CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Charleston is getting a new resident in West Virginia Transportation Secretary Byrd White, Governor Jim Justice’s choice to also serve as highways commissioner.
To meet a residency requirement for highways commissioner that’s in state code, Secretary White, a resident of Beaver, told members of the state Senate Confirmations Committee on Monday that he was in the process of moving into a rented apartment in the Capital City.
“The commissioner of highways is the only commissioner in the state that’s required to live in Charleston,” he pointed out to lawmakers while calling for a law change.
For now, though, “It is the law and I intend to follow it,” White said.
With that assertion, Senate Finance Committee Chair Craig Blair (R-Berkeley, 15), who had questioned whether he could support White’s confirmation, said he would be a “resounding yes” on his appointment.
“I want that law changed as well,” Blair admitted.
Leading up to the committee vote, White talked about the road work completed since he took over as transportation secretary and his goals for the future with an emphasis on secondary road work alongside larger, more longterm projects.
“Our vision is do the big stuff, but don’t forget the blocking and tackling. Don’t forget the maintenance on the roads people use,” he said.
White maintained he has adequate experience in construction, management and finances.
“I just feel comfortable I meet all those requirements,” White said when asked about his qualifications for the job.
White has been serving as transportation secretary since March after Governor Justice named him as the replacement for former Transportation Secretary Tom Smith who was fired.
Prior to that, White had worked for 15 months in the state Department of Revenue.
Previously, he was manager of Black Knight Country Club in Beckley, which Justice’s family owned, and at one point was senior vice president for Justice Companies and senior vice president of Bluestone Industries, a part of Justice’s coal holdings.
Smith had held roles as both transportation secretary and highways commissioner.
Originally, Jimmy Wriston was named interim highways commissioner to serve alongside White.
In recent weeks, Wriston’s title was changed to deputy highways commissioner and Secretary White took over the highways commissioner role which is subject to Senate confirmation.
Cabinet secretaries do not have to be confirmed.
In all, the nine members of the state Senate Confirmations Committee considered 137 nominations from Governor Justice.
No opposition was heard in a vote that sent the nominations to the floor of the state Senate for consideration.
Among the other appointees was Charlotte Lane, chair of the state Public Service Commission.
“My goal is for the Commission to be more efficient and to make sure that our constituents, who are the public of West Virginia and businesses and utilities, that they get fair treatment,” Lane said Monday.
The full confirmation list is available HERE.
The Senate reconvened a Special Session briefly on Monday morning before the meeting of the Senate Confirmations Committee and returned to the floor later to quickly finalize appointments.
The Senate has confirmed all of the Governor's nominations.
— WV Senate (@wvsenate) September 23, 2019
Technically, the Special Session began in March immediately after the end of the 2019 Regular Legislative Session.
The Special Session for the Senate ended Monday.
The Senate has adjourned Sine Die.
— WV Senate (@wvsenate) September 23, 2019