CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Greenbrier Resort owner Jim Justice criticized Senate Minority Leader Jeff Kessler for what Justice called “giving up on coal” and former U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin for “boasting” about drug arrests Saturday at what was probably the one and only meeting of all three Democratic gubernatorial candidates before the May 10 Primary Election.
The forum, held at the Charleston Civic Center and sponsored by the West Virginia Democratic Party, took less than an hour. A panel asked the three candidates about the state’s budget, coal, natural gas, education, drugs, broadband and their viability in the fall election.
Goodwin and Kessler have criticized Justice, who polls have as the frontrunner in the contest, for not participating in debates, but it was Justice who appeared to take advantage of the forum to call out his opponents.
When Kessler said coal would be prominent but never again dominant, Justice said Kessler “was throwing up the white flag on coal.”
“I don’t believe we ought to quit on our miners,” Justice said.
Kessler reminded the audience of his initiative while Senate president to begin the discussion of revitalizing coalfield communities. He also pledged support for President Barack Obama’s Power Plus plan that’s supposed to help those communities.
When the discussion moved to the state’s drug epidemic, Justice took a shot at Goodwin.
“Mr. Goodwin talks about his prosecution of drug issues and is actually very boastful of that…we’re not getting anywhere, how can we be boastful?” Justice asked.
Goodwin said he tackled the supply side of the drug problem but also worked hard on the demand side and would do the same as governor.
Goodwin criticized Justice’s ventures at The Greenbrier over the last few years and the state assistance they’ve received.
“I wouldn’t be giving $2 million to operate a golf tournament,” Goodwin said. “($2 million) could be used to eliminate income tax for our veterans’ retirements. Those are the easy choices.”
Justice said he’s paid for the improvements himself and has turned the historic resort around.
Kessler tried to separate himself as being the only candidate who has already solved problems within state government during his time in the Senate.
“I’m the only one who has ever fixed a problem,”
He also reminded the audience he hasn’t switched parties like Justice.
“I’m a Democrat by conviction not of convenience,” Kessler said.
In his closing statement, Goodwin said he could be trusted to do what’s right.
“I am that person and will commit to you I will work every single day to reach that goal,” Goodwin said.
Justice said no one loves West Virginia more than he does and promised to use his skills as a job creator and marketer to put the state where it belongs.
“We have a golden opportunity in front of us. We have a team that can compete with anyone,” he said. “The biggest resource we have is you. How can we be last?”
Justice again repeated he’s the only candidate that can beat Republican Bill Cole.
West Virginia is at a critical crossroads, Kessler said.
“I’ve created a few jobs myself,” Kessler said touting his legislative record.
He said growth would depend on improving the state’s workforce, education system and tackling drug abuse.
“It requires investing in our people, investing in our infrastructure, that’s the way that we all can actually prosper,” Kessler said.
THE TOPICS
1) West Virginia’s budget problems
Goodwin
–called for a bottom to top review of state government
–said he would use his skills as a trained investigator to investigate budget spending
Justice
–said the state needs someone who has created jobs
–predicted the turnaround “won’t take forever”
Kessler
–will require an increase in revenue
–pledged to invest in education and skilled workforce
2) The future of coal and the state moving on possibly without it
Justice
–find a way to finish the Coalfields Expressway
–coal does have a future along with transportation, agriculture and tourism
Kessler
–coal will be prominent but not dominant in the state’s future
–supports investment in coalfield communities like President Obama’s Power Plus plan
Goodwin
–take care of coal miners, need sort of a GI bill for miners
–can put miners to work immediately rebuilding roads, bridges like the Civilian Conservation Corps
3) Natural gas
Kessler
–take advantage of the opportunity and invest the revenue gained
–“We can’t be as broke when gas is gone as we are when coal is gone,” he said.
Goodwin
–abundant amount of natural gas creates an abundant opportunity
–would do “everything in my power” to make sure the industry is vibrant and grows into the future.
Justice
–West Virginia needs to become an energy hub
–taking advantage of the opportunity will bring manufacturing jobs
4) Education
Goodwin
–teachers need respect and resources necessary to allow them to teach
Justice
–education needs to be the centerpiece, the driver of the state’s economy
Kessler
–education “is our only hope”, wants to take money from tobacco tax increase and use to make it easier for students to get training at community and technical colleges
5) Drug reform
Justice
–drug addiction is a disease, not a crime
–state needs more drug treatment centers
Kessler
–will fund more drug and treatment programs
–dedicate a portion of tax proceeds to the additional programs
Goodwin
–have to tackle both the supply side and demand side and there’s money in the system to do it
–state can’t afford to fail in this area
6) Broadband expansion
Kessler
–last mile needs to be completed through issuing bonds
–called the investment in broadband the best investment the state could ever make
Goodwin
–critical infrastructure that needs to be in every corner of the state
–invest in public-private partnerships
Justice
–have to have last mile; growing revenue the key to expansion
–high-speed connectivity is vital
7) Viability as a candidate..criticisms
Goodwin on being appointed U.S. Attorney by President Barack Obama
–proud to have been appointed U.S. Attorney; not a politician
–believes voters will move past partisanship and move West Virginia forward
Justice on back taxes and environmental fees
–says he makes mistakes but has never bankrupted a company, “every single obligation I’ve ever had will be fulfilled”
–running for governor because of love for state
Kessler on supporting tax increases and downplaying the future of coal
–will tell state residents the truth and show them the way
–will make sure the people of the state know the Republican agenda is radical, reckless and wrong
(front page photo courtesy West Virginia Press Association)