Library key feature in beloved memories
Some of my earliest memories were of my mother taking me to the downtown library to check out books. The library not only reinforced my love of reading, but also served as an introduction to the Morgantown community. As I grew older, I wanted to share my love of reading and libraries with other children, so I volunteered for some of the wonderful programs that our library has to offer.
My relationship with the library has now become intergenerational. When my son and I moved back to Morgantown, the downtown library became a favorite haunt for us and a sanctuary during a challenging time. Checking books out from the library was a bi-weekly adventure. He would tote along our special book bag, proudly return our previous books (or desperately cling to one he just had to renew) and then scurry to check out more. Today, our home is filled with remnants from many library programs, like an R2D2 he made, countless Christmas ornaments and “Forky,” which holds a special place in his room from Toy Story Saturday.
Libraries serve so many important purposes: Bringing the community together, providing free books to those who need them, improving literacy and providing access to essential technology. For us, it has provided a joyful escape and fostered an intergenerational love of reading. I’ll be happy to cast my ballot in favor of the library levy. For most of us, it would cost less than $10 a year to ensure that these services continue. Please remember to vote for the levy on June 9th.
Elizabeth Claydon
Morgantown
Mountain Line provides essential service
In the midst of this seemingly never ending crisis, there are organizations that continue to offer essential services in our community. Every day, Mountain Line provides transportation to dozens of clients who are wearing their medical attire to work. Other community members ride the bus to their essential job. And some continue to ride the bus — though less frequently — to their local grocery store, because this is their primary means of transportation.
When this crisis is over, adults will once again be riding the bus to work, others will ride the bus to a store or a barber shop and teens will once again begin riding the bus to the nonprofit location where they
volunteer.
Mountain Line is an essential community service for many. The Morgantown Area Partnership, Mylan Park, PACE and others recognize this service and have endorsed the “continuation” of the transit levy. I encourage you to vote for the levy when you go to the polls or vote by mail.
Denny Poluga
Morgantown
In support of Dr. Ron Stollings for governor
Dr. Ron Stollings, candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor of West Virginia, has served this state for his entire career and is well positioned to lead West Virginia into the future.
As a physician who is board certified in internal medicine, Dr. Stollings could practice anywhere; he chose to practice in his hometown of Madison in Boone County, because he wanted to give back to the community that supported him.
In 2006, Dr. Stollings was elected to represent the 7th Senatorial District in the West Virginia State Senate where he continues to serve the people of the state and where he has been selected to serve in various leadership roles. He has received numerous awards and recognition for his service to the state and the medical profession. His peers value his contributions.
West Virginia has many pressing issues that impact the health and well-being of her people. We all know about our state rankings in chronic disease, substance use disorder and lack of access to health care. We know that social determinants of health, such as generational poverty, food insecurity and low educational attainment, contribute to poor health outcomes.
A physician and experienced legislator who has successfully worked across party lines is the right person to lead the state in 2021 and beyond. Dr. Stollings understands that educational outcomes and the economy of a region are linked to health outcomes and is prepared to address those issues in a bipartisan manner.
My family and I are proud to support Dr. Ron Stollings in the Democratic primary in June and in the general election in November. He is the right person for the right time to move us forward as a state.
Cindy Fitch
Morgantown
In support of Allen Whitt for U.S. Senator
My daddy raised me not to judge a book by its cover. I’ve always thought that was good advice — especially when it comes to politicians. They all seem to say the right things, especially when it comes to giving a voice to the unborn, but it’s been almost 50 years since Roe v. Wade and the voices of the unborn seem to shout silently in the ears of D.C. politicians.
So, when I hear a politician tell me they’re “pro-life,” I remember my daddy’s advice and look not just at rhetoric. I read their whole record, and that’s where I find out how “pro-life” they are.
I’m sick knowing that Sen. Capito has hoodwinked people of faith into believing she’s a voice for the unborn. Did you know she’s taken money from pro-abortion groups, described herself as “pro-choice” and never finds her voice for life until a reelection campaign?
She claims to be pro-life, but in the battle over West Virginia’s Amendment 1 — which enshrined a voice for the unborn in the state Constitution — Capito was nowhere to be found! In fact, in other states she was criticizing it as “extreme”!
I want a senator who fights for life when the cameras aren’t rolling. I remember the fight over Amendment 1, and I remember one current candidate for U.S. Senate who fought tirelessly to give the unborn a voice and convince voters and legislators to choose life. That candidate was Allen Whitt.
Whitt fights for life in our state. He’s proven it. He served tirelessly as president of the West Virginia Family Policy Council. He stood up for the unborn at the statehouse, in our hollers and on the highways of West Virginia. He’s relentless in his defense for life, and he’s never had to change his views because he keeps the best ones.
When it comes to life, that matters.
I hope you’ll consider Whitt and join me in sending a proven pro-life champion to D.C. Unlike Shelly, his commitment to life doesn’t stop in an advertisement.
Amy Bolyard
Morgantown
