Election process needs refining

Our election process needs refined. First, all states should have their primary elections on the same date. Second, candidates should spend no more money than the yearly salary of the political office for which they are running. Third, the length of time that candidates can campaign should be limited. Fourth, candidates who allow their signs to be placed on public property should be fined or required to volunteer for a charitable cause if they do not have all their campaign signs removed by a designated date.

The fines collected can be used to improve our public parks and roadways.

Election signs have become a litter nuisance. Jane Hustead, who used the mail to inform the voters and who posted her signs in the yards of her supporters, is an excellent example of how to have a successful campaign. She also didn't ask for campaign contributions but personally funded her campaign. She spent less money than her yearly salary will be as circuit judge and much less than her competitor. Candidates, West Virginia has intelligent voters who can not be bought.

By the way, there is a law that prohibits the placing of campaign signs, business signs, etc. on public land. If a candidate breaks this law, will they also break other laws? Taxpayers pay and volunteer to clean up these signs along our roadways.

Barbara Bell

Huntington

'Mrs. John Smith' is correct, acceptable

In response to a letter on the June 22, I'd like to cast a vote in favor of traditional etiquette. The letter writer seems to be under the impression that listing couples in newspaper anniversary announcements as "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith" is an affront to a woman's individuality. She asks, "Was giving up their first names part of their marriage ceremonies?"

There are many excellent reasons for the announcements to read "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith." Amy Vanderbilt advises, "A married woman is always 'Mrs. John Smith' (in announcements) not 'Mrs. Mary Smith'." Also, "Do not call any but our contemporaries, servants or children by their first names."

The wonderful couples that grace the anniversary column of your newspaper have often been together 50 years or more. When they were younger, a lady did not freely announce her first name to all and sundry. Being Mrs. John Smith provided a delicate social buffer. Her first name was one that had to be earned, and when one heard, "Please call me Mary," one knew that one had made a step toward friendship.

A woman keeping her published and private lives separate in no way diminishes her ability to cast an informed vote, be the CEO of a corporation or to simply "find herself." If the modern woman prides herself on acceptance of many different kinds of cultures, she would do well to also respect the generations who came before her and their right to choose as well.

Mrs. Joseph Ferrell

Huntington