(Publisher’s Note: It was not good news. In May, the “People’s Delegate” – Erikka Storch – announced she needed to resign from the West Virginia Legislature after 13 years of service in the Northern Panhandle for personal/professional reasons. She was leaving Project Best for a new position with Appalachian Power (AEP), but there was a stipulation with the energy provider that did not allow her to be a lawmaker.)
She’s not that phone call anymore. No longer is she the go-to legislator.
At the end of the day Friday when her official resignation takes full effect, W.Va. Del. Erikka Storch (R-4th) will be finished being our “fast fix” and our “quick call.” And, c’mon now, let’s be sure not to forget we all considered her, at some time or another, to be our personal “Storchapedia” when it came to anything related to state government.
Storch paid extra attention so we could pay zero attention. She served as a Republican, sure, but Democrats called her with concerns, too. In fact, her insistence to represent her constituents – literally all of them – cost her opportunities and leadership positions. And she did that for us, not for herself, even though she’ll never admit to any of it.
Erikka Storch has defied what we’ve been hearing about politicians during the last 10 years without even trying. While the electorate has been brainwashed to believe we must refuse everything proposed by anyone on the other side of the aisle, Storch has been busy figuring out what works best for the people in Wheeling, in Ohio County, and in the Northern Panhandle, no matter their party affiliation.
Because that was her job. It always has come down to that very point of truth. It. Was. Her. Job. Even as a member of the GOP, she viewed her role as the representative for all citizens in District 4 and beyond.
And she filled that role better than most in memory, and Storch demands her decision to resign to take the AEP position does not mean she will vanish any time soon.
What was the original reason why you decided to run for the West Virginia House of Delegates?
My brother, Steve planted the “seed” for me to run. Following reading an article about Delegate Orphy Klempa deciding to run for Senate, my brother and I were discussing our concerns about continuing common sense perspectives representing Ohio County. I discussed it with my family, and trusted advisors, and filed a couple of weeks later.
Did you ever hit the wrong button when voting?
I don’t think I’ve ever “hit the wrong” button. Each vote was cast with the best intentions based on the information I had at the time. I’ve had votes that I have regretted, but they were made with the best information I had at the time.
Are the roads really better in Wheeling than they are in Charleston?
I definitely notice a difference between our roads and Charleston roads, but that is due to many reasons. First, through downtown, Wheeling has been undergoing utility upgrades for a while. The streetscape project has been delayed, and crews have encountered crazy circumstances under our roads and general downtown area. Also, I cannot say I have ever seen any kind of equipment, water trucks, sand trucks, or anything like that on secondary roads in the greater Charleston area.
What will you miss the most?
The people. I have made lifelong friendships with so many great people from all around the state. It has been my honor and privilege to serve the people of Ohio County. I truly feel blessed to serve in this role for as long as I have. I may not be holding the title any longer, but I am committed to helping those who have helped me. I will still be engaged.
Why do you feel you were a great voice not only for Ohio County but also for the Northern Panhandle?
Because I got the respect of both parties and leadership & was able to be an effective legislator. For instance, I served on two re-districting committees in my time, 2011 and 2021, appointed by different Speakers of different parties. In 2011, I was the only freshman Republican member appointed. I wasn’t a showy member. I don’t post a lot of pictures and videos. I prefer to work behind the scenes and compromise for the greater good. A lot of times, the roll call doesn’t tell the whole story.
