Climate change makes treating cancer harder
We are making progress addressing climate change as West Virginia citizens and politicians adopt a broader perspective on our longstanding role as an energy production hub. There is a more receptive attitude to exploring wind, solar and nuclear energy alternatives to power our own needs and enable us to export clean energy resources to neighboring states. The reversal of the ban on nuclear-powered plants in the state recently enacted by the Legislature exemplifies this change in attitude.
Cancer remains a disproportionate health issue here, and one long-term benefit of this progress is its potential to have a positive public health effect. As the emeritus director of the West Virginia University Cancer Institute and a member of a group of concerned cancer caregivers called Oncologists United for Climate and Health (OUCH), I am writing to support these initiatives.
OUCH endeavors to alert communities through educational initiatives that the extraction and burning of fossil fuels has significant negative impacts on multiple aspects of cancer incidence and cancer care. Childhood leukemia clusters occur among children living near fracking sites. The burning of fossil fuels is a contributing cause of hundreds of thousands of cases of lung cancer worldwide annually and predicts poor patient outcomes even among individuals who have never smoked. Lung and other environmentally related cancers remain more common causes of death here than in other states.
Climate change has caused increasing flooding in our state, which disrupts cancer care, delaying potentially life-saving treatments.
Alternative energy production capacity can bolster our economy, improve our own health and reduce the cancer risk of our children.
OUCH would like to encourage Sen. Manchin and our state Legislature to continue to support new energy initiatives. These efforts will help mitigate the effects of climate change on our current and future cancer patients.
Richard M. Goldberg
Morgantown
MUB oversight ordinance needs careful review
Our city council/manager and the Morgantown Utility Board are two city governing units that impact the daily lives of folks living in Morgantown and adjacent communities.
Given the recent, sometimes negative, interactions between the city and MUB (and local citizen groups) regarding utility enhancement projects — especially the new reservoir adjacent to White Park — it is critical that the original ordinance implementing the MUB structure, governance and policy directions come under the attention of the city. Any revised ordinance should include vital input from MUB and affected utility recipients.
I agree that the initial city proposal amending the original ordinance is a good starting point. However, like all drafts, a thorough discussion between the city and MUB should occur and has recently begun.
Continued input from MUB, the city and citizens is vital if any new ordinance is to achieve its professed goals. The Dominion Post editorial from Oct. 9 suggests possible changes and additions to the board itself and project oversight.
While I expect continued negotiations among city council, the city manager, various departments and MUB, I have not heard or read why disagreements about the substance and progress of utility projects have occurred in the past. I do understand that “communication” is somewhat at the core of the problem; but is this concern alleviated by the proposed or any modified ordinance?
I understand that the city meets regularly with MUB leadership and receives many reports from MUB regarding the status of current and future projects, including utility work in various neighborhoods. Why do these reports not provide effective communication between them?
Given that a new ordinance will govern city and MUB actions for many years ahead, I strongly encourage and support a thorough and continuing analysis of how specific changes to the present ordinance would ameliorate past issues and put into place a better functioning utility board in the future.
Stanley Cohen
Morgantown
Christians can lovingly guide people to right path
Betty Evans’ letter to the editor (“Reverend doesn’t speak for all Catholics,” 10/23/22) claims that Fr. Brian J. Crenwelge is mistaken in asserting that those who display the “Pride flag” do not tolerate other views or basic biology.
Some individuals possess the capacity to engage in lively and respectful debate with those who believe marriage is between one man and one woman, and in the binary reality of the sexes. Overwhelmingly, those who hold such beliefs are frequently labeled as bigoted or “transphobic” (a misnomer, since being opposed to something does not equate fearing it).
All are welcome in God’s family … but loving every human being (as Christians are called to do) does not equate loving every human doing. If we truly love a person, we will seek to lead them to an understanding of the dignity of the human person and the rightly ordered sexual expression of his or her body as created by God. This is how we exercise love of neighbor, as Rev. Jenny Williams encourages faith leaders to do (“Clergy should spread message of love,” 10/23/22).
Rev. Williams implies that Fr. Crenwelge expressed that “Pride flags” persecute Christians. Fr. Crenwelge made no such claim. Instead, he noted that the current cultural climate is hostile toward Christian beliefs. Disagreeing with and challenging others is often a stronger expression of authentic love and concern than affirming every decision a person makes. We perpetuate a society with little depth and resilience when we fail to understand that.
Patricia M. Johnson
Morgantown
Ballot Amendment #2 — not!
The second proposed Amendment on the ballot this year is the worst. Even the governor opposes it. Importantly, essentially all the 55 county commissions are opposed.
It would bring substantial confusion to the funding of local government by eliminating the corporate inventory tax. We need the large out-of-state companies to pay their fair share.
I’m scratching my head over what our West Virginia Legislature has been doing the past year!
P.S. Thanks go to The Dominion Post newspaper for publishing a list of endorsements this past Sunday. Also, thanks to the League of Women Voters and others for the forums, the other candidate information and the promotion of voting across our counties.
Duane Nichols
Morgantown
Republicans campaigning on half-truths and lies
Republicans have set forth a so-called “Commitment to America.”
First is to promise a strong economy. Our current economy is strong, with low unemployment. Under the current administration, the national debt has dropped, yet when the Republicans were in charge, it went up.
The Biden administration has provided many benefits. See this site for details of these fully funded actions: http://chicago,suntimes.com/2022/8/28/23325019/president-joe-biden-franklin-roosevelt-lyndon-johnson-ronald-reagan. It takes time for success to be fully realized. It takes time to ramp up after a pandemic. Patience please.
