Senate cannot delay vote on child tax credit
It is imperative for the U.S. Senate to take immediate action and expand the child tax credit. How long must families wait? Nearly two months have passed since the House passed a bipartisan child tax credit enhancement and sent it to the Senate.
This legislation is expected to benefit 16 million low-income children, including 5.8 million under age 6. After the fully enlarged CTC expired in 2021, this law makes great progress against child poverty. Many families with children are struggling while waiting for tax refunds. This money is crucial for many families to pay bills, fix cars, purchase clothes and shoes for their kids and eat.
About 104 people in Fairmont depend on the Soup Opera for food and clothing. These households received 39,000 meals from the organization. The Fairmont Union Mission serves 36,000 meals yearly.
The CTC will comfort many families. It’s shocking that Congress doesn’t want to lower taxes on families and small companies during an election year. Only a few senators are blocking it for political reasons. Long waits for Congress to pass a generally favored and desperately needed item frustrate families. Senators must explain their motives. If passed, the law will benefit families. If it fails, senators must explain to voters why they keep children poor.
Both parties favor the plan, but a few senators are blocking it in the Senate. Families eagerly await. Senators should disclose their views. When the Senate returns to Washington, I urge our senators to demand a quick vote and support the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act.
Christiana Stalnaker
Fairmont
Vote ‘yes’ on Mon County’s levies
As Monongalia County gears up for the May 14 election, it’s crucial for voters to understand the significance of the four levies on the ballot. These measures directly impact our community’s future, influencing education, transportation, public services and recreational opportunities.
Let’s begin with the vital role libraries play in our community. The library levy renewal is not just about books; it’s about ensuring access to essential resources and programs for all residents. Libraries serve as educational hubs, offering everything from internet access for job seekers to children’s literacy programs. By renewing this levy, we are safeguarding these invaluable community resources for future generations.
Similarly, the parks and trails levy is essential for maintaining and improving our recreational facilities. From city parks like BOPARC and the Westover Park Baseball Facilities, to county facilities like Mason-Dixon Historical Park, Camp Muffly Park and West Virginia Botanic Garden, to the Mon River and Deckers Creek rail-trails, these spaces provide opportunities for exercise, relaxation and community engagement. By investing in our parks and trails, we’re investing in the health and well-being of our residents and the vibrancy of our community.
In addition to these levies, it’s crucial to consider the mass transit levy, which supports Mountain Line Transit Authority. This levy ensures that essential services, such as evening and weekend routes, remain available to residents, fostering accessibility and mobility for all.
Lastly, the fire levy plays a critical role in supporting our volunteer and city fire departments and emergency services. These funds are essential for maintaining equipment, training personnel and ensuring the safety of our community in times of crisis.
I urge all Monongalia County residents to support these levies. By doing so, we’re investing in the pillars of our community — education, transportation, public services and recreation — ensuring a brighter future for all.
Rachel Byrne
Morgantown
Too few details to vote ‘yes’ on STEM school
I have voted for every bond and levy proposed by the Mon County Board of Education, but will vote against the bond for the “Renaissance Academy.” I urge all residents to vote “no” on this ill-conceived plan and its hidden costs.
The BOE and superintendent ask residents to increase their county taxes a hefty 5.5% to build the “academy.” The plan, however, ignores what the superintendent calls “granular” issues: the cost to run the new school, staffing details, classes lost at the county high schools, as well as transportation to the “academy.”
The BOE has not released an estimated operating budget for the new school, covering salaries, supplies, utilities, maintenance and administrative costs. These expenses would be in addition to the bond that would build the structure. How will these recurring expenses be paid, with new taxes or resources taken from current high schools?
The BOE is equally silent on the STEM courses that will be transferred to the “academy.” It seems logical to assume that a STEM school, focusing on “higher level educational opportunities,” would teach AP biology, physics and calculus. The opportunity to take those courses at your current high school, therefore, would be lost.
The new school will be over 8 miles from MHS and 4 miles from UHS and require extra taxpayer-funded buses and expanded bus schedules when the county has difficulty finding enough drivers to service its current routes. Students who play sports will have to cross town in horrendous traffic and could miss practice or even games.
The Renaissance Academy is clearly a shiny new technological wonder without a power source or an instruction manual. After years of planning, the BOE still has not provided the true cost of the academy. Don’t be fooled by the flash: Vote “no.”
John P. Lambertson
Morgantown
Fattore Morgan a great choice for Mon BOE
From my first kindergarten theatrical performance to shaking WVU President Gordon Gee’s hand at commencement, Morgantown has been the setting of my life’s greatest accomplishments and formative years. North Elementary School, Suncrest Middle School, Morgantown High School and West Virginia University introduced me to educators who believed in me and set me free to explore my academic and personal interests.
