Voice of the people

There's too much corruption in W.Va.

Hats off to The Herald-Dispatch. Your editorial on April 24 about the Heather Bresch scandal at WVU is right on the money. I especially like your comment that the problem is an example of corruption on a larger scale in our state.

I am a native of West Virginia, and I love our people, but we cannot deny our past. We've had far too many crooked politicians who have bent the rules to benefit the few at the expense of the many. Often, we explain away this fact with the comment, "Everybody else does the same thing but we just got caught."

Certainly, no man is without sin, but the short answer is that everybody else does not do the same thing. As William Faulkner once said, "The past is not dead. In fact, it's not even past."

John Schurman

Huntington

Give young people a reason to stay

The distinction between the "Silver-Haired" Legislature and the "regular" Legislature must be in title only. I assumed they were one and the same given the state's old-fashioned approach to policy-making.

Before bemoaning the plight of the elderly here in West Virginia and asking taxpayers to foot the bill for annual stipends (I wish the government would hand me some spending money once in a while), consider this: Who is going to pay the taxes?

In case it has escaped anyone's attention, West Virginia's youth are moving away in record numbers. Count me among that group as a 24-year-old leaving for greener pastures within the next two months.

Priority No. 1 in Charleston and the other metro areas needs to be the retention of the next generation of taxpayers. Give the youth a reason to stick around; don't cater exclusively to the state's one captive audience.

Otherwise, demands for more food stamps and spending money will be met with the sound of silence, as no one will be around to listen.

Tanner James

Barboursville

Jean Bias will be greatly missed

The purpose of this letter is to honor the life of Jean Bias, who passed away April 11. Even though Jean and her husband, Bill, had no children, those of us whose lives were touched by Jean feel a sense of kinship to her.

My personal experience with her was in the Huntington Cabell Republican Women (HCRW). When elected treasurer in 2006, Jean inherited several years of incomplete and missing records. She patiently brought our finances to reconciliation. At the age of 84, she was more computer-savvy than many of us much younger.

She voluntarily sent regular informational e-mails and monthly postcards to our members, made name tags and kept luncheon reservations while maintaining our obligations to the West Virginia Federation of Republican Women (WVFRW).

In December 2007, our membership honored her contributions by naming her 2007 HCRW Woman of the Year. Her untimely death preceded her recognition at this year's WVFRW spring board meeting.

It has been said, "Anyone can be replaced." I beg to differ. She did the work of many; it would take an entire committee to replace her.

Her uncanny wit and enthusiasm will be missed by all of us in HCRW. Our lives have been enriched by our dear friend Jean Bias.

Pam Carden

HCRW president

Proctorville, Ohio

Bresnahan would be a great mayor

In the upcoming Democratic primary, I encourage the citizens of Huntington to vote for Shawn Bresnahan for mayor. After meeting and talking with Mr. Bresnahan about the challenges facing the city and his ideas to improve the quality of life for everyone who lives and works here, I was pleasantly impressed.

His background in business and his work with nonprofits will surely give the city of Huntington a new and energetic leader who will finally bring us back as a competitive and growing city.

Steve Williams

Huntington

Sheriff needs law enforcement history

I have been reading all the pros and cons concerning the candidates for Cabell County sheriff. How can anyone who has no law enforcement background even be considered to lead the Sheriff's Department and protect the citizens of Cabell County?

We all know that the sheriff has the responsibility to collect taxes for the county, and we know that the sheriff must be able to lead the department in fighting crime. I have no specific candidate to support at this time, but when I do decide, it will be one of the candidates with experience in law enforcement and credentials to lead the department.

The days of just another political office in the position of sheriff is gone. The citizens of Cabell County expect a sheriff who has the expertise of law enforcement, the ability to lead his deputies in the field and run an efficient office. So vote for a candidate who has the credentials and not for a politician. Or at least a politician who has law enforcement experience, as God only knows, we have enough politicians who think they know everything about everything, and we suffer from their ignorance.

