Severstal Steel’s recent announcement that approximately 2,000 persons will be losing their jobs is devastating news to our entire valley. Sadly our country has not made a preservation of basic and core industries a priority.

 

     Even more discouraging is the total lack of support and assistance from Governor Manchin.

 

     Five years ago when Weirton Steel was again experiencing problems, Governor Manchin made a big splash in the media when he appointed a committee of well-represented business persons to study the problems and attempt solutions. The committee has met a grand total over the past five years once. Time has now demonstrated that the creation of that committee was used by the Governor to grab publicity for himself rather than to legitimately help our steel plants.

 

     Severstal and its predecessor, Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel, have been supporting our valley and its families for many years. Over the past year our valley’s steel industry has desperately needed the help; however, Governor Manchin has ignored their problems and turned his back on Severstal and all those dependent upon its success.

 

     Governor Manchin’s failure to meaningfully help the steel industry has contributed to the 2,000 lost jobs, which will have tragic impacts on all of our communities. But Governor, all’s not lost -- you can use this opportunity to get some free press for yourself while our steelworkers worry about losing their houses.