Well this article right here re-enforces what I have been trying to tell my rightwing friends on here. They just say it better with prettier words. And as usual (for those who like to do a quick skim) the heart of the message is toward the end. So if you just take a quick glance at the first paragraph you will miss the main message. Local Politics Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:10:30 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/lessons-in-georgia-t2169.htm#23888 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/lessons-in-georgia-t2169.htm Gift Cards http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/gift-cards-t2140.htm ohio county http://wvgazette.com/News/200811260176

This is a great service from the Attorney General's office. It is my understanding that a whole host of retailers plans to go out of business after the Holiday season. Part internet rumor and part truth:

http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/bankruptcies.asp]]> Local Politics Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:13:50 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/gift-cards-t2140.htm#23637 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/gift-cards-t2140.htm Auto industry woes hit close home http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/auto-industry-woes-hit-close-home-t2094.htm sodbuster http://wvgazette.com/News/200811200154

Well all the rugged individualists who oppose the automobile industry probably did not stop to consider it might affect them here in WV.

Of course now they will say well it's only 120 jobs.

But they dont consider when a plant cuts back it affects their suppliers.

And their suppliers' suppliers.]]> Local Politics Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:19:54 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/auto-industry-woes-hit-close-home-t2094.htm#23021 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/auto-industry-woes-hit-close-home-t2094.htm Proposal to build PATH through wv to be discussed http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/proposal-to-build-path-through-wv-to-be-discussed-t2049.htm sodbuster http://wvgazette.com/News/200811170174

Well they did not really pick the most convenient location for most affected people, did they?]]> Local Politics Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:28:44 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/proposal-to-build-path-through-wv-to-be-discussed-t2049.htm#22722 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/proposal-to-build-path-through-wv-to-be-discussed-t2049.htm Almost as much as Public School expenditures. http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/almost-as-much-as-public-school-expenditures-t2029.htm SamCogar Public benefits must change Courts can't order cities to pay more than taxpayers can afford to pay Active employees of the city of Huntington now pay only $12 a month for individual health insurance coverage, and $15 a month for family coverage. Naturally, this has imposed high costs on- the people on the other end of the equation - taxpayers. The cost of health insurance and police and fire-fighter pensions is expected to account for 41 percent of the city of Huntington's ... Local Politics Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:03:42 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/almost-as-much-as-public-school-expenditures-t2029.htm#22426 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/almost-as-much-as-public-school-expenditures-t2029.htm U.S. Supreme Court to review Harman-Massey case http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/us-supreme-court-to-review-harman-massey-case-t2025.htm ziggy November 14, 2008 U.S. Supreme Court to review Harman-Massey case By Andrew Clevenger Staff writer CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The U.S. Supreme Court decided today to hear an appeal of whether West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Brent Benjamin should have stepped aside in a case involving the company of a campaign donor who spent millions of dollars to unseat Benjamin's opponent in the 2004 election. Benjamin twice voted in the majority in 3-2 decisions to overturn a $50 million verdict ... Local Politics Sat, 15 Nov 2008 03:09:39 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/us-supreme-court-to-review-harman-massey-case-t2025.htm#22392 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/us-supreme-court-to-review-harman-massey-case-t2025.htm What should Darrell McGraw do now? http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/what-should-darrell-mcgraw-do-now-t1956.htm sodbuster http://wvgazette.com/News/200811050102?page=2&build=cache Well I have been thinking about the way Judge McGraw runs the AG office and started to post a couple times but thought better of it. Partly because I was not sure how serious some of the other posters have been about their criticisms. I suspect a lot is just political rhetoric put out by professional smear merchants such as the "swiftboat" outfit, etc. And picked up by our political operatives here. But ... Local Politics Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:37:40 GMT http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/what-should-darrell-mcgraw-do-now-t1956.htm#21556 http://gazzfriends.forumotion.com/local-politics-f7/what-should-darrell-mcgraw-do-now-t1956.htm