CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The coaches of West Virginia’s two major college basketball teams are publicly supporting state road bond issue in advertisements cut for a pro-bond coalition.
West Virginia University Coach Bob Huggins, who showed an 84-percent approval rating in MetroNews West Virginia Poll results just a month ago, appears in two advertisements for “Vote 4 Roads WV,” which is an outgrowth of lobbying groups supporting the bond such as the West Virginia Business and Industry Council.
His counterpart at Marshall University, basketball coach Dan D’Antoni, appears in his own advertisement to support the bond.
Both Huggins and D’Antoni are state employees. Huggins’ base university salary is $250,000, although his full pay is more than $3.5 million. D’Antoni’s base salary is $200,000.
Each advertisement appears to have been shot on campus. Huggins’ is in front of a wall of “Mountaineer Immortals.” D’Antoni’s is at the Henderson Center, Marshall’s home court.
The advertisements are part of a series of testimonials by West Virginia opinion leaders, including West Virginia University President Gordon Gee, first lady Cathy Justice and three Wheeling area firefighters.
The line on public officials lending their support — or using public resources to support — the bond issue has been a theme throughout the campaign leading up to the official statewide vote this Saturday.
A section of state code under the recently-passed Trinkets Act gives broad latitude to state higher education employees, although some of the language refers to activities directly related to their jobs.
The prohibitions contained in this article do not apply to any person who is employed as a member of the faculty, staff, administration, or president of a public institution of higher education and who is engaged in teaching, research, consulting, coaching, recruiting or publication activities: Provided, That the activity is approved as a part of an employment contract with the governing board of the institution of higher education or has been approved by the employee’s department supervisor or the president of the institution by which the faculty or staff member is employed.
The West Virginia Ethics Act begins by saying all public servants are subject to it. The act prohibits any misuse of public resources involving more than a trifling or insignificant amount of time, funds, supplies, personnel or equipment.
There’s some precedent at the state Ethics Commission involving decisions over local bond votes and the participation of public officials or use of public resources.
A decision in one case cites a portion of West Virginia code that says a public official or public employee may not knowingly and intentionally use her or his office or the prestige of her or his office for her or his own private gain or that of another person. “Private gain includes political gain,” the decision states.
Other advisory opinions of the Ethics Commission have said public employees may express support for levy or bond issues but within certain parameters.
“If staff members volunteer their time, they must perform their campaign activities on their own time, not during their public work hours. Additionally, they may not use public resources in furtherance of the campaign.”
A key point in the advisory opinions has been whether public officials may gain from the issue.
In the case of the road bond, Gov. Jim Justice has traveled the state telling audiences that if the bond doesn’t pass and the anticipated economic boost doesn’t come to be, then few choices will remain aside from further cuts to the state budget. The higher education system experienced millions of dollars in budget cuts this past year.
One of Huggins’ spots had 14,000 views as of this morning.
In that ad, Huggins says, “It’s a rough road on the recruiting trail, especially when you’re driving West Virginia’s beat up country roads. But we can change that when you vote yes for the road bond on Oct. 7. It’ll bring thousands of additional jobs without additional taxes. Sounds like a slam dunk to me.”
In another, he says, “As your coach, you expect me to win and do it in style. Sometimes it’s a rough road, but it doesn’t always have to be. This is where you come in. We need you to step up and be a part of the team. Just vote yes for the road bond.”
He concludes, “Our country roads need a ‘W’, and the key is your yes vote on Oct. 7.”
D’Antoni’s spot plays up his upbringing in Wyoming County.
“Hi, I’m Dan D’Antoni, born and raised in Mullens, West Virginia, where you go 40 minutes north to head south. The bond issue on Saturday the 7th is an important issue, one that brings great jobs and a better quality of life for all West Virginians. Let’s bring our exports back — those people who have moved and come back and enjoy the better quality of life that we offer. My day’s busy, but I’m going to make sure Saturday I help in that effort. Let’s get West Virginia moving.”
Earlier videos included the likes of West Virginia University President Gordon Gee.
Gee said, “Saturday October 7 is a transformative day for West Virginia. On that Saturday, we have a chance to transform the state by building new roads in every county, by not raising taxes and by creating jobs for 50,000 people. Vote yes. I’m voting for it, and I want everyone else to vote for it.”
West Virginia University sent out a note about the bond today to faculty, students and staff — not telling them how to vote, but encouraging them to participate in the election.
Gov. Jim Justice’s wife, Cathy Justice, who has taken a fairly low profile as first lady, also speaks in an advertisement.
“Hi, I’m Cathy Justice. As your first lady, I’ve traveled all over the state of West Virginia to try to help make this a better place to live in, to work in, and even to vacation in. We need wider roads, roads without all the potholes and roads to keep our children safe when we take them to school. With your yes vote we’ll be able to build the best roads with no new taxes. So vote yes with me for the road bond on Saturday Oct. 7.”
Another advertisement features three firefighters from the Wheeling area, urging people to vote for the bond.
“As members of Wheeling Professional Firefighters Local 12, it’s no secret to us that our roads and bridges are in terrible shape. This affects our ability to keep you safe. We respond to emergencies day and night, rain or shine, 365 days a year,” the firefighters say.
“The Roads to Prosperity Amendment is a chance to keep our roads and bridges safe for you and your families. Think about that when you go to the polls on Oct. 7.
