MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia Republican Executive Committee is calling for state Senator Mike Maroney to resign immediately following two recent arrests in connection with “alleged acts of moral turpitude.”
The GOP committee said it realizes the cases have to work their way through the legal system, but the circumstances of the offenses “raises significant concerns about the senator’s ability to continue serving effectively and maintain public confidence.”
“While the legal process must take its course, the perception of impropriety and the repeated legal entanglements surrounding Senator Maroney have brought discredit to the West Virginia Senate,” Monongalia County Republican Executive Committee Chairman Ethan Moore said. “We believe it is in the best interest of Senate District 2 and the state for Senator Maroney to resign, restoring public trust and the integrity of the Senate.”
Maroney, R-Marshall, was charged with disorderly conduct and indecent exposure Aug.13 for his alleged actions at a Glen Dale gaming parlor. Maroney was arrested again earlier this week in McMechon for suspicion of driving under the influence, control of a vehicle under the influence, expired registration, and no registration.
If Maroney does not resign, the Monongalia County Republicans are asking Gov. Jim Justice to include action against him in any future special session call, including being censured or expelled.
“The people of West Virginia deserve representatives who uphold the highest standards of conduct,” Moore said. “If Senator Maroney is unwilling to step down, the Senate must be enabled to act to preserve its integrity and protect the interests of our citizens.”
Maroney is currently in his second four-year term in the Senate serving residents in parts or all of Marshall, Monongalia, Marshall, Marion, Doddridge, Wetzel and Tyler counties..
Chris Rose defeated Maroney in the May Primary Election and is running unopposed in November.
After the August arrest, State Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, removed Maroney from his chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Resources, and other assignments to allow Maroney to” give him appropriate time to dedicate to his personal issues.”