WV Farm Bureau Magazine June 2015 | Page 5

Something to Think About Don Michael, WVFB Director of Governmental Affairs As summer approaches, stated purpose is: “To educate ourselves and others discussion is beginning to heat on the Constitution and the principles that were up regarding West Virginia’s used by the Founding Fathers as the building blocks next gubernatorial election, for its development. Our group believes that once as well as our nation’s 2016 individuals understand the Constitution and the presidential race. Prepare to principles upon which it stands that they will elect be smothered by an onslaught representatives who will live by the principles and of facts and fiction, including the Constitution in the process of governing this some well-planned character great nation.” On this particular night at the public assassination, as various unscrupulous parties get library in St. Marys, eleven counties were represented involved in the (including state and campaign process. I federal government) ...most of the public has no thought West Virginia as the Advocates clue of the sacrifi ces made by the House Judiciary Chair hosted a recognition dedicated public servant – on call John Shott nailed it party to commemorate when defending a piece Senator Donna 24-7, 365 days a year; 12-16 hour of legislation during our Boley’s milestone of work days during the legislative recent legislative session 30 years of dedicated session; often eating on the run, – “Come November, public service to the if at all; countless emails, phone sometimes the truth is citizens of our state. a stranger to what is calls and meetings; and thousands One common theme reality!” surfaced as various of miles traveled per year.” individuals made It is easy to be turned off by media overload going comments – Donna Boley is the people’s senator! into an election, particularly when it starts so early Numerous constituents applauded her efforts to and often focuses on misinformation, laced with the listen and take action. I often note most of the public negative. But it is critical for voters to be “turned on” has no clue of the sacrifices made by the dedicated throughout the process – studying the candidates and public servant – on call 24-7, 365 days a year; 12-16 issues, sorting through the mixed messaging to make hour work days during the legislative session; often informed, responsible decisions come next May and eating on the run, if at all; countless emails, phone November. Many local Farm Bureau organizations calls and meetings; and thousands of miles traveled will provide “meet and greet” opportunities involving per year. Depending on the volatility of the issues those running for public office. Be sure to take being debated, you can also include being subjected advantage of those occasions when one comes to to character assassination and death threats. Multiply your area. One such event, a regional “meet the all of the aforementioned by 30 years and counting, candidate” cookout, will be hosted on Saturday, and it equates to a remarkable commitment to the August 1, by Roane County Farm Bureau. Details citizens of West Virginia. Congrats Senator Boley! will be forthcoming. Speaking of being on call 24-7, 365 days a year, My wife and I had the opportunity recently I leave you with my favorite church marquee of the to participate in a meeting of the Constitution month – “God Chats 24-7; Knee Mail Him!” Have Advocates, another group that takes elections very a great summer FRIENDS, God bless you and your seriously. For those unfamiliar with the group, loved ones, and God bless America . . . and of course, it consists of conservative-minded citizens from KEEP SMILING. northwestern and southwestern West Virginia – Democrats, Republicans and Independents. Their “ West Virginia Farm Bureau News 5