Gov. Underwood's farewell speech today

philk@wvgazette.com

Gov. Cecil Underwood will address the state Legislature for afinal time this afternoon in a farewell speech expected to be shorton sentiment and long on recounting the accomplishments of the pastfour years. "He'll talk about the progress that has been made, andsome of the things he thinks are important about how we approach thefuture," spokesman Dan Page said Tuesday.

He said the speech will echo themes from recent press releasesfrom the governor's office. One of those releases said Underwood isleaving a legacy as "West Virginia's most aggressive road builder,"while another quoted Underwood as saying, "Our accomplishments havebeen numerous and varied."

Those accomplishments, according to the release, included aprogram that allows taxpayers to file state income tax returns viathe Internet, and a children's photo ID card program.

Page said the speech will be brief, at about 20 to 25 minutes,and will be given in the afternoon for the convenience of lawmakers.The Legislature will convene at noon today for brief organizationalsessions, and will recess until Feb. 14.

Underwood's successor, Gov.-elect Bob Wise, had tentativelyscheduled a press conference this afternoon to announce additionalappointments to his administration, but postponed it out ofdeference to Underwood, spokeswoman Amy Shuler Goodwin said.

Still unresolved is whether Otis Cox, secretary of MilitaryAffairs and Public Safety, will stay on in the Wise administration.

Cox, a retired FBI agent, is the highest-ranking minority memberin the Underwood administration.

Cox said Tuesday he has had discussions with the Wise transitionteam, but has had no definitive offer.

Cox said he has accepted an offer to teach at West VirginiaUniversity, but said his decision won't be final until Tuesday.

"I'll go where I'm needed most," he said.

To contact staff writer Phil Kabler, use e-mail or call 348-1220.