Justice runs for office on threats, not merits
If you want to know how to praise someone while condemning him at the same time, Gov. Jim Justice provided the answer last week.
He pointed to the great personal relationship he has with President Trump, praising the president for everything he has done for the state of West Virginia since his election in 2016.
But the praise for all of that good work has a condition attached, according to the governor. If voters reject Justice in his bid for re-election, Trump would no longer be a friend of coal or anyone else in the state, according to the governor.
When you cross Trump, the governor said, he doesn’t forget it. And if you think he’ll be back in West Virginia anytime soon to do everything he can for the state if Justice loses re-election, “then you’re out of your mind.”
None of that makes sense — unless you believe the good ole boy system is still alive and doing very well. The governor wants us to believe the welfare of an entire state depends on a close personal and political relationship. If that’s true, why did Trump visit the state several times while Justice was still a Democrat?
The governor contends that we are all second-class citizens without his friendship to the president. That doesn’t say much for either Trump or Justice, does it.
Trump pledged to drain the swamp in Washington. Based on the governor’s claim about an exclusive friendship with the president, he seems to be saying Trump wants to build his own swamp, filled with cronyism not public service.
Justice needs to seek re-election based on his own merits, not some vague threats about losing all influence with his close friend in the White House if voters kick him out of the governor’s office. If Trump is, indeed, his friend, then Justice just insulted his integrity. We deserve better.
Mike Ellis
Morgantown
Public, private, noprofit
sectors helping M-SNAP
Since 2008, Mountaineer Spay Neuter Assistance Program (M-SNAP) has promoted spay/neuter as the only viable solution to reducing pet overpopulation. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, it relies primarily on community support.
All funds directly support the M-SNAP Voucher Program, paying for almost 9,000 surgeries for Monongalia County dogs and cats.
This year, M-SNAP has received both cash and in-kind gifts — from the youth group at Wadestown Methodist Church to Morgantown Printing and Binding. Local businesses like Terra Café, Iron Horse Tavern, and Dunkin’ Donuts have hosted special events, donors memorialized loved ones and supporters deliver new and gently used items to ReTails, M-SNAP’s thrift store in Morgantown Mall, every day.
M-SNAP also benefits when its supporters shop at AmazonSmile.com, or use their PlusCard at Krogers, or drop change in donation jars scattered around Morgantown. M-SNAP appreciates its voucher recipients who pay it forward, and is so thankful for the grants received from local foundations like The Peterman Foundation and the Weldon Family Trust. Especially important are the grants awarded by local governments.
In 2011, M-SNAP spent an entire year qualifying to receive grants from Two Mauds, a regional foundation that rewards nonprofits by matching grants from government agencies. As a result, M-SNAP has been able to double the value of grants received this year from the city of Westover, the town of Granville and the Monongalia County Commission. So, $7,000 has now become $14,000 to help Mon County dogs and cats.
These mayors and commissioners understand that together we can end the archaic and cruel practice of killing homeless animals while saving hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars, if we curb the indiscriminate breeding of dogs and cats.
In 2018, M-SNAP mailed 1,563 vouchers to cover the cost of surgery and a rabies vaccine to 21 different zip codes. Nearly half of those vouchers were for dogs and cats living inside three Morgantown ZIP code areas.
For more information, go to m-snap.org, visit us on Facebook or call 304-985-0123.
Nancy Young
Morgantown
Thanks to all for making
Health Fair enjoyable
I recently attended the Health Fair at the Mon Health Medical Center. I had prescheduled all of my tests.
I was skeptical about having the health fair at Mon Health since I had always went to the Morgantown Mall for the Health Fair.
Well, let me say that this was the best fair ever. My tests were right on time. Everything was totally organized. Everyone was pleasant and helpful.
There were many vendors set up, and I received lots of good information and gifts. The vendors were ready to answer questions and pass out good information.
I would like to thank all of the staff, volunteers and vendors who made this health fair for me a total success. The day was most enjoyable.
Carol Ann Miller
Morgantown
