Erikka Storch - Before Social Distancing
There was a time when she could only look up at the ceilings
and the doctors and the nurses because something rendered her silent and unable
express the fear she was feeling.
Erikka Storch was working out and while she was in the ladies’ restroom, she suffered a stroke, fell to the floor, and was at the mercy of the first responders who whisked her away to the medical miracle that extended her life as she knows today. She’s a mother of a son and two daughters, and Erikka is a wife, the president of the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, and for the past 10 years, she’s represented District 3 as a Republican in the state House of Delegates.
And life is hectic, especially now with the many mysteries
connected to the COVID-19 coronavirus, a disease that is threatening a local
economy Storch has been fighting for as a professional and as a state lawmaker.
But, hey, at least she was able to depart the state capital
before social distancing was a thing.
In your opinion, was the most recent regular session a good
one for the people of West Virginia? Why or why not?
Yes, I think it
was a good session for the people of the state. We finished with a budget that
was completed within the regular 60-day session and were able to present a
budget $120 million less than the current year’s budget. It also includes
$500,000 new money for equipment for State Troopers, $3.3 million for a second
Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy at the former WVU Institute of Technology in
Montgomery, $125,000 new money for sexual assault intervention and prevention
programs, $1 million for the Governor’s Food Program, and $2 million additional
in contingency funds for needs arising from the coronavirus. There no cuts to
higher ed, fairs and festivals, and K-12 education.
If successful with being re-elected once again, what goals
will take into your term for the people of the 3rd District?
I have been able to participate in several meetings where I was made aware of the childcare crisis in West Virginia. I am lucky to have a good network with whom I can gather information and brainstorm ways to solve issues. During a pre-session panel on which I was a participant, it hit me, every other legislator was talking about trying to keep our young people in the state. My comments all dealt with finding a solution to our childcare issues. How can we expect young families to return to West Virginia if they are going to have issues finding reliable childcare for their children? It has been a while since I needed childcare, so I didn’t even realize centers were closing in the valley. Without a solution to this issue, we have no hope of our children returning to our state. I spent a good deal of time this past session meeting with people and gathering information on this topic. It is bigger than one person can fix, but if I am returned to Charleston, it will be my focus.
Dels. Erikka Storch and Shawn Fluharty had the pleasure of presenting Rev. Darrell Cummings and his wife Latisha with a state proclamation honoring his service.
Is it true that the citizens are ignored by the majority of
the Legislature? If it is true, how do you combat it? If it is not true, then
why do you think we feel as if it is?
I don’t think so,
and I certainly hope none of those in District 3 feel that they are ignored.
Del. Fluharty and I work very well trying to address the needs of our
constituents. We also both work very well with our friends across the building
representing us in the Senate. I often take calls from all over the state, and
if it is someone who is familiar with someone I share a connection. I am
cautious, though, to make sure to share this information with their
representatives.
You considered running for mayor of Wheeling? For what
reasons did you decide to run for another tern in the House instead?
I had thought
about it briefly but dismissed it because I have work I still want to
accomplish for District 3 and West Virginia.
It has been nearly three years since you suffered a stroke.
What lingering effects still hinder you in some way?
The only
lingering effect deals with fine motor movements of my right hand. My
handwriting and other small movements that my husband swears only I can notice.
I am very lucky for the expedient treatment I received and never miss an
opportunity to make the most of every day.
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