Manchin Has Class

Governor visits WLSC; speaks to students

By BETHANY A. ROMANEK
During a visit to West Liberty State College on Thursday,West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin talked about higher education, teacher salaries and the future of downtown Wheeling.

Speaking to students in professor Erik Aroot’s state and local government course, he also shared insight about three characteristics students must have to be successful. Manchin told them the only handicap in life is having a bad attitude.

‘‘There are three things you need to be successful, and one of them is a product — most of the time in today’s world, it’s you,’’ Manchin said. ‘‘The second thing is value. Are you going in at a higher value than what the market demands? .... And the third is service ability and sustainability. Be able to sell it. No matter how good it is, if it’s out of the market, they won’t buy.’’

Manchin said in politics, the politician is the product. In his own campaign for governor of West Virginia, he noted, his product is to do what he can to make the state better.

He also said being a politician is a public service — not self serving.

Upon becoming governor, Manchin said, he knew he West Virginia was a great product because of its energy, water and great location. He also spoke about improvements he has made in the state in the past four years.

‘‘We were ranked eight in the nation in Expansion Magazine as the best place to expand a business,’’ Manchin said. ‘‘So I know we have arrived at the marketplace. We also have a rainy day account, which is 13.2 percent of the state’s general revenue — we are third in the nation of having the best. We also lowered taxes to compete in the marketplace. That’s the proof in the pudding, and it’s all documented.’’

For students planning a career in the field of politics, Manchin gave them a word of advice.

‘‘You have to love it, and you have to have thick skin,’’ he said. ‘‘I have the best job in the country being governor. There’s only 50 of us, and it’s the most elite club in America. I wake up every day with enthusiasm to make your day better. I’ve been like that for four years, and I am asking to be re-elected to serve four more.’’

During a question and answer session, one student compared downtown Wheeling to the core of a rotten apple.

He asked the governor what will happen to the downtown as places such as The Highlands continue to grow. Manchin replied that Wheeling is going through a renaissance and will be transformed into a technical city.

‘‘It will be more of a business hub if you will,’’ Manchin said. ‘‘I really see it coming along. You already have Orrick, which runs 24 hours, seven days a week, 365 days a year. You have the old Capitol Musical Hall and a waterfront. ... Will you have a shopping hub? No. You will have high-tech jobs.’’

Manchin later met with campus officials and students in the college’s Alumni Wall of Honor Room. There he spoke about higher education and answered questions concerning more assistance and funding from the state.

Regarding higher education costs, Manchin said it should not be the state’s responsibility to foot the bill for college, but rather the student’s duty to pay the cost. Manchin also said the state has made progress in raising educators’ wages.

‘‘Primary and secondary education is mandated. We will make sure it’s accessible and free – all of that’s done,’’ he said. ‘‘Do we put more money into higher education? I don’t think it’s the state’s responsibility to pay for higher education. That’s pretty sobering. We will be you best partner, just not your sole provider.’’

WLSC President Robin Capehart and Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer John McCullough thanked Manchin for his time on campus.

‘‘It’s always a thrill to have a governor visit,’’ McCullough said. ‘‘Especially Gov. Joe Manchin.’’