Republicans also claim they want to have a future that is built on freedom. Seriously! Have you heard of Roe v. Wade? They want to put women in jail for making a medical decision about their bodies. They want to put doctors in jail for doing their job caring for their patients. Republicans want to sacrifice many for the “possibility” of one regardless of the condition of the one.
Republicans want to keep the nation safe and ensure government accountability. What happened on Jan. 6? That is keeping us safe and protecting our democracy!
Republicans claim the borders are open. Borders are not open and immigration is not responsible for all Republicans claim is wrong. As reported by the CATO Institute, fentanyl is overwhelmingly smuggled by U.S. citizens almost entirely for U.S. consumers.
Republicans had a chance to pass immigration reform. When a bipartisan bill was sent to Trump’s desk, he refused to sign it.
There is a difference between misspeaking and lying. The biggest lie, ongoing today, has caused decent folks to die, go to jail and lose their jobs. Conspiracy theories, fear, lack of courage, bullying, distortion and more have consumed one party far too long. It is time to put these deniers and liars out of office.
We need folks who will honor their oath and put citizens ahead of themselves. Let’s stop the divisive rhetoric, the vindictive behavior and let’s practice the Golden Rule. Let’s join together for Democracy! Vote Blue!
Mary Ann Liberatore
Morgantown
In support of Oliverio for Senate District 13
When I start a research project, I want the best people on my team. I expect hard work, dedication and results from everyone. It should be no different when selecting who we want to represent us in the West Virginia Legislature.
For the West Virginia State Senate District 13 covering Monongalia and Marion counties, we should all look for qualities that we want in our representative.
We need someone who is a citizen legislator, who has a successful business and knows what it means to work for the money they earn. Mike Oliverio has been a successful financial advisor for over 30 years.
I would give preference to a veteran. He served as a lieutenant and captain in the United States Army Reserve.
I would want someone who would be well positioned within the Legislature. Mike would be going in under the majority party and would take on leadership roles within the Legislature, drawing upon his previous 18 years in the Legislature successfully passing legislation.
I would want someone who is dedicated to their family and their community. Mike was born in Fairmont and now lives in Morgantown. He is married to Melissa, a local attorney, and they are the proud parents of two children, Michael and Maggie.
I have seen Mike out in our community, and he is a tireless advocate for everyone who lives here.
There is only one candidate who I would want on my team, and that is why I am supporting Mike Oliverio for West Virginia State Senate District 13.
Kevin Poe
Morgantown
Elections matter. Voting matters
The final curtain call of Jan. 6 insurrection two weeks ago proves beyond doubt that it was a multi-pronged plan to overturn the 2020 election. Perpetuation of a lie leads to like-sounding truth. But persuasion of voters at all levels is imperative to perpetuate democracy.
Unprecedented strong election negation voice came only from one man — Trump — to sustain the lies despite the evidence that came mainly from Republicans.
Stunning videos demonstrated the following facts. The plan was hatched as early as May of 2020, putting the ball in motion with the help of Steve Bannon, Roger Stone and others: intimidating phone calls to elected state officials, claiming victory when all counting had not been done, airing conspiracy theories of voting machines and building comradery with violence-promoting groups and others.
It was a revelation to watch congressional leadership in action, working for safe transfer of power, responding to threats even when their lives were in danger. Ex-president Trump was unwilling to listen to some White House advisors like Mike Pompeo, Bill Barr and others who were finally bold enough to point out the folly.
We need to prevent such dress-rehearsal incidents from happening in the future. Greed for power — not patriotism — propelled many Republicans to act in such ways and they still do. The 14th Amendment prevents such people running for office in the future and should be implemented.
America and American citizens bind strongly to the Constitution and stand proud.
Populism and strong-man rule tend to take root the world over. A delicate balance of people’s power and autocracy exists globally now. People’s power is phenomenal and should be unleashed now that everyone has witnessed the Jan. 6 proceedings. The November election should mirror that power.
Democracy wins always.
Syamala Jagannathan
Morgantown
Mailers falsely malign Barbara Fleischauer
Protesting too much, or insisting excessively that something is true, are as characteristic of human nature today as they were in Shakespeare’s day. They cast doubt about the speaker’s judgment, honesty and integrity.
Recently, I received a second card from West Virginia’s Future PAC on behalf of Mike Oliverio’s campaign for State Senate, berating and belittling the long-term contributions of his opponent Barbara Fleischauer.
Over the years, Barbara Fleischauer has been a tireless advocate for women, veterans, children, families, consumers, health care, state and local government, environment, education, small businesses, civil rights and more. Through her inclusive vision, experience and hard work, she has consistently received the respect and support of members of both parties and in both chambers at the Legislature.
Barbara has always expressed respect and support for constituents of both parties in Monongalia County and has been endorsed by The Dominion Post regardless of party affiliation. Barbara cares. Barbara does her homework. Barbara gets important things done.
This year her opponent, Mike Oliverio, decided to re-run for State Senate after his own four terms and 16 years of under-achievement as a state senator. Oliverio now wants the seat and seems willing to try to distort Barbara’s record in any way he can, to put an excellent legislator on the sidelines to achieve his ends.
For what purpose? To damage persons with non-binary gender identities and other differences? Working against people with differences is certainly not consistent with his family tradition.
While Oliverio himself has been on the sidelines for more than 10 years, Barbara has continued to work hard and successfully with skill to pass legislation that improves and protects people’s lives.
It is my hope and trust that voters will not be bamboozled by Oliverio’s support of unfounded, accusatory antics.
Don Spencer
Morgantown