Janet Daniel

Barboursville

Both Bailey and Wolfe would be good mayors

Huntington's financial problems were bad eight years ago. They are bad today. Yes, bad even after a new source of revenue was created, the "payroll tax." The problem, if the mayor is re-elected, will not go away and will be a problem four years from now if our city can survive that long.

There are two candidates, one Democrat, one Republican, who offer the only opportunity to set it right and bring our city back from despair.

Bob Bailey, the Democrat, has served as sheriff of Cabell County, Huntington city councilman, mayor and Cabell County commissioner. He served in those offices after retiring from teaching in Cabell County.

Kim Wolfe, the Republican, retired from the Huntington Police Department and served eight years as Cabell County sheriff.

In the 130-year history of Huntington, this is her darkest hour. This year's election for mayor is the most critical ever held as to the survival of our city. If these candidates can win their primary election in May, Huntington can begin the long march back to the city we all knew.

Donald G. Ensor

Huntington

If U.S. is so bad, then move to another country

This is to the guy on the Rev. Wright bandwagon. Most letters like that don't even deserve a response, but this is too good to pass up.

There is so much that could be said, but I'll cut to the chase. If you are so unhappy with America, why don't you find another country to live in? No one is forcing you to stay. Why are people always biting the hand that feeds them? We may not be perfect, but we're a lot better than many other places in the world, and you must realize this or you wouldn't be here.

Have a nice day.

Tim Preston

Fort Gay

Barr is dedicated to helping others

My dad, Oval Barr, told me from the time I was a small boy that your friends you choose, your relatives, you inherit. I am glad I chose Uncle Ted as a friend. I worked with and for Uncle Ted on the Huntington Police Department, and I can testify to his dedication to his work.

Additionally, he is a caring individual who looked after his brothers and sisters, and now he is there to look after his nieces and nephews. Sometimes, we can't always recommend a relative. I am happy to say that I can recommend Ted T. Barr for any job or position for which he applies. He's dedicated, caring and considerate.

Please give Ted T. Barr your support on May 13.

Edward L. Barr

Huntington

Rahall, Rockefeller should have waited

Sen. Jay Rockefeller and Rep. Nick Joe Rahall should have remained silent until we, the people in West Virginia, voted on May 13. These two persons seem to believe we are not capable of making a decision without their input. I do not like this. One thing is for certain; I will never again vote for these two men for any office, even if for dog catcher.

Arlene Vance

Huntington

Williams would be a great city councilman

I want to share my sincere and strong endorsement of Steve Williams' candidacy for the Huntington City Council at-large seat. My experience has shown me how desperately this city needs strong, innovative leadership -- leadership with vision, experience and, above all, dedication toward making our community a better place in which to live. A community that we can all point to with pride.

I truly believe in Steve Williams. His exceptional level of experience in the areas of public service, financial planning, resource management and economic development is quite noteworthy. I feel this is exactly what this city needs in order to turn the corner toward responsible fiscal solvency and improved public services.

Steve is a man of passionate vision that is so rare today. His honesty and integrity are refreshing.

Please join me in supporting a most capable and deserving native son, one whose service and leadership can only make Huntington prosper.

Mary Neely

Chairperson

Huntington City Council

Huntington

It's time to replace Insco on City Council

I take great umbrage at Huntington City Councilman Jim Insco's lack of vision when he complained that the type of cleanup Guyandotte recently had is "ineffective." Why? It's simple: Because he didn't organize it, he gets none of the credit.

I was told Mr. Insco moaned that the city just couldn't afford it. Well, let me tell you, Guyandotte, with the guidance of Richard "Rick" Simmons -- his opponent in the upcoming election -- it was organized and pulled off three weeks later.

I personally stood beside the Guyandotte United Methodist Church and for eight solid hours, watched tons of trash being hauled off. Ineffective? I beg to differ!

I find myself asking why Mr. Insco constantly keeps his head firmly embedded in the sand. Could it be he's been in office for eight years now and that's just too long?

He suggested we take $250,000 from the Police Department's budget to pave streets. What was he thinking by offering Huntington the old West Virginia standby: To buy votes, fix the roads.

