Governor Tomblin and Commissioner Roswall Encourage Seniors to Participate in Silver-Haired Legislature

Press Release

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and Commissioner of the Bureau of Senior Services, Robert Roswall, today encouraged seniors to participate in the Silver-Haired Legislature.

West Virginians, 60 years of age or older, are eligible candidates for the Silver-Haired Legislature. This group, composed of representatives elected by their peers, is modeled after the West Virginia Legislature and follows, to the extent possible, the rules that govern its proceedings.

"Our seniors possess great wisdom and knowledge," said. Gov. Tomblin. "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."

Silver-Hair Legislature candidates must be registered to vote in West Virginia and must obtain the necessary number of petition signatures--twenty-five signatures are required for House petitions and 50 signatures for Senate petitions. Seniors wishing to participate can pick up petitions at local senior centers or regional aging agencies.

"This is a great opportunity for West Virginia seniors to let their voice be heard and use their years of wisdom to help solve issues of importance to seniors and West Virginia." said Commissioner Roswall.

Petitions are due May 7, and the election will be held at county aging centers on June 12. For more information, call the State Bureau of Senior Services at 304-558-3317.

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