By Mannix Porterfield
CHARLESTON — Alan Susman, a voice on the West Virginia Turnpike’s governing board the past 28 years, was honored Thursday for his lengthy tenure, economic vision and advocacy of employee benefits upon his retirement from the authority.
A former state senator, Susman was joined by wife Sally, son Tom and several grandchildren in a brief ceremony at the West Virginia Parkways Authority headquarters.
Before it began, Susman, who has struggled with a medical condition in recent years that slowed his speech, told a reporter, “My mind is great, but I can’t get the words out.”
Board Chairman Joe Martin presented Susman a plaque and cited his long service, dating back to the time when the authority was known as the West Virginia Turnpike Commission.
“I’m sorry to see him go,” Martin said. “He has been such an asset to the authority and so dedicated.”
In his time on the board, Susman witnessed the transformation of the road to interstate standards from a treacherous two and three-lane road that once saw T-shirts bearing the slogan, “I Survived the West Virginia Turnpike.”
Martin pointed out the turnpike reversed itself from insolvency and saw the addition of safety improvements that made the 88-mile highway one of America’s safest.
In Susman’s time, he also said, economic development has been a hallmark, including the crown jewel, Tamarack, a showplace for West Virginia artisans in Beckley.
Susman also tendered his resignation from the Tamarack Foundation that supports programs for the artisans and specialty food producers.
“Having served as a member of the board governing the turnpike since first being appointed by then-Gov. Jay Rockefeller in 1978, I have decided the time has come to retire,” the longtime Beckley businessman said.
“My service to the turnpike and Tamarack has ranked with my service in the state Senate as the highlights of my career in public office.”
The 78-year-old Susman launched his political career back in 1970 as a member of the Senate, serving three straight four-year terms.
Among legislation that bears his name are those creating the Consumer Advocate’s Office for the Public Service Commission and a rewrite of coal mine safety laws that included a mandatory 40-hour training course for new workers.
Susman also chaired the Senate Energy, Industry and Mining Committee that strived to update regulations for surface mining which had been almost unregulated. As vice chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, he steered millions of dollars into his district.
In retirement, Susman said he planned to work with wife Sally, who is returning next month to the House of Delegates.
“This has been the most enjoyable part of his life,” Sally said of her husband’s work with the Parkways Authority. “He’s really enjoyed it.”
Martin said he expects Gov. Joe Manchin to propose a successor soon to Susman.
“He serves with full authority until his replacement is named,” Martin said.
“I suspect that will not be too terribly long.”
