Speaker Hanshaw issues statement on passing of Bob Ashley

CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Speaker of the House for the West Virginia Legislature Roger Hanshaw issued a statement on Wednesday with regard to the passing of former legislator Bob Ashley.

“Bob was the kind of public servant we unfortunately don’t see enough of these days: the person who runs for public office to serve the greater good. He came from a family of service, and we all should be grateful he and Anita nurtured an even further generation of service,” Hanshaw said of the late lawmaker.

“Bob represented my district when I was growing up, and he’s who first asked me to consider running for office, serving as the model legislator. He showed how to keep your family first. He led what was then the Minority party with a decorum that can be tough to muster when you’re always on the losing side of what you believe is right. And he demonstrated congeniality when he returned some years later as Republicans were in the Majority.”

The House Speaker continued, referencing the work of renowned writer and activist Maya Angelou, writing,

“Maya Angelou said people forget what you say and what you do, but they never forget how you made them feel, and that’s evident with Bob Ashley. He’s leaving us much too early, but if you ever had the pleasure of interacting with Bob, you know that every interaction with him was in fact a pleasure, and always with a smile. He will be sorely missed.”

Governor Jim Justice also spoke on the passing Ashley and the impact he had on the legislature during his life. Governor Justice’s statement can be seen here .