by Ron Gregory
The decision by Logan city officials to make it clear that the Clintons are not welcome in their town shows the inherent power of West Virginians to stand up for themselves.
When it was announced that Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and her husband, ex-President Bill, were coming to the Mountain State, there were gasps from anyone who understands the political process. After Hillary’s pronunciations about killing the coal industry if elected President, it was widely believed in political circles that she would avoid West Virginia like the plague. The most recent accurate polling shows Republican Donald Trump beating her, 64-19, in the Mountain State.
Meanwhile, there was a level of consternation regarding the behavior of Boone/Lincoln County Family Court Judge Cynthia “Tinker” Jarrell last week. It seems Jarrell, locked in a tight re-election campaign with Bobby Hale, decided to more or less disrupt an honorary presentation involving children in Boone County.
At an event dubbed National Children’s Flag Day, apparently a program for at-risk youth, Boone Circuit Judge Will Thompson was set to be honored. Thompson is recognized statewide, by the Department of Health and Human Services and others for his lengthy service to those facing societal problems.
State Senator Ron Stollings was called upon to present an award to Thompson for his service, according to those in attendance. Jarrell, who one source said “has never acted as though she knew the program existed during the past five or six years,” sat on a bench in the circuit courtroom during the program.
After Thompson was presented his award and spoke briefly, sources said Jarrell stepped forward to say she felt she should be recognized for some comments. Thompson relinquished the podium to the Family Court Judge.
Jarrell then proceeded, according to those in attendance, to issue a litany of her many services to children and family. She also predicted that the services for which Thompson was being honored would soon no longer be handled in Circuit Court but would instead come to her Family Court.
“It was simply an inappropriate, blatant attempt to make a non-partisan, good program into a political rally,” said one of those in attendance. “If Cynthia thinks she helped herself by taking over and praising herself, she is wrong.”
One source added, “She (Jarrell) said some good things about the Judge but the speech was mostly to praise herself and try to get votes. It was completely out of line.”
Jarrell, who is one of two judges in the circuit, generally represents Boone while retiring Judge Scott Elswick is from Lincoln. Voters in both counties select the two judges, however.
* * * * * *
Team Trump is gearing up for the May 10 primary at their headquarters at 818 Virginia Street, East in Charleston. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday; and closed on Sunday.
Monday, May 2, is designated as “Meet and Greet Monday,” at 5 p.m., with visitors being urged to stop by and visit with the Trump staff. Tuesday is “Taco Tuesday” at 5 p.m., with visitors invited to have dinner and make phone calls. Wednesday, May 4 is “Walk and Talk Wednesday.” At 5 p.m., volunteers will be given material to distribute while door-knocking. Those not able to door walk are asked to make phone calls. It’s “Dinner and Dialing” Thursday as visitors are asked to come by at 5 p.m. for dinner and phone banking. Friday, May 6, is “Bring a Friend Friday” when supporters are urged to bring a friend to knock of doors with them at 5 p.m. “Lunch and Learn” is the Saturday theme. Supporters are asked to stop by at noon to learn how they can best impact the election results for Trump.
Monday, May 9 is “Momentum Monday” with visitors being asked to make phone calls and knock on doors a day before the primary. The get-out-the-vote effort intensifies Tuesday, May 10, on primary election day. Those coming by headquarters can make calls or may want to visit some polls in their area.
* * * * * *