I don't think our Founding Fathers intended for people to make politics a way of life. He hasn't delivered in eight years, so let's replace him. Heads up, Huntington; it's time for a change.

This in not a personal attack upon Mr. Insco but on his ineffective logic.

Wayne Fetty

Huntington

Clinton's mountaintop mining stance lacking

I was disappointed by Sen. Hillary Clinton's failure to fully address the issue of mountaintop removal. I hope she takes time to understand the devastation that the practice causes.

This is not a matter of economy versus the environment. To destroy mountains, waterways, forests and even whole communities of West Virginia is not only immoral and illegal, it doesn't make good economic sense. There are better ways to mine coal. Deep mining employs far more miners. If only the United Mine Workers and the West Virginia politicians were not so corrupted by coal company money, they would see this.

It's encouraging to see so many new young voters getting involved in the Democratic primaries this year. Maybe a Democratic president and Congress will have the foresight to put an end to mountaintop removal. With the voters on their side, there's no reason for elected officials to be afraid of the coal companies.

The Democratic Party needs to understand that if they give in to big-money, special-interest lobbyists, they will lose voters and we could get another Republican administration, something the country cannot afford in times like these.

William Dwyer

Glenville, W.Va.

Adkins has right ideas to turn city around

I'm writing to express my support for Huntington City Council at-large candidate P.D. Adkins. Having served with Councilman Adkins over the past few years has led me to conclude that it is in the best interest of the citizens of Huntington to keep this man on City Council.

He has served his constituents in District 8 diligently by responding to their individual issues and problems, and he follows through to see that their needs are addressed in a timely manner. P.D. has participated in neighborhood trash pickups and abandoned tire sweeps and personally paid the tire disposal fee himself. He has reported numerous drug issues in his district and has responded with the appropriate action needed to solve those problems.

P.D. has consistently voted for issues to be in the best interest of the city, both current and long term. This speaks volumes of his willingness to stabilize Huntington's financial situation along with his desire to see this city grow and prosper. The pending ordinances that he initiated will cut B&O taxes on many new businesses opening in Huntington. He sees that need for the city to increase its tax base through generation of new businesses and that burdening its citizens with additional fees and taxes is not the way to revitalize this city.

This is how a proactive, forward-thinking councilman should function.

Garry Black

Councilman-At-Large

Huntington City Council

Huntington

Hustead will be fair, level-headed judge

I'm Kit Thornton, a local attorney who does a lot of trial work at the Cabell County Courthouse. I believe that we lawyers have a duty to try to improve the judicial system. So I thought I'd tell you what I know about the race for the Democratic nomination for circuit judge.

I've tried cases against Jane Hustead and been opposite her on dozens of cases. I have seen her handle both victory and defeat. I know her like Frazier knew Ali.

I think Jane Hustead is the hardest-working, ablest, most talented lawyer I've ever opposed. She's tough, thoughtful, a great strategist and a very sharp lawyer. She cares deeply about the victims of crime, but she also cares passionately about fairness in the courts. And she's done it, quietly, without show, for more than 30 years.

Watch all the expensive TV ads you can stand. Look at all the flashy, professionally produced junk mail, billboards and good-ol'-boy endorsements until you can't take any more. But know this -- at the end, you simply will not get a fairer, harder-working, tougher, more level-headed judge than Jane Hustead. I urge you to vote for her.

Kit Thornton

Huntington

Rahall one of the best at investing in people

I was deeply troubled to read in the April 10 Voice of the People a writer's perception about Rep. Nick Rahall not investing in people and her inference that the absence of recreation centers "to give kids somewhere to go" are a result of his uninterestedness. Wow, how unfortunate and inaccurate a statement!

When it come to parks, recreation, and conservation -- giving kids and people of all ages "somewhere to go" -- Congressman Rahall has long been, and continues to be, one of the finest investors in people in the United States Congress. Just two examples, and there are many more: He has been a prodigious fighter for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) within the U.S. Department of Interior and an equally prodigious fighter for the Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) program under the Department of Agriculture. Both are critical programs that have proven records on helping residents at the grassroots level. Recently, he has gone on record by signing "Dear Colleague" letters fully in support of these programs, both of which have been earmarked by President Bush for elimination.

