Help United Way support community
We all have more reasons to be optimistic about the future of West Virginia, including our region. The major high-tech investments related to the “Loop” project, the philanthropic investments that will make Morgantown more attractive to those working remotely and the announcement of the development of a new location for experiential learning in the Chambers College of Business are just a few examples of what is driving positive change. We applaud the private sector investors, business and government leaders and the federal, state and local government and university officials who worked so hard to bring these projects to fruition.
While we celebrate these great events happening in our region, we also realize we can’t forget our most vulnerable populations. We need to lift everyone up in our communities, so that we can have a truly great and productive society. And that starts with helping the United Way.
This is the time to remember those living around us who need support to live a healthy, safe and normal life. The staff and volunteers of the United Way of Mon and Preston Counties work every day to help those in need in our communities. The United Way and its many partners need all of us to help out all that we can. During this unusual time, help is needed “Now! More than ever.”
Go to the website unitedwaympc.org/give to find out more about how you can help the United Way make us a more caring community and how you can support those who need it the most.
Susan and David Hardesty
2021 United Way Campaign Co-Chairs
Morgantown
In support of Paula Jean Swearengin
It’s not enough to just replace the president. He could not have passed such reckless and harmful policies without the support and blind devotion of Senate Republicans. Shelley Moore Capito is no exception.
First, she sides with Republicans who want to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, with no viable replacement, in the midst of a pandemic no less. Next up comes the gutting of Medicare and Social Security. Lastly, with her urgency to confirm Amy Coney Barrett for the Supreme Court, she chooses to stand against women’s rights, among other conservative targets.
In one of Sen. Capito’s election ads, she calls upon the character of West Virginia. I believe in the character of the regular West Virginian. I don’t trust Shelley Moore Capito’s character. When she stands with the other Republicans as they try to deny Americans health care and try to destroy Medicare and Social Security; and when she fails to condemn the president when he make hateful, incendiary remarks, she proves herself to be a political coward.
Now, as she has blatantly gone back on her statements of 2016 about confirming a justice in an election year, she proves herself a hypocrite. These are not the characteristics of a senator, let alone any employee. Remember, she’s supposed to work for us, not the Republican Party.
West Virginia deserves better. On Election Day, do not be afraid of the Democrat label of Paula Jean Swearengin. She will not allow your needed services to disappear. Stop voting for party labels and vote for someone who will actually do something to help you. Shelley Moore Capito cannot be trusted to be that person.
Jim Hammond
Morgantown
In support of Pyles for House of Delegates
Delegate Rodney Pyles has been a very effective legislator during his two terms in the House of Delegates. His bill to increase the historic preservation tax credit, passed in 2017, is not only saving historic buildings, but also is helping to create jobs and spur economic development.
His bill to exempt Social Security income from the state income tax, passed in 2019, will help relieve the tax burden on senior citizens.
Women will benefit from his bill, introduced and passed in 2020, requiring health plans to cover a 12-month supply of contraceptive drugs. Before this bill passed, health plans were not required to provide coverage for contraceptives.
The NASA facility at Fairmont is now named for West Virginia mathematician Katherine Johnson, thanks to a resolution introduced by Pyles.
For four years, he has fought to pass the liveable home tax credit, a bill he co-sponsored that would provide a tax credit to elderly and disabled persons needing to make modifications to their homes. We need to send him back to Charleston so he can continue fighting for this important legislation.
Pyles’ record is one of success and working for people. He deserves to be reelected to another term in the House of Delegates.
Larry Nelson
Morgantown
In support of Statler for House of Delegates
Recently, it appeared in an advertisement that I was supporting a candidate for the House of Delegates. However, I am writing in support of Joe Statler for the House.
Joe has tried to work for everyone in our county. He works tirelessly to help out and improve things for our residents. You can talk to him about any problem, and he will work on a solution or give you his honest opinion why something cannot be done. He welcomes calls about any concerns you may have.
I am supporting Joe for the House of Delegates on Nov. 3 and encourage everyone to vote for Joe Statler.
Al Anderson
Pursglove
In support of Pyles for House of Delegates
Delegate Rodney Pyles and I were fellow classmates at Morgantown High School and decades later, became Facebook friends. When West Virginians finally discovered one of our own, NASA math whiz Kathryn Johnson, I made a general post three years ago on Facebook that something in West Virginia should be named after her.
It was only Rodney who quickly responded and suggested the logical idea: A resolution naming the NASA facility in Fairmont after her! He guided it through the Legislature with no dissenting votes in 2017 and then it took two years to get through Congress. It was signed into law last year. In June of 2019, the NASA facility was renamed for her and she was there to see it, not long before she died.
Pyles has sponsored bills to exempt Social Security income from the state income tax and another one requiring health plans to cover a year of contraceptives. Here in Charleston we see more older buildings restored, thanks to his bill to increase historic preservation tax credits.
If I were still living in Morgantown, I would vote to return Pyles to the Legislature.
Bettijane Christopher Burger
Charleston
