“Hey hon, how’s your day going?”
It’s always a genuine inquiry she asks nearly everyone, but that’s part of what defines Janine Varner. The other parts include sincerity, years of hard work that date back to a newspaper route at age 12, her public service for the Ohio County Circuit Clerks Office, and, of course, that ear-to-ear smile.
Varner was appointed as an Ohio County magistrate by Judge Ronald Wilson in September 2019, but then she was suspended by the W.Va. Supreme Court of Appeals a month later because of questions concerning education. Instead of a high school diploma, Varner owns one from the vocational side, and that was a problem.
Varner cried, she admits, but then the solution became clear. Do the same thing as always. Prove them wrong.
She apparently needed the West Virginia equivalent to what is known as the GED, so Varner figured that out and passed four of five parts on her first attempt.
But Algebra. Yeah. Let’s just say Varner has a new nickname for Algebra, and it starts with the letter, “B.” After meeting several times with a pair of ladies at West Virginia Northern Community College, she took the math portion again, but did not pass.
Strike Two.
If a third failure was recorded, Magistrate Varner would have had to wait for six months to take the test again, but she didn’t have that time. So, without telling her husband or anyone else, she decided to take the exam the final time.
The final result is well-known by now, but the feeling Varner experienced when receiving the word is, she insisted, one of those “forever memories.” Magistrate Varner was re-appointed to her position in early October, and now she just wishes to continue in the position.
“It set me free,” she said. “I got my wings back.”
Why were you surprised when Judge Wilson called to gage your interest in the appointment?
I was surprised to receive a call from then Chief Judge Ronald Wilson. He is held in very high regard by all in the Judicial System. I was totally humbled, flattered and honored he considered me for the appointment of Magistrate. He respected my work and believed in me. That meant the world to me.
You initially said no to Judge Wilson. Why?
I initially declined because, to be honest, I was in shock and disbelief that something like this was happening to me. I am also not a very political person. I will never lose a friend over their political views, not by my choice anyway. After taking all into consideration that I would be back in the element I had loved for almost 15 years, and encouragement from my family, many peers and colleagues told me to do so, I thought to myself maybe this is my calling.
Your education came into question, and then you had to take West Virginia’s equivalent … and your arch enemy – Algebra – stood in your way. How were you able to pass that part of the test?
I volunteered to take the WV TASC to remove any doubt. I have told my children repeatedly to always “work hard and prove yourself,” so, well, it was my turn to practice what I preached. Determination, hard work, praying and persistence got me through.
What has proved to be the best part of being a magistrate in Ohio County?
The best part of being a Magistrate is hands-down the people. I am a people person because that is definitely where I am at my best when dealing with people, in addition to facing different situations every day, challenges, making differences, teamwork knowing we are doing the right thing upholding the law, and bringing fairness to all.
Why have you chosen to run for this position?
I decided to run to keep my seat as Magistrate because I have absolutely fallen in love serving the residents of Ohio County in this position. I have been fighting for this since last July, and I will continue to do so. I am presently the incumbent and the only candidate to have almost 15 years in the Ohio County Judicial System. I have worked alongside six Circuit Court Judges, a Supreme Court Judge, and Senior Status Judges. I have clerked many, many Criminal & Civil trials over the years, including mass litigation trials in the Federal Building.
I truly would like to continue my work and making justice accessible to all in a true People’s Court.