Congressman Rahall was honored by the National Park and Recreation Association at its national Mid-Winter Forum several years ago when he was awarded the association's highest legislative award in front of delegates from all 50 states. He led the way in the House on keeping LWCF alive.

The fact is, investing in people is one of the things Congressman Rahall does best.

Jim McClelland

Director/secretary

Greater Huntington Park and Recreation District

Huntington

McComas has the right experience to be sheriff

Tom McComas is the right choice for sheriff of Cabell County. I have known Tom for many years. He has helped my family and me on more than one occasion on his own time. He is very active in our church and community.

I read in the paper that one candidate thinks that being sheriff is not a cop job. I think that it is very much a cop job. After serving on the police force for so many years, Tom has what it takes. He is experienced and knowledgeable, and he genuinely cares about the people of Cabell County.

Thanks, Tom. You have my vote.

Mandy Collins-Brumfield

Huntington

Hustead is best choice for Cabell circuit judge

As a retired law enforcement officer I wish to express my opinion in the quest for a new Cabell County Circuit Court judge. I know both Jane Hustead and Paul Ferrell; both are very well qualified to serve as our next circuit court judge.

It is a tough decision to make, but in the end, I believe that Jane Hustead has and will go the extra mile to see justice served. I believe the citizens of Cabell County can trust her to be both fair and impartial in her decisions.

As a Cabell County deputy sheriff, I have been able to observe her in court and believe she is the best choice for Cabell County.

Fred E. Moskey

Huntington

Put pro-family delegates in West Virginia House

I ask the voters in House of Delegates District 16 to vote for delegates Dale Stephens, Kelli Sobonya and Doug Reynolds, as all three are very supportive of family issues. For example, all three have 100 percent pro-life voting records, and all three voted against the gambling bill. And the same can be said about Delegate Carol Miller in District 15, as she has a 100 percent pro-life voting record and voted against the gambling bill.

And then we have Delegate Jim Morgan, who talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk in District 15. He talks about being a lay minister and Sunday school teacher, but he has always voted pro-choice -- voted against parental notification, woman's right to know bill and the list goes on. And correct me if I'm wrong, but good ol' Jim voted for the gambling bill. But, he's for the family?

George Wallace

Culloden

Lawson knows how to fight drug problem

I would like to encourage the people in this area to vote for my son, Greg Lawson, for sheriff of Cabell County. Greg was born and raised in Ona and is just as much a part of this area as any other candidate. He chose to move away from his family for more than 20 years in order to protect our country from drugs and other illegal activities. Now he wants to protect our children and families from a long, decaying plague of drugs and crime. This has gone on too long.

Many of those running have already had years of trying to prevent the drugs. The problem is still here and getting worse every day. I ask you, do not vote for those with the biggest, brightest or greatest number of signs. My son has a vast deal of experience but is financing his own campaign. He is a national crime fighter, and maybe his name is not as well known locally as the others. But if you look at his record, you will see that he has been the most successful in stopping drugs and crime.

That is what we need. Please vote for Greg Lawson for sheriff.

Wanda Lewis

Milton

Insco is proven leader on Huntington City Council

Everyone in Huntington, and those who commute, owe Jim Insco a debt of gratitude for his hard work on Huntington City Council. When Mayor Felinton produced a budget with no money for street paving, Jim scanned the proposal in depth and found areas where money could be used for paving and still maintain city services. Without Jim and a majority of others on council, we would have once again faced another year with no paving.

I have watched Jim over the years become a council leader, second to none, in his knowledge of how this city government operates and its needs. Some might have more experience by age, but he constantly does his homework, and no one digs deeper into the city problems searching for solutions.

He cares for our youth and also looks out for not only the citizens in District 9 but residents throughout the city. When a member of the mayor's administration made a snide remark about Guyandotte in a budget session, it didn't take Jim a minute to give that person a lecture he won't soon forget. It's a real shame that with his enthusiasm and drive, he is not our mayor.

I ask everyone to vote for Jim Insco in District 9.

Gene Evans

Huntington