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Member Press Release

Statement from Senate President Randy E. Smith on the Passing of Walt Helmick

“Walt was a dynamic public servant who spent his entire career dedicated to serving the people of West Virginia and his beloved Pocahontas County. Whether as a Senator, the state’s Commissioner of Agriculture, or as a Pocahontas County Commissioner, he served with a heart toward doing the best for West Virginia. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Rita, and their family during this time of mourning.”

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

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Member Press Release

Statement on behalf of House Speaker Roger Hanshaw

West Virginia lost a very special person today, and I lost another wonderful friend. Justice Tim Armstead was the very embodiment of the word gentleman. He was kind, thoughtful, smart, encouraging and deeply committed to his family, his faith and his state. He accomplished more than one lifetime’s worth in his short time here. He was a legislator, Speaker of the House and a Supreme Court Justice, but much more than that, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Tim Armstead was my friend, my mentor and a trusted confidant. I will miss him deeply.

Tim was a man of infectious optimism. He saw the good in everything and everybody – good that was too often hard for others, including me, to see. I always admired his near-total ability to forgive and forget, even when others – again, including me – didn’t want him to. Tim Armstead set an example of servant leadership that should inspire not just every public official, but every person.

Tim was a man of deep faith and conviction, not the kind that often appears for political theater, but the kind that shapes the life and true trajectory of honest believers. Over the years I often thought about the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:22, which command us to abstain from the very appearance of evil. In my lifetime I have encountered no person who embodied that virtue more than Tim Armstead. Tim was a man so deeply committed to doing right at all times and in all circumstances that he no doubt disadvantaged himself and his family throughout his career in service of his mission to uphold ethics, integrity and his true belief in what was right.

I will miss Tim Armstead. I will miss the wise counsel he often gave me in times of tough decisions. I will miss the lighthearted jokes he told me when I visited his chambers after a long day on the House floor, and I will miss that no matter whatever else I encountered in my career, I could always take comfort knowing there was a man at the highest levels of service to our society who was guided by nothing more than a sincere desire to do the right thing. Most of all, I will miss my friend. My prayers are with Anna and Tim’s family.

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

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Member Press Release

Statement on Behalf of Senate President Randy E. Smith on passing of Justice Tim Armstead

“I was so saddened today to hear of the passing of my friend, Justice Tim Armstead. When I was first elected to the House of Delegates, he set an example of honesty, integrity, faith and service that was second to none. He was an example of leadership with grace, a man who had a deep faith in God, and loved his family with all of his heart. All who were blessed to call him a friend and colleague are better people because of him. My heart is with his family during their time of grief, and I pray they find comfort in our Lord’s arms.” – Senate President Randy E. Smith (R-Preston)

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

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Member Press Release

Bill Bell Takes Oath of Office

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Bill Bell of Wetzel County became the newest member of the West Virginia House of Delegates Monday, July 14.

House Clerk Jeff Pack administered the oath of office as Bell’s bride-to-be, Samantha, held a Bible.

Bell was appointed to represent the 8th Delegate District, which is made up of a portion of Doddridge and Tyler counties as well as part of Wetzel County. He will complete the unexpired term of former Delegate David Kelly, R-Tyler.

Bell is a teacher who said he has made several visits to the House Chamber with his students and is looking forward to sharing his experience as a Delegate with his students as well.

“My students are why I’m here,” Bell said.

His committee assignments and contact information will be listed on the West Virginia Legislature’s website at a later date.

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

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Member Press Release

Senate President Randy E. Smith Committed to Improving State’s Roads and Highways

CHARLESTON – Senate President Randy E. Smith, R-Preston, affirmed his commitment to ensure that the Legislature continues to dedicate adequate funding to maintain our state’s highways, bridges, and secondary roads.

Governor Patrick Morrisey announced a series of reforms for the Department of Transportation this week focused on reducing the agency’s administrative and new construction costs and shifting the focus to maintenance of existing roads and highways.

“I commend the Governor for addressing the longstanding problems that have plagued the DOH with a plan that cuts bureaucracy and puts money where it belongs – directly into the roads,” Senate President Smith said. “A safe and reliable transportation infrastructure is critical to West Virginia families and essential for our businesses, and the Senate will continue to prioritize improving the conditions of our roads.”

