CHARLESTON, W. Va.–Amendment 4 on West Virginia ballots this fall would give authority to legislators to review the policies and guidelines of the state Department of Education. Right now that oversight responsibility lies with members of the state Board of Education, and all but one have been appointed by Gov. Jim Justice.
But the governor, who has consistently described education as the centerpiece of his two-term administration, has not taken a sharp position on Amendment Four.
That’s in contrast to his campaign in communities across the state against another ballot measure, Amendment Two, which would give legislators the authority to exempt categories of personal property taxes. With Amendment Two, the governor has described the influence of “the swamp” as influencing lawmakers to favor tax cuts for big out-of-state corporations through favors like campaign donations.
Asked about Amendment Four, the governor talked in relatively neutral terms. He said the education officials who currently oversee policy in West Virginia are generally trustworthy. But he also said there are sometimes policies that are lightning rods and that West Virginia wouldn’t want to be like California.
“Well, I’ve got an opinion,” Justice said. “I don’t know if it’s nearly as clear or maybe that I can, you know, articulate.”
“Here’s my whole thing,” Justice continued. “You know, we’re not California. And really, our educators, the folks in our education department, whether it be our board or superintendent or whoever it may be, for the most part, these are really good people. And they’re grounded and their thoughts are sound and solid as they can be.”