Talkline with Hoppy Kercheval  Watch |  Listen

Whether tight with Justice or admirers from afar, inaugural attendees want him to succeed

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Some of those who attended West Virginia’s inaugural are longtime friends of the new governor, Jim Justice.

Others were ordinary West Virginians whose happenstance had brought them to a historic moment as West Virginia’s 36th governor took office.

In either instance, they came away from Monday’s ceremony believing or hoping Justice is the guy with the answers to West Virginia’s challenges.

MORE: Governor takes oath with help from old friends, his basketball players & warning about ‘James Justice’

Eleven-year-old David Brannon wound up in the crowd because he had asked Justice a tough question. Justice had been at a campaign event in Gilmer County when David piped up and asked him how much last year’s special session had cost to reach agreement on West Virginia’s budget.

“Mr. Justice was very impressed by that and sent him an invitation,” said David’s mother, Laura.

David said he was impressed by Justice’s answer. He said that gave him confidence that the new governor’s decisiveness could help prevent costly budget standoffs in the future.

“He could help save our state,” David said. “It cost taxpayers so much money. We could have saved jobs or Promise scholarship money.”

Russ Rowland said he and his wife, Karen, are friends of the Justice family. So they drove 500 miles to be part of the festivities.

“I’ve known Mr. Justice now for the better part of a decade. He’s a big thinker. He’s a doer. If anybody can help West Virginia make real progress, Jim Justice is the guy who can do it.”

It’s a new role being the leader of the executive branch, but Rowland believes Justice can adapt successfully.

“I’m guessing it’ll try his patience living with the bureaucracy. But Jim is a very determined man. If there’s a way to get the bureaucracy to function, he’ll find it.”

Rose Mary Mihaliak of Nicholas County has known Justice for years — from his coaching days on the middle school level. She said that gives her confidence that he is going to succeed as governor.

“I’m so proud to know Mr. Justice before. He coached with my husband in Beckley at Park Junior High. It was an awesome experience.

“I’m proud, proud that he’s going to be our governor. When he said something when he was coaching with my husband it didn’t happen the next year, it happened the next day.”

Some in the crowd had personal connections to those who were serving in the inaugural ceremony.

Jarrod Owsley and his son Zack of Belle were here to see Zack’s sister, who was serving as an usher. “I’m pretty excited for my sister,” Zack said.

David and Ramona Poticher of Greenbrier County attended to support their son, who was part of a group of elementary school-aged children presenting the Pledge of Allegiance. “It’s the first time we’ve been to this,” David Poticher said.

Jeff Jenkins contributed to this story.





More

Marshall Sports
Doege works diligently to implement Air Raid offense
New Marshall offensive coordinator Seth Doege hopes to provide a spark to the Thundering Herd.
March 29, 2024 - 9:50 am
High School Sports
Class AAAA Boys Basketball All-State List
Morgantown guard Sharron Young captain of first team.
March 29, 2024 - 9:25 am
News
MetroNews This Morning 3-29-24
Summary of West Virginia news, sports, and weather for Friday, March 29, 2024
March 29, 2024 - 6:24 am
News
Dunlow Volunteer Fire Department closes
The Dunlow VFD did not have a valid workers compensation insurance policy.
March 29, 2024 - 1:23 am