In support of Swearengin for U.S. Senate
I was really pleased that The Dominion Post endorsed Paula Jean, a coal miner’s daughter, over a wealthy career politician.
Like Paula Jean, I come from a long line of coal miners … and we need more people in our government who are just like us. We need our representatives to actually represent us, not lobbyists. Imagine what a different state we’d be in if all our lawmakers were beholden to the people — not profit.
I want to see a Senate debate, but Capito is refusing. That’s not surprising. There’s a video out there from a few years ago — you can Google it — where West Virginians were trying to get in touch with Capito and ended up having to resort to flying paper airplanes through her transom.
Maybe that’s how Paula Jean should try to reach her for a debate: Lob one labeled “Medicare for All” and one labeled “support miners” and one labeled “legalize cannabis.”
All I can say is that it really tells you something about Capito that she’s unwilling to even stand up and articulate her positions in a fair debate. And my guess is that it’s because those positions will hurt West Virginians: Capito is anti-worker (just look at her AFL-CIO rating), is refusing to even get the HEROES pandemic aid package on the floor of the Senate (it passed the House and has been waiting for months) and is ready to see West Virginians lose their health care.
We’ve had enough of political dynasties in West Virginia. If we want a strong democracy in our country, democracy requires debate and real representation. With Capito, we’ll have neither.
Ashlee Stuchell Curtis
Reedsville
In support of Hansen for House of Delegates
It is no secret that high-speed internet can be hard to access across Monongalia County and across all of West Virginia. When the WVU and county schools shut down in March due to COVID-19, I moved back in with my parents to finish the semester. My sisters and I were all attending school online, and it was almost impossible to make it through an entire Zoom class without being kicked out of the meeting due to poor internet.
More than just school has been moved online due to COVID-19. Professionals are working from home, doctors and therapists are seeing patients via telehealth conferences and almost all social interaction takes place online. Lack of broadband hurts people in more ways than one.
If Monongalia County had widespread and dependable broadband access, students wouldn’t have to worry about missing content because of poor connections or complete lack of internet access. I support Delegate Evan Hansen because he understands that access to broadband is a top priority. He voted for bipartisan bills that allow electric utilities to build out West Virginia’s middle-mile and that allows broadband companies to make use of “vertical real estate” owned by the State of West Virginia.
He also supports efforts to update the state’s grossly inaccurate broadband maps and to bring public broadband access to Monongalia County and West Virginia.
We need broadband in Monongalia County now more than ever, because so much of our time is spent on the internet. We need to support delegates who make it a priority, and if reelected, Hansen will do just that.
Abigail Riggs
Morgantown
In support of Pyles for House of Delegates
Delegate Rodney Pyles has lived a life of public service. He disdains bombast and avoids self-promotion. With quiet commitment, knowledge and ability to work across the aisle, he gets things done. Rodney has fought for women, veterans, senior citizens, working families, teachers and small businesses in West Virginia. Legislation he has sponsored include a bill that exempted Social Security from West Virginia state income taxes and one that increased the tax credit for historic preservation, a move that created opportunities for economic growth.
His multiple endorsements — which include the AFT, WVEA, AFL-CIO, UMWA, WVEA, AFT-WV, WVSSPA (School service personnel), IBEW (electrical workers), Plumbers & Pipefitters, Sierra Club, Food & Commercial Workers, Laborers’ Union, Operating Engineers, Building and Construction Trades, Ironworkers and Painters and Allied Trades — are a testimony to his principled stands on issues.
Rodney was born and raised in Morgantown. He understands the needs of our community. Thanks to Rodney’s history in public service, he is a fount of knowledge about our state’s government and history, knowledge he is always willing to share with colleagues and constituents. He is an invaluable member of our legislative delegation. He deserves another term as a member of the House of Delegates 51st District. But, more importantly, we the people of the 51st District need and deserve a delegate with the experience and integrity of Delegate Pyles.
Kathleen Abate
Morgantown
