Hiring Statler deserves
praise for commission
In response to Monday’s editorial, I say “Thank God! Yes, former Delegate Joe Statler’s selection by our bipartisan Monongalia County Commission is not “politics as usual,” and I am thankful.
Statler has a resume of public service that spans two decades. He’s served our community on the Monongalia County Board of Education and for two terms as a delegate representing us in the House from the 51st District. Both jobs he did admirably, I may add.
But, in the time before, during and after those elected positions of service, he was working tirelessly — and at his own expense — to help others. He worked an entire summer (with others) to aid flood victims in southern West Virginia and again the next summer in Hundred. And let’s not forget the time, resources and energy he expended to see the facilities upgraded at Clay-Battelle High School.
Why wouldn’t our County Commission want to send a liaison to Charleston that knows the system, the key players and is a member of the controlling majority party? But set party lines aside. Statler is known for being a common sense problem-solver that will join forces with a member of either party to get things done.
Why is it fair to assume that because he’s a Republican that he won’t represent the interests of our county fairly? Simply put, many in this county wish Statler had been re-elected in 2018, not because of his party affiliation, but because of his work ethic and his heart for service for this county.
This county can be a bipartisan “melting-pot,” represented by elected representatives of both parties that work together to accomplish good for our communities but not if we continue to attack those who attempt to do so.
I applaud commissioners Tom Bloom, Sean Sikora and Ed Hawkins for having the vision to ask Statler to be our liaison and I applaud Statler for agreeing to go to Charleston. He is running for House in 2020 and I will support him with my time, energy and resources because of his leadership traits and character.
Ethan Moore
Daybrook
Hope unpredictable acts
don’t blow up the world
President Trump is playing a bad game of chess on the world stage. With his leadership and the backing of some conservative pundits on Fox Network and some Republican senators, he is backing America to the edge of being recognized as the bad guys on the block.
President George W. Bush’s presidency owns the invasion of Iraq with lies that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction.
If it’s the same game plan with Iran, using lies from the White House about Iran’s intent to develop nuclear weapons.
Knowing President Trump’s erratic behavior, if he would use one of our tactical nuclear weapons on Iran, America’s reputation in the world is doomed.
The rest of the world’s leaders would have to consider if they were next.
Kim Jong-un in North Korea; Xi Jinping in China and Russia’s Vladimir Putin are adversaries, not someone to be in love with.
During the Cold War with Russia, there was always the fear it might accidentally get hot.
Trump is showing all the signs of accidentally causing a war with Iran on purpose. What’s the rush?
Maybe the impeachment inquiry has the president riled up enough to do something unimaginable. God forbid.
Be careful, Mr. President. The meekest person eventually rises up against the bully in the school yard.
Hopefully, his unpredictable actions don’t bring the world down on America. He has already ticked off half the world.
Who is next?
Steve Kopa
Weirton
