Congresswoman explains ethics vote
It isn't easy to cast a vote against ethics legislation, especially if you were one of the folks calling for ethics reform. I voted against an ethics bill which turned the clock backward to the point of squelching your right to free speech.
The Senate amended the ethics bill to the point that public officials will be protected at the expense of the citizens of West Virginia.
When Governor Manchin signs this new law, if a citizen makes a complaint towards a public official who was conducting unethical behavior, that citizen can not speak about the complaint to anyone or he/she can be sanctioned, fined, and/or the ethics complaint can be dismissed.
Under this ethics law, if you file a complaint against an unethical public servant and speak to your friends or spouse about it, your ethics complaint can be dismissed. It appears possible in this bill that if someone who did not file the complaint talks about it or if the press reports it, they can go to jail and the ethics complaint can be dismissed.
There was an attempt made by the Minority Leader of the House of Delegates to amend this new language out of the legislation. Although he had the right to do so, the Speaker of the House ruled against the attempt.
I believe that the voters send us to Charleston to protect their interests, not to protect ourselves or other public officials from public scrutiny or criticism. Democratic societies can only remain FREE when their citizens are allowed to criticize their government. FREE SPEECH is necessary in order for our government to remain open and free.
In order to protect your First Amendment right to freedom of speech, and to honor my sworn oath of office to defend the Constitution, I voted against the governor's ethics legislation, Senate Bill 1003. I have requested a veto from the governor, who also swore an oath of office to uphold the Constitution.
Cindy Frich House of Delegates Morgantown, W.Va
Student demands housing explanation
Things you don't expect to see in the Parthenon: STUDENT LIVING IN PRESIDENTS MANSION. Did any body else see a bunch of red flags pop up in their heads after reading that student Seth Murphy resides in the president's mansion?
First off, why Murphy? If the mansion is now considered student housing, (albeit for a short period of time) why weren't the rest of us given an opportunity to apply for this grand dorm room? It is clear to me that Murphy is living in the house because his political views match those of the Board of Governors.
Secondly, I hope that no University funds are going to Murphy during his extended visit. It would be a shame to find out that Marshall is paying for any part of Murphy's expenses while living in the house. Yes, I do know Marshall pays for some individuals housing but they are either on scholarship or work for resident services.
It is the responsibility of the BOG and Murphy to explain their arrangement to the rest of the Marshall family that was passed over for a chance to live in Huntington's premier mansion.
Devin Perry Sports Management & Marketing major Washington D.C.
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