PARSONS – A newly elected West Virginia Delegate representing Tucker County said he has hit the ground running and is learning his responsibilities and duties as a Delegate and is gathering information from his constituents in District 53.
Delegate Tony Lewis, R-Preston, said he has been down in Charleston three days so far.
“We have been in Charleston three days now,” Lewis said. “One day was an all-day training and we went through all of the procedures of asking for the floor and learning to vote. The other days, we were in session and listened to former Governor Earl Ray Tomblin’s Farewell Address.”
Lewis said he has been gathering information about the committees he will serve. They include Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Organization, Senior Issues and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security.
“I have been looking over what is going on with each committee and reading the bills that have been proposed,” he said. “I have been getting all kinds of mail and am trying to read that. I have hit the ground running here.”
Lewis said one of the biggest issues the West Virginia Legislation is facing this year is the budget. He said he feels it is very important to get the budget straightened out and said it is going to be a tough task.
“There are going to be some areas that will be hit hard. They are talking about the elimination of some organizations within the government but I am not sure on the particulars at this point. Until the Governor deals with his budget plan we are working on the budget but there is nothing cut in stone as of today.”
“Basically, everyone has opinions and issues about things,” he said. “I am listening and trying to put things in perspective and am working to help everybody. We are all in this together as West Virginians.”
Lewis said he will participate in some of the local Town Hall Meetings. He said some of them are not in his district but are close enough that some of his constituents will attend. There were two Town Meetings on Jan. 19 one in Tunnelton and one near Bruceton Mills. On Jan. 25, there will be town hall meetings beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the Terra Alta City Hall and at 7 p.m. at the Reedsville Sheltered Workshop.
“Senator David Sypolt, (R-Preston), is working on some Town Hall Meetings closer to Parsons,” Lewis said. “As soon as I find out the dates I will let you know when and where those will be.”
Lewis said he is slated to be in Charleston again Feb. 8.
“There is a lot of learning that goes with writing and submitting a bill. I am working on getting all of my ducks in a row. I want to hear what is on people’s minds and want them to know what is going on and get their feelings on issues. I am for the people. I am not for big business but for people around here. I want them to talk to me and let me know how they feel. That is what is important.”
“I belong to the West Virginia Farm Bureau and they just came out with their West Virginia Magazine. It is clear full of issues and policies and I am trying to read those. I have been receiving a lot of email and mail and I am working to get through that.”
Lewis said he wants folks to know he is assessable. “Please, if you have an issue call me and talk to me about it or set up a meeting with me. I am here for everybody in our district,” Lewis said. “I am ready to go to bat and fight for what my constituents need.”
Delegate Lewis’ office is located in the East Wing of the Capitol in Building 1, Room 209E. His email is tony.lewis@wvhouse.gov.
