The board of directors had its January meeting and several topics of interest to the membership were discussed. At the forefront was this year’s legislative agenda. At the meeting were State Senator Unger and CWA Representative Elaine Harris. Senator Unger has been and remains an ardent supporter of the WVTA. The senator and Mrs. Harris were very informative discussing the political process involved in a legislative session. Senator Unger has agreed to sponsor the association’s bills and with the assistance of Mrs. Harris, will seek various co-sponsors for the legislative agenda. Senator Unger intends to introduce all the bills early in the session. The agenda includes Plan B retirement changes, on call pay, and a leave donation bill for the WVTA President. There will also be a pay raise bill ran. I believe Senator Unger intends to introduce a pay raise package which would make troopers the highest paid law enforcement officers in the state. The pay raise package would fulfill Governor Manchin’s promise in regards to troopers pay. However, early reports coming from the governor’s office would seem to suggest that the governor may not honor his promise to troopers and any potential pay raise would be considerably less substantial. After the very public defection of WVU Coach Rich Rodriguez to Michigan, the governor publicly commented that a man’s hand shake and word is his bond. The WVTA can only hope that the governor feels that same towards his promises made to troopers.

      A legislative informational brochure was prepared by the WVTA and will be distributed to members of the legislature. This brochure charts the pay and basic retirement differences between the WVSP and surrounding state agencies. A chart depicting the number of applicants and troopers leaving the department is likewise included. I would recommend that every member familiarize themselves with these basic statistics. The most alarming statistic is the sheer number of troopers that have resigned or have been terminated under the current administration and the lack of qualified applicants to replace the losses.

      We also discussed the new crash reports with Lt. Zerkle. The Lt. has requested that everyone remain patient with the system and anyone with suggestions on how to make it better can contact him. The Lt. was really receptive to suggestions and any member with legitimate and sincere comments or suggestions is encouraged to contact him.

      I spoke with Marvin Masters in regards to the Plan B law suit and there is nothing new to report at this time.

      The WVTA still maintains its opposition to the department being required to purchase all Chevrolets for its fleet.

      There were no financial or legal requests at this board meeting. A $50.00 donation from the WVTA was made to the West Fairmont Jr. wrestling club.

      The new PAC Chairman for the WVTA will be Joe Adams. Given his past work with the legislature and his knowledge of the political structure at the capital, I believe he is the best candidate.

      I will now be serving as a PAC committee member and I remain the chairman of the board of directors. Any member in Troop 7 or elsewhere wishing to discuss WVTA business is welcome to contact me.

 Doug Gunnoe