Lottery: $35 million palace

by SamCogar Fri Apr 01, 2011 4:13 am

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- First, the state Lottery agency attempted to move its headquarters and 200 jobs to Putnam County, in violation of the West Virginia Constitution's requirement that state departments must be located at the "seat of government," Charleston. A lawsuit halted the illegal move.

Next, the Lottery wanted to build a $60 million office tower beside the Capitol, and put $70 million into a construction fund. It never happened.

Next, then-Gov. Joe Manchin wanted to move the agency to South Charleston's Tech Park, but the threat of another lawsuit blocked it.

Finally, the Lottery paid $21.5 million for the elegant City Center West office tower beside I-64/77 on the West Side. Unsatisfied with this first-class home, though, it has signed a $13.45 million contract to upgrade the fine structure.

Good grief, does the state's official gambling agency need a $35 million palace as splendid as a casino?

http://www.wvgazette.com/Opinion/Editorials/201103310895