Published: January 09, 2009 10:47 pm      

Ross named to replace delegate killed in wreck

Mike Ross is getting a new desk in the Capitol, only this time he finds himself among one of 100 lawmakers in the House of Delegates, courtesy Friday of his appointment by Gov. Joe Manchin.

A former senator, Ross lost his seat in the Senate to Republican Clark Barnes four years ago and failed to upend him last November when the two squared off a second time before the voters of the 15th District.

Ross was named to succeed the late Delegate William Proudfoot, who died Dec. 23 in a traffic accident.

Manchin said he picked Ross from a list of three candidates submitted by the Democratic Executive Committee in the 37th District based on his experience and ability to “step into the legislative process quickly.”

“I have spoken to Delegate Proudfoot’s widow, Lynn, about this appointment and want to thank her for her input on behalf of the Proudfoot family,” the governor said. “Bill was truly a special man who will continue to be greatly missed.”

Ross said he would like to be appointed by Speaker Rick Thompson to the transportation, judiciary and rule-making committees since he served on all three in the Senate.

“I have a lot of experience on all of those,” he said. “And with my experience out here in the field, to deal with a lot every day, I think it would be beneficial for everyone. I’m happy to be able to lend my experience to that. I look forward to working. It’s just good to be back.”

Ross said he missed the Legislature in his four-year hiatus.

“But on the other hand, I didn’t know business was going as good until I got back in it,” the oil and gas magnate said.

“They’re slowing down now. I think the boom is over. It makes the third one I’ve been through. It’s a boom or bust situation. But there’s still a lot of activity. We’re very fortunate to be in the position we’re in. Yet, it’s going to take good management in government to stay in that position. So I think with my overall business experience and legislative experience, I can be an asset to the people of West Virginia.”

Ross isn’t the only former senator heading to the House this winter since he will rejoin former Senate Judiciary Chairman Bill Wooton, D-Raleigh. Wooton returns to the House in the 27th District.

“I look forward to serving with him (Wooton) in the House,” Ross said. “We still have Senate privileges. We can go back on the other side and visit.”