David Walker (D-Clay)
House of Delegates
WV Legislature-District 33
This week Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, who is currently acting as governor, introduced a bill to hold a primary election this June before the October general. If the bill does not pass, nominees will be selected by party conventions, as stated in the constitution.
It is my personal opinion that an election should be held but I would like to hear the thoughts of my constituents. Please contact me and let me know how you feel and if you would prefer a primary election or a party convention.
At this point in session, most committees are still dealing with rules bills right now. I am very pleased that one of the committees I serve on, Roads and Transportation, has passed a bill that would create the misdemeanor offense of operating a motor vehicle while writing, sending or reading a text message by means of a wireless communications device. From here, the bill will go to the Judiciary committee for review.
The Education committee is looking at many pieces of encouraging legislation to improve our children's futures. We were fortunate to have several presentations from Education and the Arts this week, brought to us by Cabinet Secretary Kay Goodwin.
Throughout the Legislative session, we will be holding special days of recognition to honor select groups in our West Virginia community. This week we celebrated Women's Day, Press Day, and Agriculture Day. I thank all those who participated and brought their issues and concerns to the capitol.
Recently, the Legislature has taken a greater interest in a valuable resource found right under our feet. The Marcellus Shale formation is a massive natural gas-rich field of shale rock that stretches from New York through Virginia.
Through hydraulic fracturing, pressurized water, containing sand particles and other chemicals, is injected into the shale to force it to crack and allow for the release of natural gas. This is an extremely promising industry that will open up more jobs for skilled West Virginians everywhere.
As the session progresses, I will keep you informed about the issues I have discussed and those that will be brought before us in the future.
Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that you feel need addressed. You can reach me by calling 304-340-3135, by e-mailing dwalker@mail.wvnet.edu or writing to my office address: Room 210W, Building 1, State Capitol Complex Charleston, W.Va. 25305.
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