Archive for April, 2009

Unfair courts hurt W.Va. businesses

Bluefield Daily Telegraph
April 24, 2009
Your paper’s editorial (“Economic Growth,” April 23, 2009) on Virginia’s recent efforts to attract new jobs should serve as an eye-opening example for West Virginians living just across the border. Even in today’s tough economic times, Virginia remains one of the most attractive states in the nation for jobs. The state’s [...]

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Action needed on asbestos reform

The West Virginia Record
April 14, 2009
Dear Editor:
It’s no secret that West Virginia’s unbalanced court system is a favorite place for personal injury lawyers to file thousands of asbestos-related lawsuits, including questionable and downright fraudulent cases. Not surprisingly, our state’s unfortunate rise to “most favored venue” status only adds to the “worst place to do business” [...]

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Heath to take helm of WV CALA

The West Virginia Record
April 16, 2009
By Chris Dickerson
CHARLESTON — Charleston native Richie Heath has been named the new executive director of West Virginia Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse.
Heath replaces Steve Cohen, who has held that role since 2005, effective May 1.
Heath, who has been field director of the statewide organization since 2004, says he is concerned [...]

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Judicial Reform Takes a First Step

The State Journal
Apr 09, 2009
Our leaders can improve the state’s reputation as a place to do business by providing employers a sense of predictability in our courts. Gov. Joe Manchin has followed through on his promise in his State of the State Address to examine the state’s judicial system.It is a good first step.
Through an [...]

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Veteran justice appointed to W.Va. Supreme Court

The Associated Press
Apr 08, 2009
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – Veteran Justice Thomas McHugh was officially sworn in Wednesday to fill the unexpired term of state Supreme Court Justice Joseph Albright, who died last month.McHugh, 73, was sworn in by Chief Justice Brent Benjamin at the state Capitol.
McHugh had previously won terms on the court in 1980 [...]

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Manchin Orders Review of State Judicial System

WV Metronews
Apr 04, 2009
Governor Joe Manchin has signed an executive order creating a nine-member panel to “evaluate and recommend reforms” to the state’s judicial system, which has largely been the same for the past 25 years.The governor said in Friday’s five-page order “the estabalishment of an independent commission composed of former jurists, attorneys, academics and [...]

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