CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Over the years, the West Virginia governor’s State of the State speech has grown pretty predictable. Stand behind lectern, read from teleprompter, hit high points of accomplishments, wait for applause, recognize four or five notable citizens in the audience and sketch out some budget and policy goals for the weeks ahead.
West Virginia’s new governor, Jim Justice, says that doesn’t describe his approach.
At Justice’s inaugural address, he stood behind a podium and sometimes looked down at notes, but mostly he talked in his own casual style about whatever was on his mind.
Expect that unbuttoned approach during the traditional State of the State, too, Justice said.
“It’ll be the same,” Justice said Friday night after coaching a high school basketball game in Beckley. “I’ll talk about the policy things specifically. Every time I speak it’ll be the same deal, right from the heart. Tell the people the truth.”
Justice acknowledged what he says won’t be completely unscripted.
“I’ll probably have notes,” he said.
Notice the “probably.”
As Hoppy Kercheval of MetroNews wrote in his Tuesday commentary, Justice will also step out from the podium. Justice plans to deliver his address from the floor of the House chamber. At 6-foot-7, Justice should have no trouble being seen.
The governor also plans to use a white board and marker to explain West Virginia’s significant financial challenges.
During his inaugural address, Justice pulled out an ax and fishing tackle box to illustrate a story about a woman who was so down on her luck that she was selling those items, practically her only belongings.
In the case of tonight’s address, Justice said he’ll leave those particular items elsewhere.
“I don’t think I’ll have that,” he said. “I’ve already shown them that. I’m an original guy.”
MetroNews will provide radio and video coverage of the speech beginning at 7 p.m.