Howard Monroe And The Morning Show

The race is on

State Senator Andy McKenzie has thrown his hat into the ring for Mayor of Wheeling. The Ohio County Republican decided to forgo a 4th run for the Senate to spend more time with his growing family. McKenzie wants to work closer with the county and also with businesses and has some aggressive ideas to move the City forward. The only other name of substance being talked about in the Mayor's race is current councilman Barry Crow, who is clearly interested in the job but has not yet made a firm decision to run.

Tueday Morning Show

Imagine your child walks into his new freshman class at high school. Shakes hands with another student and introduces himself. And you know that one of the 2 of them won't graduate. That's the case at Monroe Central High loally and others around the country. Staggering numbers (in my mind) released on the "dropout factories" in our country. Schools with less than 60% of their freshman who make it to graduation.

Daylight Savings Time makes some sense in the summer. Giving more light at the end of a summer day for mowing the lawn or sitting on the porch is one thing. But this extra week in October/November is silly. It doesn't save energy, it's dark at 630 even with DST, and it causes a lot of hassles with electronics.

New study says the overwhelming majority of covergae of the Presidetial primary races this year has focused on the horse race and personalities with darn little on the actual policies of the candidates.

Monday Morning Show

Ohio State Senator Jason Wilson joined us to talk about coal and other energy issues. This comes as a new report on coal shows how big it is in China and the rest of the world. Can coal be burned cleanly, mined safely, and done so profitably? I believe it can. But a committment must be made to do so.

The drumbeats of war with Iran continue to sound. At least one of our Morning Show listeners feels that the story then-Congressman Bob Ney told us a year ago needs to be revisited. Ney told us he passed a back-channel offer from Iran to talk with the US about all issues--including nuclear inspection--directly to Karl Rove where it was basically ignored. Others have confirmed the story. If we end up in another war, we need to remember that it might have been avoided if Roave and the White House had made an effort to talk before sabre rattling.

Accountability still needed

West Virginia's Hiway Department is--finally--taking some action on the frustrating work (or lack of it) on the Wheeling Tunnel repair project. Six months after the work was supposed to be finished, and with no end in sight, the DOH is shutting down the work and planning to regroup.

I'm glad they're finally listening to what I've been saying for months....as have others, like State Senator Andy McKenzie. But as a new contractor is selected and the whole project goes on hold while they hassle about how to go forward, I hope we don't forget to assess some blame. This project is millions above budget and months behind schedule. It has become a national joke and has impacted a lot of local businesses. Somone is at fault. Who? I don't know. Maybe the contractor for changing materials after the original specs, maybe poor planning in the design, maybe insufficient oversight by the State. I don't know.

But I know the whole thing has been disgusting. It has been a case study in error. Someone or some ones did more than just "hit a snag". They screwed up big time. I want names---individuals are to blame here and should be held accountable. And then someone should pay....real, hard, cash....for the cost of the debacle.

The Governor might think about an indpedent pannel to look into this.

Barrack is not the boogey man.

The clamor has begun again to have the old Bellaire Bridge torn down. And again Roger Barrack is the bad old businessman-boogey man. Let me be clear: I don't know Roger Barrack. As far as I know, I have never met him, seen him or had anything to do with him.

But I DO remember how he came to own the bridge. The Interstate Bridge Company had tossed in the towel. They were going to stop operating the bridge. The citizens, businesses, and public officials of Bellaire (and Benwood on the other side of the River) were begging for someone to keep the bridge open. When no one else did, Barrack stepped in. And shortly thereafter, the State of Ohio closed down the bridge ramps (to allow Route 7 construction) effectively ending any hope of reopening the old span.

Barrack is a businessman and may, indeed, have had plans to make the bridge financially successful. But he stepped to the plate because the community wanted SOMEONE to do it. And his plans never materialzied because the State of Ohio literally "cut off" his opportunity.

Our New Look

Welcome to our "new look" website/blog. We've streamlined the appearance to make it easier for you to read and navigate. We're adding a whole host of new features and information for you as well as keeping all the favorite parts of our old site.

I'll continue to post a daily look at the topics and guests from each day's Morning Show as well a daily (or at least occassional) opinion column. If you want to comment, you can post your thoughts right on the site. Just click the "comments" button and sound off!

You can still click our "listen live" link and get crystal clear streaming audio of our show. We have links to the WVLY programming, advertising sales information, and our statewide Morning Show Network. And the photo gallery still has pictures of our hosts, events, and friends.

Plus, we're adding podcasts of CNN News--so you won't have to wait for the top of the hour to stay on top of the breaking stories. And we have exclusive video from Capital Hill where you can watch Congressional hearing, speeches, press conferences, and more.

If you have thoughts on the "new look"....or indeed on any aspect of the web site, radio station, or Morning Show, just click the "e-mail me" button next to my picture and sound off!