West Virginia's senior citizens have a way for their voices to be heard.
Seniors aged 60 and older are eligible to participate in the state's Silver-Haired Legislature. The group, composed of representatives elected by their peers, is modeled after the West Virginia Legislature and follows, to an extent, that body's rules and proceedings. Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin joined with Robert Roswall, the commissioner of the Bureau of Senior Services, to encourage senior citizens to participate in the group.
"Our seniors possess great wisdom and knowledge," Tomblin said. "The Silver-Haired Legislature is an opportunity for them to use that knowledge and apply it to the legislative process while representing their communities. I encourage our seniors to get involved in the Silver-Haired Legislature and I urge all West Virginians to show their support for these individuals."
Candidates must be registered voters in West Virginia and must obtain the necessary number of petition signatures—25 for House of Delegates petitions and 50 for Senate petitions. Seniors who want to participate can pick up petitions at their local senior centers or regional aging agencies.
"This is a great opportunity for West Virginia seniors to let their voices be heard and use their years of wisdom to help solve issues of importance to seniors and West Virginia," Roswell said.
Petitions are due May 7 and the elections will be held June 12 at county aging centers. For information, call the Bureau of Senior Services at 304-558-3317.
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