Legislature

For at least the fourth consecutive year, legislation to increase the number of West Virginia State Police troopers to a minimum of 800 statewide has been introduced in the state Legislature. State Sen. John R. Unger II, D-Berkeley/Jefferson, who again is the lead sponsor of the legislation this year, said Friday the agency is budgeted to have 698 troopers, but currently has 33 vacancies. “We are anticipating approximately 10 to 15 more retirements by the end of 2013,” Unger said.

ANNAPOLIS - Though speculation has been swirling for some time that former Del. Paul D. Muldowney might be seeking another seat in the Maryland General Assembly, Muldowney himself had been officially coy about his plans. But a state Board of Elections spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday that Muldowney has registered a campaign committee, Citizens for Paul Muldowney, with himself as chairman and Hagerstown resident Leslie P. Suder as treasurer. Paperwork was filed Sept. 14, according to Elections Board records.

Commentary With much anticipation, the Maryland General Assembly kicks off another session this week, and much can be expected of this group that in the past has provided such landmark legislation as the Boiler Vessel Pressure Act of 1992 and a law allowing people who are legally blind to operate an automobile. For three months, the legislature will be an excellent diversion. It's kind enough to hold court during that dead time between the end of professional football season and Opening Day of Major League baseball - not that I am making any direct comparison between New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey and Senate President Mike Miller.

MARTINSBURG, W.VA. martinsburg@herald-mail.com Those who think the number of Berkeley County Commissioners should be increased to five - and those who think three members are sufficient - can voice their opinions tonight during the County Commissioners meeting. Public comments will be allowed from 7:05 to 7:30 p.m. on the matter, which has been discussed for years. County Commission President Steve Teufel said no action will be taken tonight. Petitions are needed before anything may be done, he said.

West Virginia's Regional Jail Authority decided this week that it's a little bit short of the cash it needs to complete its current construction program. About $68 million short, to be exact, and if the legislature agrees to up the amount this group can borrow without asking some tough questions, taxpayers should raise Cain about it. The authority has already received the okay to borrow $80 million, but deputy director Frank Shumaker told a legislative oversight committee that it needed the okay for another $20 million.

Douglas beats Reisenweber in 52nd District By BOB PARTLOW / Staff Writer, Martinsburg MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - Del. Vicki Douglas, D-Berkeley, won a sixth two-year term in the West Virginia House's 52nd District, according to final unofficial returns Wednesday. Douglas beat her Republican opponent John Reisenweber by 3,530 votes to 3,011. Douglas, 63, is a former school teacher and has been resident of Martinsburg since 1969. Both she and Reisenweber, 30, said her experience probably played a big role in her victory.

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. -- Del. John Doyle, D-Jefferson, will attempt to fend off a challenge to his seat in the state Legislature when he faces Republican Betsy Dungan in the Nov. 4 general election. The 57th district represents about 40 percent of the northeastern section of Jefferson County. The term for the office is two years and the salary will be $20,000 starting in January. Doyle Doyle said he wants to return to Charleston, W.Va., to fight for more local control for Jefferson County in a highly centralized state government, and he touts the progress he has worked for such as increased funding for local schools, better land planning laws and tax reform.

laurae@herald-mail.com Washington County business leaders heard what they didn't want to hear at Tuesday morning's post-legislative forum: More new taxes may be on the horizon. Sen. Donald F. Munson, R-Washington, said there's a "strong possibility" the state will increase the gasoline tax by as much as 10 cents per gallon, which would make it the highest rate in the country. "I'm not advocating this folks, I'm just telling you what the options are," Munson said.

MARTINSBURG, W.VA. Voters at the May 11 primary election may have rejected a levy for parks and recreation in Berkeley County, but county commissioners believe another funding source exists. If the state Legislature approves the plan, Berkeley County will increase its hotel/motel tax from 3 percent to 6 percent. Norwood Bentley, attorney for the county, has written a proposal to increase the tax, which will be forwarded to local representatives in the House of Delegates and state Senate.

Brooks to be commended for her leadership   To the editor: The Herald-Mail editorial (Aug. 24) in appreciation for the community leadership Carolyn Brooks brought to the state initiatives called HotSpots/C-Safe was so very deserving. For more than a decade, I was privileged to watch and be led by this leader. She could assemble diverse constituents, be present to their varied hurts and hopes, and guide their conversations into actions that supported community betterment.

