Happy New Year 2018

Dear Friends and Neighbors in North Berkeley County,

As we begin a new legislative session, there is a feeling of optimism in our region and across parts of our state as the economic picture improves. This is a result of our job picture getting better and the revenues that will pick up as a result, but we still have a way to go in some parts of West Virginia.

Changes in Washington allow us to better utilize some of our natural resources with the jobs and taxes they will generate. Over the long term this should allow salaries of our state workers to be more competitive with our neighboring states.

This year I will complete an unprecedented 1/3 of a century in the West Virginia House of Delegates (the only delegate to cross the 30-year threshold, much less 34 years). We have made many changes and improvements in the process during that time. We used to pass legislation on a voice vote and I am proud to have changed our rules so that all bills on passage are recorded votes so there is increased accountability for the public to know how we represent them. I also changed the rules so that instead of only two sponsors on a bill, it be can now have 11, thereby showing greater support for an issue. I have also helped lead the charge for more single delegate districts where the public has a better chance of getting to know their legislators and hold them accountable.

As a conservative, I believe decisions made on a state level are more responsive to the public than those made in Washington. I have an appreciation and confidence in the people, especially when they have the freedom to decide what is best for them and take responsibility for the consequences.

I have enjoyed meeting you and representing you as we continue our two-way communication. Please attend one of my Town Meetings during the first or second Saturdays in January and complete and return a Citizens’ Poll. This keeps me in touch with your views, suggestions and ideas. Our government works best when our citizens are active and involved. Also, be looking for the largest locust tree!

Best wishes for an outstanding 2018!

Delegate John Overington

2018 Citizens' Poll

Please take a few minutes to complete this years Citizens’Poll. it’s right here…(Click Here)

A few of the questions from this years poll include:

• The expansion of new casinos in other parts of the state?
• Allowing firearm owners to keep a concealed gun in their vehicle when in a parking lot?
• Requiring all state spending be disclosed in an easy to use searchable database?

Your participation in taking this poll is appreciated.

Town Meetings to be held Saturday, Jan. 6 & 13

Delegate John Overington has scheduled two Town Meetings for 2018. The first Town Meeting will be held January 6 at the Marlowe Ruritan Building from 10-11:30 a.m. Take Rt. 11 to Marlowe Elementary School. Turn right onto Broad Lane and the Ruritan is on the right. The second meeting will be on Saturday, January 13 at the Bedington Ruritan Building from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Directions: (Go just south of the Bedington Crossroads and the Ruritan on the west side of Rt. 11).

“At the beginning of each year I schedule meetings across the district as a way to listen and get input and ideas from the people I represent. These meetings have provided an excellent way for me to keep in touch with the people in Berkeley County and the Eastern Panhandle and are a very helpful link in the two-way communication that is important for government to work. Everyone is welcome to attend and participate. I hope those attending will take a few minutes to fill out the Citizens’ Poll in this newsletter and bring it to the meeting.”

“This is my 34th year of holding these meetings at the start of the 60-day legislative session which begins this year at noon on January 10 and concludes on March 10.”

Key legislative priorities for 2018 continue to be job creation and balancing our state budget. We need to lower our tax rate by broadening the base and reducing exemptions. We must make our state more job friendly by reducing burdensome regulations and red tape. West Virginia has the lowest workforce participation rate in the nation. We need to right size our government so that its growth does not exceed growth in population or inflation or revenues.

Also of concern are our state and local drug epidemic, and responding to County’s growth with more local control. I am also interested in your input on road projects in the area, education, health care, hunting, senior citizens, law enforcement concerns and animal abuse. I have also invited our two state senators, Craig Blair and Charles Trump, to attend and participate.

TOWN MEETING SCHEDULE

SATURDAY, January 6, 2018

10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Marlowe Ruritan Building

SATURDAY, January 13, 2018

10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Bedington Ruritan Building