Feb. 24 letters to the editor

Residents betrayed by
tabled ‘Randy’s Dream’
“We the people” are in dismay over the decision not to send SB 761, “Randy’s Dream” (named for Sen. Randy Smith, R-Tucker) road bill, to the floor for a vote during this legislative session.
And voters are sick and tired of the partisan politics. It’s time to accept responsibility, accountability and transparency, a key issue in any government position. Failure to act accordingly says much.
In the 2019 legislative session “Randy’s Dream” passed and was sent to the governor. It was timed and orchestrated to give the governor time for the veto, without a chance at overriding it.
The politics to kill SB 761 leans heavily toward political pandering. As a result, the legislators lack of responsibility, accountability and transparency are in serious question. Specific counties are receiving lucrative funding, while the Division of Highways District 4, is once again left behind. What does this tell us? The answer appears to be quite clear, Gov. Jim Justice and legislators are playing games with millions in tax dollars and the “Roads to Prosperity” is nothing more than a 2020 campaign joke.
When traveling Monongalia and Preston counties’ secondary roads, have you experienced the absolutely horrid road conditions? When was the last time you said, “these damn roads are horrible?” When was the last time you had major vehicle repair costs because of the lack of road maintenance. And when was the last time you contacted the DOH only to be rudely rebuked, told you must call such and such or let me transfer you to …?
Rest assured, our efforts for better roads will not be forgotten Nov. 3. A campaign will be brought to the attention of all voters then as was our “United We Stand for Better Roads” petition containing over 7,000 signatures that was presented Jan. 14 to the governor and Legislature.
We’re tired of bearing the weight of Charleston holding us back from economic growth, investment, jobs and commerce. Both Republicans and Democrats have failed us miserably by not accepting responsibility, accountability and transparency on this t issue.
I strongly suggest legislators reconsider their position on SB 761. The time for partisan blame and inside games is over.
Barry E. Weber
Bruceton Mills