One of those outstanding educators and mentors is on the ballot for the Monongalia County Board of Education. Dr. Christina Fattore Morgan is the role model that I wished other professors and administrators would ask for guidance, and I write this letter in strong support of her current campaign for a seat on the board.
My success in graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and as a winner of multiple competitive scholarships, including the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, Fulbright Scholarship and Critical Language Scholarship, is attributed to the self-confidence, mental adaptability and empathy-building skills that Dr. Fattore embodied.
Dr. Fattore cultivated an ambiance in which each student felt safe, comfortable and encouraged to share her viewpoint. I remember multiple instances in which she came up with a proposal or strategy that revitalized the class and made our opinions heard.
Dr. Fattore has a deep understanding of how local and state policies impact the daily experience in the classroom, and her expertise would be an asset to ensure that all children and parents in Monongalia County feel safe, represented and supported by the educational system. Simply put, she does what makes sense for all students, not just a select few with the most power or ability. With Dr. Fattore’s voice added to the mix, Monongalia County will continue to produce a diverse array of enthusiastic and well-equipped young professionals.
Christina White
Morgantown
In support of Arlie Campbell for magistrate
As a property owner in Monongalia County, I would like to thank Arlie Campbell, who is running for magistrate in the upcoming election.
Arlie was so helpful in our cemetery property spring clean-up and also helpful in placing DAR markers on grave sites.
I am elderly and we need more young men so helpful, and he will make a great magistrate for our county.
Nancy Brand Fox
Maidsville
Smith will bring new ideas to Mon BOE
The Dominion Post’s April 7 editorial concluded that Shawn Smith would serve Monongalia County well as a new member of the Board of Education. I strongly agree.
It’s not often you see someone running for public office who is campaigning on what he’ll do if elected, rather than pushing a self-serving social agenda. Not surprising though for Shawn Smith, whom I know as a man of integrity and moral values.
Shawn has campaigned hard over the past nine months on the theme of putting students first, equipping teachers and staff and giving parents a voice.
I know he’ll carry through on that promise if elected May 14. Vote Shawn Smith for Monongalia County Board of Education!
Anthony “Jambie” Giambrone
Star City
Owl Creek Road and other neglected streets
I can sympathize with the residents of Owl Creek Road who are subjected to roads like the horse and buggy days. Roads that are in this despicable condition have no place in 2024. With all the modern equipment and technology, there should be no excuses, only solutions.
I realize complaining appears to fall on deaf ears, whether locally or in Charleston. Could the blame be attributed to the transportation secretary, Jimmy Wriston, who said that he would ignore screeching wheels? Obstinate statements from an official who receives a substantial salary have no place where safety is paramount.
I have attempted to point out dangerous situations in the past. Bakers Ridge Road was one area where the road slipped over the hillside; fortunately it was repaired. Still in this area there are large trees in the ditch, and culverts are plugged, causing flooding that causes asphalt to disintegrate adjacent to St. Clair’s Mobile Home Park.
Another area was on Mon Boulevard, where trees and dead deer continued to be along the roadside. Thankfully this has been cleaned up, either by the DOH or Star City maintenance crew.
Why is it up to TV crews or concerned citizens to report dangerous and impassable roads? I believe the DOH supervisors should monitor and report deteriorating and dangerous areas and address the situation. There is a large pothole at the intersection of Van Voorhis Road and W.Va. 705 that has been there for months; to attempt to avoid it could cause a head-on collision.
If the blame should be directed to Charleston or Clarksburg or lack of funding, I apologize to the local DOH officials. Hopefully the Monongalia County Commission or other officials could apply more pressure at the state level to improve the roads for Mon County taxpayers.
Ron Lemley
Morgantown
Morgan will be welcome addition to Mon BOE
I am writing this letter in strong support of Christina Fattore Morgan for a seat on the Mon County Board of Education. As an educator myself for over 40 years, I am heartened by her dedication to academic freedom, school safety and social equity at a time when we need them more than ever.
Also contributing to my support is that she is the only candidate with actual classroom experience, as she has been an educator for over 20 years. She brings to the board the hands-on knowledge, patience and flexibility of a working mother of two school-aged children, thus able to connect with and appreciate the concerns and efforts of teachers, staff and families.
Unlike other candidates, Christina has been forthright with her policy platform, so voters can be confident in and proud of who will be making policy — and crucial decisions — for the future of our children and citizens.
Christina Fattore Morgan is ready to serve and represent Mon County on the Board of Education. As a Mon County resident, educator and parent, I trust Christina and am grateful for the skills and integrity she offers. I encourage you to join me in voting for her — for our children and our future — on May 14.
Judith Stitzel
Morgantown
