PATRICK MORRISEY

Patrick Morrisey shared his goals and views on several issues Wednesday during a sweep through the Northern Panhandle as he continues his campaign to be selected as the Republican nominee for West Virginia governor.

Morrisey, who currently is in his third term as West Virginia attorney general, was asked how, as governor, he can improve roads and other infrastructure and the way in which crews set about repairing and improving them.

In recent months, area drivers have contended with recurring lane closings on the Veterans Memorial Bridge while that work and an unforeseen closing of the Market Street Bridge has forced a detour through Weirton to reach state Route 2 south in Follansbee.

Morrisey said he believes too many projects have been put off, resulting in many being done at one time, maximizing inconvenience for drivers.

“Infrastructure is going to be a big priority,” he said, adding, “The highway department needs to be more responsive to residents’ needs, especially in high traffic areas.”

Morrisey said another important part of the state’s infrastructure is broadband, and he will ensure a plan is in place for the use of $1.2 billion in federal funds awarded to the state for the extension of high-speed internet service.

He said such extensions, including to rural areas, depend not only on physical construction but creating a climate of competition among internet providers.

“We want to make sure the internet in West Virginia doesn’t move at the speed of slow,” said Morrisey.

He said as attorney general, he has demonstrated the ability to make things happen through legal action that has included securing some of the highest per capita settlements from pharmaceutical companies accused of flooding the state with addictive opioid medications.

Morrisey said, “It’s outrageous that fentanyl has been allowed to enter through our southern border. West Virginia has the highest death rate from the drug.”

He said if elected governor, he will continue to support former President Donald Trump’s call for strong border security while pushing for a national coalition to address the drug specifically.

Asked whether more addiction treatment clinics could be made available in the state, Morrisey said, “It (drug addiction) is a problem that needs a holistic solution.”

He said he will continue to push for education about opioid abuse specifically in the schools and envisions faith-based programs as playing a key role in the treatment of those who are addicted.

Morrisey said efforts need to be taken to ensure those who undergo drug abuse treatment are able to return to the community and workforce to reduce the risk of recidivism.

He said to boost the state’s economy, he will push for more funding for vocational schools, allowing more young men and women to become steelworkers, contractors and other occupations involving skilled trades.

The son of a US Steel employee and a Veteran Administration nurse, Morrisey said, “We need to show people there’s nobility to working with your hands.”

He added he will create an online portal through which job seekers can learn about available positions.

Morrisey said he would like to see the state income tax eliminated or greatly reduced to give West Virginia an economic edge over its bordering states.

He said he will explore a reduction in all state taxes, including an inventory tax that has been criticized by many businesses while being essential to many county budgets.

“Every tax needs to be on the table,” said Morrisey, who added an overhaul of West Virginia’s tax system would make it more competitive economically.

“I think competition is the elixir that opens up opportunities for people,” he said.