Williams and Morrisey share different visions for West Virginia’s future at Chamber Business Summit
August 30, 2024
The West Virginia Chamber kicked off its annual three day “Business Summit” Wednesday, at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs. And in what has become tradition for the event, select political candidates were invited to address attendees.
While current Governor Jim Justice delivered the summit’s welcoming remarks, all eyes were on both the Republican and Democratic nominees to succeed him as the state’s next chief executive.
Republican nominee and current State Attorney General Patrick Morrisey was first to speak.
“Maybe at the end of my tenure in office (as governor), maybe you’ll think of me as ‘Mr. Get Things Done,’” Morrisey said. “That is certainly the goal.”
“We have a lot to celebrate,” Morrisey continued. “We gather here in an era rich with opportunities, a chance to reshape our economy, to revitalize our communities, take advantage of some of the really positive things that Gov. Justice and the State Legislature have been pushing on.”
“I’m a person – as you’ve heard over the years – who likes to say, ‘I don’t believe we should be looking back as much as looking forward,’” Morrisey continued. “I want to build on the good work of the past, and there’s certainly been a lot of terrific things that have been accomplished. But I think you’ll see that there will be a lot more work to do in the future, and we’re going to position West Virginia to grow in a way you’ve never seen before.”
Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1967, Morrisey grew up in northern New Jersey, where he attended Rutgers University. Morrisey practiced private law from 1992 until 1999, when he accepted a staff position with the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
In 2000, Morrisey unsuccessfully ran to represent New Jersey in Congress, only receiving 9% of the vote in the Republican Primary. In 2004, Morrisey moved to Washington D.C., where he lobbied on behalf of pharmaceutical companies. Morrisey remained in Washington until 2012, when he was elected Attorney General in West Virginia.
“I think in terms of competition,” Morrisey told attendees. “I think we have that opportunity here in West Virginia. With the right policies, we have a chance to move up in the rankings in a way that you haven’t seen before.”
“I want to make sure that West Virginia is beginning to think along those lines economically,” Morrisey said. “We want to have a ‘Backyard Brawl’ economically with every state that we touch. We want to make sure that on questions related to taxes, and regulations, and workforce rules, and licensing, that West Virginia is no longer going to be 48, 49, and 50.”
Morrisey has been at frequent odds with the federal government, particularly the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). On his campaign website, Morrisey refers to himself as “one of the most aggressive and successful advocates in the nation against overreaching government.”
As Attorney General, Morrisey drew criticism for his handling of the opioid settlements, as many of the pharmaceutical companies that settled with the state were those which Morrisey had previously lobbied for.
Morrisey has also campaigned on “defending the integrity of women’s sports,” by actively working to prevent transgender children who identify as a sex other than what is reflected on their birth certificate from playing on a WVSSAC-sanctioned athletic team that aligns with their gender identity.
“There’s much, much more to be done,” Morrisey said. “And the truth is, for West Virginia to truly ascend, and lift up its standard of living to its rightful place in the country, we’re going to have to make some tough decisions.”
“On day one of a Patrick Morrisey administration, we’re going to begin that ‘Backyard Brawl,’” Morrisey added.
Democratic nominee and current Huntington Mayor Steve Williams was next to speak.
“I’m here to seek your support as I run for governor of the State of West Virginia,” Williams began. “I’m here to talk about how we, together, can transform our state and our communities.”
“I’m reminded of a saying that’s always resonated with me,” Williams continued. “‘If you want to know what someone will do, look at what they’ve done.’ My journey began right here in southern West Virginia. I was born in Bluefield, grew up in Athens, and was educated in the Mercer County and Cabell County schools.”
“After receiving a scholarship to play football at Marshall, for the young Thundering Herd, I earned my degree with honors, and then went on up to WVU, and got my Masters in public administration,” Williams added. “As you can see, I am a West Virginian through and through. My love for this state runs deep, and it’s been the driving force behind everything that I’ve done.”
Williams was elected as Huntington’s mayor in 2012, and is the only three-time elected mayor in the city’s history. Prior to his election, Williams served two years as Huntington City Manager, four years on the Huntington City Council, and six years as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates.
Outside of his political career, Williams spent more than 20 years working in the financial industry. In 2000, Williams left his home in West Virginia, spending several successful years working in Chicago.
“During my career, I’ve built economic development programs in the public sector,” Williams said. “In private enterprise, I’ve held senior and executive level positions in an investment bank, and as a retail investment broker principal.”
“In the meantime, I was elected to four terms in the West Virginia House of Delegates,” Williams continued. “I rose to the position of chair of the Banking Committee, and I also chair the Higher Education Sub-committee.”
Williams spent six years in Chicago, leading the retail investment market for one of the Nation’s largest banks.
“What my experience taught me is that a son of Appalachia can compete with anybody in the world,” Williams noted. “No matter how worldly or sophisticated they might be, we can stand shoulder-to-shoulder, and toe-to-toe with them.”
“And I learned that I can swim in the deep waters, and thrive,” Williams added.
Earlier in the year, Williams found himself at odds with both the majority of lawmakers, as well as the current administration when he called on Gov. Justice to include the possibility of an abortion ballot measure to May’s Special Legislative Session. Williams went so far as to begin a petition which would ultimately grow to include more than 2,500 signatures, which he presented to lawmakers. At the time, Williams cited his agreement with former President Donald Trump in his belief that any decisions regarding the legality of abortion should be ‘put in the hands of the people.’
“When I returned to Huntington […], I reintroduced myself after years of being away,” Williams said. “I ran for City Council, and won. Four years later, I decided I needed to run for mayor, because the problems facing my city required someone with my leadership skills and credentials to lead us out of our troubles.”
“My mission was very simple – to transform my city, and surrounding region, to a path toward prosperity,” Williams added. “And you’ll notice I didn’t say my city, alone. The only way we move forward is if we reach out, and we draw everyone else in.”
Election Day in West Virginia is Tuesday, November 5. Early voting will take place between Oct. 23, and Nov. 2. To confirm the status of your voter registration, visit apps.sos.wv.gov.
To learn more about Attorney General Patrick Morrisey’s campaign, visit patrickmorrisey.com. To learn more about Mayor Steve Williams’ campaign, visit stevewilliamswv.com.
Story by Matthew Young, RealWV