Senate President Smith also praised the Governor’s pledge to offer more transparency and accountability with the Department’s spending and projects.

“We devote hundreds of millions of dollars every year to our roads, and it can be a little frustrating to us and to the people of West Virginia when they don’t feel like they see any of that money being put to good use,” Senate President Smith said. “Being able to go online and get this information quickly will allow us to prove that the taxpayers are being respected and we are managing those transportation dollars responsibly.”

To view a list of bridges and roads that are set to be repaired for the 2025-26 Fiscal Year, visit https://transportation.wv.gov/Pages/WVDOT-Projects.aspx.

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

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Member Press Release

Statement on behalf of House Democratic Caucus

It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of our former colleague and Leader Doug Skaff, Jr. Doug was committed to West Virginia and the values that make us strong as a state. He was full of life and full of ideas. Doug dreamed big and did not hesitate to pursue those dreams, as implausible as some of those dreams may have seemed. He worked (and even traveled) across party lines to work for the betterment of all West Virginians.

Doug was a proud Mountaineer and a true son of West Virginia. He wore his gold and blue with pride representing our state across the nation. He was a colleague, and he was a friend. He was approachable and hard not to like even if you disagreed with him. Doug was a people person – he knew how to mend fences and build bridges. He was intuitive and kind and funny.

Above all, Doug Skaff was a proud father and husband. We hope that the imprint of his love will stay with his children as they grow older. We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Marisa, their three boys, his parents, the extended Skaff family and all those who knew and loved him.

We share in the grief of his family and so many West Virginians mourning his loss. He will be deeply missed.

Contact: Jennifer McPherson at 304.340.3942

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Member Press Release

Statement on behalf of House Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle

There aren’t enough words to describe, or a paper long enough, to hold all the flowers that my friend, my guy, or as he would say “my man!” deserves. Most knew him as Doug, lots called him Skaff, but to me he was “Dougie Fresh.” I called him that partly due to 90s and American Pop Culture nostalgia, but more so because he was one of the coolest people I’ve ever known. We’ve known each other for probably twenty years but became family over the past decade. Not only did I lose a friend, but the state of West Virginia lost a dear friend as well.

I’m sad because this tribute is every bit of forty years too early, and something none of us should have to endure. We had very different upbringings but had similar paths upon entering college, and we were on an inevitable collision course to meet in the real world. I became familiar with him from collegiate circles and one of my mentors turned close mutual friends. I’m not sure what it was but he took an interest in my journey of service beyond friendship when the state was quite more homogenous to say the least. This never went unnoticed, and a new relationship was born. We were way more than lawmakers or friends, we became family.

Doug hosted the only two fundraisers that I’ve had in Charleston. He thought it was important to help position people on his team to give back to the state he loved. That’s just who he was, a team guy. It was hard to find him without a smile on his face, or better yet that smirk with some type of grandiose idea of a lifetime behind it. He was a beacon of light and wanted to make sure he could share some of his sunshine with the people that he cared about. There was never a dull moment in his presence as he was continuously plotting the next adventure.

Over the years, I learned a lot from Dougie, and I told him as much. I can honestly say if it weren’t for some of his guidance and opportunities afforded, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. I am eternally grateful for the time we shared and lessons I learned from him. We traveled the country together looking for opportunities to better West Virginia. We discussed our ideal political landscape, had conversations about life and goals, talked about business ventures and projects and took trips together – but most of all we shared our respective infatuation of our sons being the best Boy Dads around.

While I won’t be able to pick your brain anymore or travel with you for our next adventure – and the mere thought of that makes tears come down my face – I promise I’ll keep your name and your vision for a better West Virginia alive. I promise to help Marisa and your boys with anything they might need. I promise to keep chasing my dreams and do it big like you did it. Our relationship is an example of life goals. Two different worlds, two different paths- brought together by love and a common interest in making the world a better place while having fun doing it. Family man, businessman, leader, entrepreneur, socialite and all the other accolades and titles could never serve you justice. You were simply the best champion!

