WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jim Justice announced Monday he’s refusing the state’s help with this year’s Greenbrier Classic PGA event. Justice also announced the golf will be free at the July event but there will be no concerts this year.
Justice said he doesn’t want the $1.75 million from the state to be used as a political football as budget discussions continue at the state capitol in a special session of the legislature.
“My dream has always been to change the image of and bring opportunity to our state, and that’s why I wanted to bring the PGA Tour to West Virginia,” Justice said in a news release. “The budget mess we’re in now is exactly what’s wrong with politics. I am not going to let politicians delay the budget or bash me over the greatest economic/ PR opportunity West Virginia has ever seen.”
Justice said it will be free this year to watch the golf on the Old White Course but there will be no concerts.
“In these tough times, I am doing my part by finding a way to make it all work and promote our state to the world. I’ll be a governor who won’t play politics when it comes to bringing more people and jobs to WV. The politicians need to do their job and balance the budget; I can’t be the only one creating jobs and promoting our greatness,” Justice said adding he’s refusing the state’s participation.
The House of Delegates was planning to cut the allocation anyway, House Communications Director Jared Hunt said.
“This was already on the House’s list of proposed spending cuts for the coming budget year. House Republican leaders have been vocal since 2010 that taxpayer dollars should not be used to subsidize a private golf tournament.”
The state Department of Commerce also responded to the Justice announcement.
“We believe the Greenbrier Classic has been an excellent opportunity to showcase the state to potential investors and visitors. Several major investments have either started or developed during visits to the tournament,” Department of Commerce Director of Marketing Chelsea Ruby said. “We look forward to seeing if there is a way the state can continue to be involved in an event that brings so many visitors and business prospects to West Virginia.”
The Justice news release said Justice spends $9 million to $13 million a year of his own money on The Greenbrier Classic. The badges for the golf and the concerts have been about $80. Justice has brought in some of the top performers drawing thousands to the Fairlea concert area.
The state’s $1.75 million has been used to promote the state at the high-profile event through the state Department of Commerce, bringing in representatives of companies who are interested in bringing their companies to West Virginia.
Justice is facing state GOP gubernatorial nominee, state Senate President Bill Cole in the November General Election.