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