RONALD WILSON

Ronald E. Wilson has announced he will seek another term as judge for the 1st Judicial Circuit.

In his 43rd year on the bench, Wilson will face Brooke County Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Barki III in the May 14 primary election for the judicial seat, which presides over cases in Hancock, Brooke and Ohio counties.

Wilson said, “I believe I am still qualified to serve as judge. My health is very good, and I love my job.”

“Throughout my career, I have presided over many cases I have seen hardships of victims of crimes, negligence and tragedies. I have witnessed the stress of financial problems, lost employment and divorce. I have seen the devastation of child abuse and the loss of loved ones.”

Noting he has participated in the sentencing of criminals who have been incarcerated, he added, “I have sworn to do that without bias, prejudice or partiality. I have attempted to do that even when I disagreed with the result.”

Wilson said such experiences “have given me a wealth of insight into what is fair and right and I don’t believe that any other candidate can match that experience.”

“My goal is to always have all participants in our legal proceedings receive a fair trial no matter their status. I believe compassion and an understanding heart are essential qualities for a judge.”

Wilson was appointed to the bench by Gov. Jay Rockefeller in 1981 and re-elected to five eight-year terms.

He has served as president of the West Virginia Judicial Association, been named a West Virginia Bar Foundation fellow and recently was named the first recipient of the West Virginia Bar Association’s Frederick Stamp Award for Judicial Excellence.

Wilson chaired the state’s judicial investigation committee for 10 years and for 22 years voluntarily presided over nearly 2,000 West Virginia cases involving asbestos-related cancer, helping to clear a backlog of cases in the state.

“I am very proud, and have a great sense of accomplishment in knowing that this mass litigation has been handled fairly and hopefully, to the satisfaction of all involved.”

Wilson has lectured on various law-related subjects, including instruction in rules of evidence to law clerks and mental hygiene commissioners and a course focused on asbestos for Harvard University’s Continuing Education Department.

He is a graduate of Weir High School, American University and the University of Maryland School of Law.