Peace, love, and prayers for comfort to all the Skaff family and friends. A friend shared this with me this morning, and I want to share it as well: Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” – John 11:23-26

I love you Dougie Fresh, forever and always my man.

Contact: Jennifer McPherson at 304.340.3942

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Member Press Release

Statement on behalf of House Speaker Roger Hanshaw

I am sad today. Yesterday our state lost a leader, and I lost a friend. Doug Skaff and I had been friends for over 25 years. We first met as students at WVU when he and I were there together as young men straight out of high school. Even then we would talk about what we thought the state of West Virginia could be and brainstorm ideas for making it happen. It was among the highlights of my professional life having the opportunity to work with him on some of same ideas he and I talked about over 20 years prior.

Doug loved West Virginia. He loved people, and he loved speaking up for what the future could be for us. Doug and I traveled all across the country together. We represented the state together in some of the most high-profile meetings I have ever taken, and we promoted West Virginia to anyone who would listen, all in the name of creating more opportunities for our friends, family and neighbors here in the Mountain State. Doug was a fantastic ambassador for West Virginia, and it was a privilege to share the stage with him when I had the opportunity. However, those aren’t the moments I will remember most about Doug Skaff.

The conversations Doug and I shared over the past decade as we both sought to fulfill a mission in public service always ended the same way, regardless of how they began. No matter the topic, Doug and I eventually always turned to the question of how to promote more communication among people about things that matter, and how we solve the problems that face real people in real communities. Doug was convinced that if people just spent more time together and understood each other better, all the division among people would eventually disappear into the reality of shared struggles and shared beliefs. I believed – and still believe – that he was right.

Doug accomplished a lot in his life, for himself and for others, and he was always quick to talk about plans for the future, how he wanted to improve the state and his community. But his favorite topic, and his proudest accomplishment, was his family. Doug and I never had a conversation without him asking about my family, my wife and our two daughters, and then telling me about the latest in his own family.

West Virginia is better today for the short time we had with Doug Skaff. It was my privilege to know him and work alongside him. Yesterday’s tragic accident stole a leader from our community and our state. West Virginia lost a true champion in Doug Skaff, and I lost a good friend.

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

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Member Press Release

Statement from Senate President Randy Smith on Passing of Former Delegate Doug Skaff

“I was shocked to hear the terrible news of the loss of Doug Skaff this evening. I had the honor of serving with Doug in the House of Delegates and while we may have been on opposite sides of the aisle — and often on opposite sides of an issue — he always treated me with kindness and respect and with the spirit of wanting to find the best solution for West Virginia. He was a hard worker, a good friend, and an amazing father to his three sons. We will all be keeping his family in our prayers while they deal with this unthinkable tragedy.”

Contact: Jacque Bland at (304) 357-7999

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Member Press Release

SPEAKER THANKS ALL WHO WORKED TO DONATE BERKELEY CRUISERS

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, offered effusive praise this week to the Berkeley County Commission and all those involved in donating four retired police cruisers to Clay, Mingo and McDowell counties, as well as the town of Kimball.

“These vehicles are still in excellent condition, and Berkeley County’s generosity will help law enforcement operations in these smaller communities, mine included, continue their vital work in a cost-effective manner,” Hanshaw said.

The Commission had decided several years ago to gradually phase out the use of Ford Taurus sedans and shift to a fleet of SUVs for the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department. The donated vehicles were four remaining cars from the fleet. Berkeley County’s process for retired police cruisers is to have them declared as surplus and then either sell them via auction or offer them in kind to other local government entities, which Berkeley County has done a handful of times over the years.

Delegates Michael Hornby, Michael Hite and Chuck Horst, all R-Berkeley, joined Berkeley County Commission Vice President Steve Catlett and County Administrator Gary A. Wine to help deliver the vehicles to their new owners in Charleston Tuesday, May 20.

“The local Delegates really did the work of identifying where there was a need and made the connections for the County Commission,” Hanshaw said. “These are the actions of true public servants at every level, and I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who had a hand in this.”

Contact: Ann Ali at (304) 340-3323

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