Tim Armstead stands to speak at the Mountaineer Breakfast on Saturday morning at Golden Corral in Parkersburg. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)

PARKERSBURG — Tim Armstead, Chief of Justice for the West Virginia Supreme Court, who is running for re-election to the Division 1 seat on the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, spoke Saturday at the Mountaineer Breakfast at Golden Corral in Parkersburg.

Armstead, a Republican, was appointed to the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia by Governor Jim Justice to fill the seat vacated by the retirement of Justice Menis Ketchum. He took office Sept. 25, 2018, and was elected Nov. 6, 2018, to retain the seat until the end of the term on Dec. 31, 2020.

The Division 1 seat on the Supreme Court is a 12-year position. There are two other seats up for election, Division 2, Margaret Workman’s seat, is also a 12-year position while the Division 3, John Hutchinson’s seat, is a four-year term because it is unexpired.

These positions do not have a primary election, and their general election will be held in May.

Armstead succeeded Chief Justice Beth Walker, the only justice acquitted of an article of impeachment after four justices were impeached on 2018 following the scandal precipitated by former Chief Justice Allen Loughry, whose seat Hutchinson was appointed to.

Armstead spent time talking to those gathered Saturday about his personal background, offices held in the past and experiences that impacted his career along the way. He discussed ways he and the present court have worked to restore confidence in the state’s court systems.

“Our court is more open and more transparent, especially with our spending,” said Armstead.

Armstead talked about safeguards and policies the court has put in place to make sure the taxpayers’ money is not misused again in the future.

One such policy/safeguard was an amendment to the state Constitution, the Judicial Budget Oversight Amendment, which went into effect this year giving the Legislature more say over the judiciary system’s budget — including circuit and family courts, magistrates, probation and many other agencies.

“I believe we have worked well together in the past year and we will continue to do so,” said Armstead.

Armstead expressed how he felt it is especially important to have a court that follows the law and constitution.

“Every day we do our job; we do it efficiently and ethically, with plenty of focus on how we are spending the taxpayers money,” he said.

Armstead talked about the money he was able to give back to the legislators last fiscal year, and how after a thorough examination of the budget, it was able to be cut back by $4 million.

“The previous Supreme Court budget had become bloated and inefficient, it was time for change,” said Armstead.

Approximately 82 percent of the judicial branch’s $135.5 million budget request is for employee salaries and benefits, according to Armstead. The budget funds approximately 1,468 full-time positions throughout the state.

“Sure I have opinions, but as a judge it is more important to hear the facts. Our job is not to interpret how we feel the law should be, but as the legislature’s intent was,” said Armstead.

Some members running for District 10 House of Delegates, such as Roger Conley, John Kelly and Matthew Dodrill spoke at the event as well, expressing their opinions, why they are running and what they want to accomplish.

Mark Rhodes, the Wood County Clerk, also attended to raise awareness about the open position of Wood County Circuit Court Clerk, which will be on the ballot this election year.

Madeline Scarborough can be reached at mscarborough@newsandsentinel.com