Unions want vote for governor in 2011
Labor unions and a veteran Charleston lawyer are among thoseweighing in on when West Virginia should hold its next election forgovernor.
The state Supreme Court has consolidated a pair of legalchallenges that seek a vote in 2011. The West Virginia EducationAssociation and lawyer Charles McElwee want to file briefs in thecase. The state AFL-CIO wants to intervene.
The unions agree there should be a 2011 election. McElwee doesnot.
Officials say state law sets the next election in 2012.
Judge may consolidate suits against DuPont
CLARKSBURG - A judge is considering whether to consolidate 15personal injury lawsuits from families blaming cancer and lesserailments on long-term toxic exposure to a former DuPont zinc-smelting plant.
Harrison Circuit Judge Thomas Bedell has scheduled a hearing forJan. 12 in Clarksburg. Earlier this month, a federal judge moved thecase back to state court.
The plaintiffs have already won a class-action lawsuit overpollution from the former plant in Spelter.
The personal-injury cases seek damages for dozens of maladiesthey believe were caused by exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead andother toxins. Rebecca Morlock and her fellow plaintiffs also wantdamages for pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical testing andtreatment.
More teachers meet national certification
Another 86 teachers in West Virginia can now boast that they arenationally certified educators.
The announcement means that 580 teachers in West Virginia'spublic schools have met the National Board of Professional TeachingStandards.
State schools Superintendent Steve Paine says to becomecertified, teachers must not only know their subject matter, theymust also demonstrate that they can effectively teach the material.
The national board is an independent, nonprofit organization thatis chaired by former West Virginia Gov. Bob Wise.
Cap on foreign equity an issue for state portfolio
Increased foreign investments may be on West Virginia's horizon.
The state already owns international stocks and bonds through itsInvestment Management Board. But the board's director says the 30percent cap on those holdings could become a problem down the road.
Craig Slaughter, the board's executive director, spoke tolawmakers during this week's interims meetings. Slaughter saidforeign securities, particularly stocks, are growing more attractivethan some U.S. options.
Slaughter did not propose or request any specific legislation. Hedid say that investment limits now set by state law do not yield thebest results.
The latest figures value West Virginia's investment portfolio atnearly $12 billion. Just under a quarter of that reflected foreignequity.
Ohio insurer questions W.Va. hospital merger
PARKERSBURG - An Ohio insurance company says the proposed mergerof two hospitals in Parkersburg will reduce competition and raiserates in the area.
The Parkersburg News reports that The Health Plan of the UpperOhio Valley Inc. voiced its concerns in a recent letter to the WestVirginia Health Care Authority. The St. Clairsville, Ohio-basedcompany is seeking affected party status and has requested ahearing.
West Virginia United Health System Inc. plans to buy St. Joseph'sHospital and make Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital an affiliate.
Campaign demands work on Corridor H
ELKINS - A campaign is underway to call for the completion ofCorridor H.
The 20-20 Vision campaign was unveiled Wednesday night in Elkins.The campaign features bumper stickers and yard signs.
Steve Foster of the Hardwood Alliance Zone says the goal is toensure the road is complete or that all phases are underconstruction by 2020.
Foster says Corridor H is vital to the economic development ofeastern counties.
Harry Bergstrom of the state Department of Transportation saysconstruction on the east-west section will be steady, but completioncould take 20 years without more federal funding.
Eventually, Corridor H will link Interstate 79 near Weston withInterstate 81 in Virginia.
- the associated press
