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Loughry's indictment eroding public trust in government


Where is the public trust with West Virginia government? (WCHS/WVAH){p}{/p}
Where is the public trust with West Virginia government? (WCHS/WVAH)

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The news of suspended Justice Allen Loughry's indictment has some people in shock while others said it's just the latest, sad chapter, in the history of corruption in the state.

“It's awful to have this today," Vanessa Green of Charleston said.

This indictment happened on a special day; West Virginia's birthday. Many people gathered at the capitol to celebrate West Virginia Day but said this news does shed a negative light on the state.

"It just makes me sad," Mary Dooley of Charleston said .

A birthday celebration at the capitol was clouded with news of yet another political corruption scandal within West Virginia State government.

"Hopefully justice to be served and I hope justice will be served,” Ellen Asbury of Pinch said.

People who attended the birthday celebration were saddened but not shocked by the news regarding the once highest ranking member of the State Supreme Court, Justice Allen Loughry.

Loughry wrote a book on political corruption in the state and now is possibly living another chapter, leaving West Virginian’s to once again question their trust in the government.

"I want to trust the West Virginia government so I would have to think about what they are saying, when they say it, and then I’ll decide if I can trust them," Dooley said.

Other people said it will take a lot for officials to regain the public's trust.

"It's kind of hard to do that once you see that happen and we need to do better with putting our politicians in office," George Jackson of Winfield said.

Gov. Jim Justice weighed in from the celebrations wanting West Virginians to believe in the state and its lawmakers.

"We got lots and lots of good to celebrate, we don't need to lose confidence over bad actions from a player that was significant in our government, there is no question, a chief justice I mean for crying out loud," Justice said.

Most people we spoke with said they have great pride in their state and they must trust.

"I trust and pray that they do the right thing and make the right decision, that is why we elect them and I vote every year, every chance I get to vote, I vote," said Asbury. "Then it gives me an opportunity to whine about it."

Curtis Williamson of Sissonville said he had no comment about Loughry's situation but does trust the government.

"It's government you know there is a lot of stuff going on, and I understand that but I still trust them," Williamson said.

Many people we spoke with said they are eager to see what the next step is in this investigation and hope this is a wake-up call to other state lawmakers and officials.



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