On Monday, July 23, 2007 we had our July WVTA Board Meeting. Present during this Board meeting was Marvin Masters. Marvin went over two lawsuits that have been filed. These suits include a suit against the American Association of State Troopers, who have been using the WVTA's name while soliciting for donations. The AAST have profited from the use of the WVTA's name and the WVTA is now attempting to recover some of the losses from the use of the WVTA's name. The other suit concerns the retirement suit, which involves two cases 1) the grievance procedure - this one was lost in front of the retirement board and was then sent to Kanawha County Circuit Judge Coffman. Judge Coffman certified a question to the WV Supreme Court; this one is pending the answer back from the WV Supreme Court, which could be by the end of the year. 2) The suit against the WVSP/Retirement Board/ State of WV- is on stay, pending the outcome of the above question. Any new information on these issues will be added as soon as any new developments are uncovered. Another issue discussed by the board was how the Purdue Settlement money ($40 million) should be spent (if the Department can keep it). We are attempting to compile a list of what the money should be spent on, ie. Firearms, communications, vehicles, LED light bars, etc, however, this money can not be spent on manpower. If anyone has any ideas please contact me. Another important issue was discussed concerning any problems dealing with grievances, the inability to file grievances, and other negative actions faced by members from the Department. Please contact me A.S.A.P. if you can provide any specific instances. It is difficult to fight a battle without any ammunition. Be looking for a mailing from the WVTA concerning this specific topic. Again, please contact me for more information. Don't think that the WVTA is not doing anything for you, because we are. We can not do it alone though. We need your help, commitment, and comments to help us (all Association members) succeed. Also, feel free to send in your comments to the Association or to me. Also feel free to come to a meeting if there is something you want to discuss. Like I said earlier, we need people to help us - we are YOUR voice.