The candidates for governor of West Virginia would probably be offended to hear us say this, but Gov. Jim Justice and Commissioner Ben Salango aren’t all that different. They have similar positions on the key issues and we don’t think much would change in terms of West Virginia’s governance regardless of who wins the gubernatorial election. That said, we’d argue that Salango is the best of Justice without all the personal baggage and controversy. Therefore, The Dominion Post endorses Salango for governor.
Salango and Justice hold similar views on a variety of topics. Roads are, and continue to be, a major issue in West Virginia. Both are pro-fossil fuels. Both are pro-business, anti-raising taxes and pro-broadband expansion. Regarding tourism, both noted that tourism brings significant financial returns on investment, so it is an industry in which West Virginia needs to continue investing.
But Salango does distinguish himself in several ways. On the matter of CARES Act money — perhaps one of the state’s most immediate concerns — Salango would involve the Legislature in distributing the funds, as the power of the purse rests with it. Salango also emphasized that he make sure the funds are being distributed instead of sitting in the bank.
Salango distinguishes himself in his specific ideas for making West Virginia a place where natives want to stay and out-of-staters want to come. That means economic opportunity. Salango referenced the state’s declining population several times, linking it to lack of work opportunities, both for the college educated and the vocationally trained. He’d like to see us keep our best and brightest, and one way to do that is to offer loan forgiveness programs for certain professions, such as teachers. He also noted that although we do have vocational and technical programs, spots are limited. He wants those programs expanded and introduced as early as middle school.
Salango also has distinct plans for improving recreation opportunities — something that benefits West Virginia residents and tourists. His most well-known accomplishment is spearheading the creation of a sports complex in Charleston, which has drawn business to the area. Salango is looking at building a similar complex in the Eastern Panhandle, to draw travel sports into the state from that region, and at doing more with the Hatfield and McCoy Trail, which brings tourists to the southern part of the state. He’s also looking into a BMX track that would connect to the Rail-Trail. In addition, he would negotiate to have us host one national event a year.
Salango said something that resonated with us: “The Democratic Party is a big tent and everyone is welcome in it.” It should be welcoming and embrace different ideas. That people under the same banner don’t have to agree on every single thing, but that’s no reason to not work together.
Salango has been in the trenches of local government, so he’s not ignorant to the demands of leadership. He’s balanced his role on the commission with his career as a lawyer and his work creating a small business. He brings a well-rounded experience, and if he governs West Virginia with the philosophy stated above, then the Mountain State will flourish under his guidance.