A bill that would provide support for the operation of MARC commuter train service in the Eastern Panhandle passed Saturday by a 98-1 vote in the House of Delegates on the last day of the West Virginia Legislature's 60-day session. The state Senate later concurred with amendments the House made to Senate Bill 103, which now awaits consideration by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, according to an audio webcast streamed live on the Legislature's website. The bill creates a special fund in the state treasury and requires the state to negotiate agreements with Maryland or the Maryland Transit Administration for the continued operation of the service from Washington, D.C., into West Virginia.

The House Finance Committee on Wednesday made significant changes to a bill that would support the operation of MARC commuter train service in the Eastern Panhandle, but the legislation's lead sponsor said it still is “a great bill.” “Getting it out of that committee almost assures passage,” state Sen. Herb Snyder, D-Jefferson/Berkeley, said after the committee voted to pass its amended version of Senate Bill 103. “I'm happy.” ...

Legislation aimed at eliminating “puppy mills” and providing minimum standards for horse-boarding facilities still are alive in the West Virginia Legislature after passing the Senate, the bills' lead sponsor said. “We've heard enough horror stories of hundreds of dogs packed into very confined spaces and the mistreatment of horses at boarding facilities. It's time to do something decisive, and these bills are a critical step forward.” state Sen. John Unger, D-Berkeley/Jefferson, said in a news release about the legislation's intent.

For at least the fourth consecutive year, legislation to increase the number of West Virginia State Police troopers to a minimum of 800 statewide has been introduced in the state Legislature. State Sen. John R. Unger II, D-Berkeley/Jefferson, who again is the lead sponsor of the legislation this year, said Friday the agency is budgeted to have 698 troopers, but currently has 33 vacancies. “We are anticipating approximately 10 to 15 more retirements by the end of 2013,” Unger said.

An annual $1.6 million appropriation increase for Blue Ridge Community and Technical College in Martinsburg was included in the state budget, Senate Bill 160, passed Friday by the West Virginia Legislature. “I went to Charleston determined to advocate for our region. An increase in Blue Ridge Community and Technical College's base budget was imperative,” said Sen. John Unger, D-Berkeley/Jefferson, who got the increase. Of the 10 community colleges in West Virginia, Blue Ridge CTC has received the least amount of funds per student for the past several years.

Brooks to be commended for her leadership   To the editor: The Herald-Mail editorial (Aug. 24) in appreciation for the community leadership Carolyn Brooks brought to the state initiatives called HotSpots/C-Safe was so very deserving. For more than a decade, I was privileged to watch and be led by this leader. She could assemble diverse constituents, be present to their varied hurts and hopes, and guide their conversations into actions that supported community betterment.

West Virginia school teachers, whose salaries rank 47th in the nation, would see an $1,800 increase in their base pay over two years under a measure that is advancing in the state legislature. "It's a very modest pay raise. However, in today's economy we'll take what we can get," said Jill Jones the staff representative for the American Federation of Teachers in the Eastern Panhandle. School service personnel would see a $1,000 increase, and other public employees would see a 2 percent pay increase, capped at $1,200, according to officials familiar with the legislation.

Dozens of new lawmakers took their places in the Maryland General Assembly Wednesday, a day of ceremony and tradition before the legislature settles down for three months of pressing business. This year, legislators must figure out how to close a budget gap estimated at $1.6 billion. But, on opening day of the General Assembly's 428th session, talk of the deficit was put on hold as legislators soaked in the moment. Members of the Washington County delegation had family with them to share the experience.

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- It happened with only hours to spare Wednesday, but the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed a budget before deadline for the first time in years. Gov. Ed Rendell, a Democrat whose second and final term ends this year, said he would not sign the $28 billion spending plan until companion legislation was approved. The governor was awaiting a measure to authorize borrowing for capital projects as well as the fiscal code, which specifies how the money is to be spent.

WAYNESBORO, Pa. - In 1973, a 23-year-old Terry Punt jumped into politics with both feet, selling his house, quitting his job and running for Franklin County treasurer. At the end of that election night, the votes were counted and Punt lost. "I congratulated the winner, drove home with my parents and cried," Punt recalled recently. Five years later, Punt sold his house again for cash to run a campaign, took a leave of absence from his job and ran for the 90th District seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.