The capitol is fun because so many interesting characters appear in so many unexpected places.
The capitol played host to George Johnson today. For those of you who do not know – I am not sure anyone does but his mother – Johnson was one of the candidates running against Byrd. He is best known for starting his campaign off wrong by suing radio show personality Hoppy Kercheval because Hoppy would not let him on the show.
The funny thing is he was there to give a speech at an eminent domain rally. Johnson does not believe the Government can wrest away someone’s land, yet he does not mind the government stepping in and wresting away a man’s talk show. Someone sit me down and explain that.
Johnson was a losing candidate anyway and he saw the light: he announced he is running for the House of Delegates instead. Wise choice. Let us hope this campaign begins more maturely.
Speaking of Senate candidates, Hiram Lewis was on the capitol grounds today being escorted by some unknown subordinate who opened the doors for him. No word on why Hiram was here. Maybe it was to hand out more WVU/Hiram for Senate pins.
Alan Susman, Vice-Chairman of the Parkways Authority, was at the capitol yesterday. The Parkways Authority is under tremendous heat for raising the tolls 60%. Although Susman was at the capitol, he did not “happen” to make it to the Senate Finance meeting where the Senators grilled the Parkway’s representative for their irresponsible actions. Don’t be hard on Susman; he must have had a scheduling conflict.
Last but certainly not least, during the Senate Judiciary hearings over the Governor’s mining safety bill, who should walk in but the West Virginia official with the world’s thickest southern drawl, Treasurer John Perdue. I have yet to figure out why Perdue needed to be in a meeting regarding mine safety. These are coalmines we are talking about, John, not goldmines.
It seems like everyone is popping up in all the wrong places these days. Take Delegate Bob Kiss, for instance. Even though he claims he still lives in Beckley, he and his wife work over two hours one hour and fifteen minutes away in Charleston, his two young children are enjoying Charleston’s fine schools, and he owns rents a home in the capitol city.
So where does Kiss live? If you ask him he still lives in Beckley. After all, his journal says so. This mythical journal Kiss continually mentions is something he kept for over a year to document exactly where he was when. It’s overwhelming evidence, according to him, that he is still a Beckley resident.
In matters involving politics, I admit I am somewhat of a doubting Thomas. Unless I see the book and read its pages, I am skeptical of its existence. If Kiss would publicly release the leather bound oracle, it would allay everyone’s doubts I’m sure. But don’t expect that anytime soon.
Book or no book, the truth is Kiss is as much a Charleston resident as Mayor Danny Jones. Owning a home someplace where neither he, nor his family live does not make him a resident. But Bob Kiss hopes you will think so; at least until after the next election.
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William Stewart (who?) has a nice riff on state politics. (?Speaking of Senate candidates, Hiram Lewis was on the capitol grounds today being escorted by some unknown subordinate who opened the doors for him. No word on why Hiram was here. Maybe it wa…
Mr. Stewart, I believe you truly need to check your facts before writing. Beckley is nowhere close to two hours hours away from the capital grounds. Bluefield is two hours away, Beckley is just around an hour away. Secondly, the speaker does not own a house in Charleston. His wife, who has worked for the state in Charleston long before they were even married, rents a house in Kanawha City. Not to mention everyone who does not live within 50 miles of Charleston lives actually in Charleston for nearly all of the session. Also with special session after session being called it is likely days in Charleston have increased for every delegate and sentor over the last year. In regards to the their children who are still under the age to attend elementary school, it would be irrational to drive two sons less than 5 years of age over an hour each night and an hour each morning to attend a day care facility. Yes, the Kiss’ do live in Beckley and it will be their home for quite awhile. These attacks seem more political than factual. Thank you
Hi Jared,
Thank you for taking the time to write and challenge my facts. Nothing is more important to me than accuracy and I welcome any correction.
1) You are right: according to Google Maps, Beckley is 1 hour and 15 minutes away from Charleston. I infrequently drive that route and thought my mental estimate was correct.
I am sure you would agree though, that 1 hour and 15 minutes is a substantial drive and is ridiculous to travel that distance to and from work each workday.
2) You are also correct that the Kiss family rent in Charleston. I do not understand how this means he does not live in Charleston. You can call a house you rent “home.”
3) You are right that those who live outside of 50 miles of Charleston sleep in the capital city Monday night through Thursday night for the session’s 60 days.
But unlike Kiss, these legislators do not go to Charleston to work the other 305 days.
Unlike Kiss, these legislators return to their families who remain in their district.
4) You are correct that it is asinine to drive young children over 2 hours round trip to attend a day care facility. That is why the Kiss’s have wisely decided to enroll their children where they live: Charleston.
There is one issue you omitted. Bob Kiss claims his journal is absolute proof of his Beckley residency, yet he will not let anyone else examine it. A journal Kiss refuses to let the public read is dubious evidence.
Based on the facts we agree that:
There can only be one conclusion: Bob Kiss lives in Charleston.
On a personal note, I take umbrage that you believe my “attacks” are political. You look at the same facts and come to a different conclusion, yet I will not denounce your beliefs with an easily hung adjective. I appreciate the same respect.
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