the Charleston Gazette-Mail – After reading Hoppy Kercheval’s op-ed in the Gazette-Mail on the West Virginia House of Delegates’ proposal to reorganize how our House conducts its business, I’m thinking a little more public discussion on the matter is in order.
For the most part, I agree with Hoppy’s assessment that the reorganization of House of Delegates committees with standing subcommittees and a three-day process is generally a step in the right direction — if they work out the kinks as they go along.
Read Gary’s full commentary here
I commend Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, and his leadership for taking a bold look at making their committee process more effective and deliberative. But why should this have to include eliminating the public’s right to speak up at a hearing on pending legislation that will affect them, their families and communities? Can’t the people’s House both reorganize its committees and retain public hearings? That’s the best way to proceed, as far as those in the public arena are concerned.