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OPINIONS
Voice of the people
Vote for candidate, not the party
We seem to be in a civil war -- not a war that is being fought with guns and missiles but with words and partisan politics. It is amazing to me that in these economic times that both Republicans and Democrats are pointing fingers and blaming each other for the financial crisis that we are facing. They should be in Washington working for the people because this is not a time for partisan politics. This includes Obama and McCain.
I am upset with how partisan politics has become the norm. We as people need to push for term limits in our local, state and federal governments. In my opinion, career politicians become more concerned with special interests than the people they serve. I believe that politicians should never serve more than two to three terms in any one position in government.
If we as Americans want to bring about change, we need to shake up Washington by making a statement and electing new blood.
At the age of 34, I feel this is the most important election that I have been a part of. I encourage you to really see the candidates for who they are and vote for the right candidate for each position. It should not be about Democrat or Republican. Please be a responsible voter and research candidates and make the best decision for West Virginia and America. Make your vote count for America.
Jason Gibson
Ona
Huntington needs citizen involvement
This is in response to the poll that was online Sept. 19 in regard to "What do you think should be Huntington's next big project to enhance the city?"
More opportunities for community involvement. At this time, our city's structure is operated by those voted in, and we are left to rely on one or two choice candidates.
Why can't the city have in place organized group structures that allow community input accepted with equal effort? I have lived in Huntington for 35 years, and many of the same candidates are still working in our community offices today.
We want the city members to be proud of where they live, and a campaign to encourage community member involvement would be great. People who I know and talk to complain about our city, our mayor (past and present), our police force, our city roads and the decrease in recreational places for our youth, especially teens.
We need an overall city campaign to let everyone get involved, get volunteers (to cut down on spending) and improve the lives of community members as well as their self-esteem. When one lives in a depressing community, with nothing to do but go to a movie or out to eat, it's time for a change.
Tracy Eubank
Huntington
State leaders renege on their PROMISE
An admonishment to Joe and Joe for expanding gambling and how the taking away of limited video lottery (LVL) parlors to save face for expanding gambling to table games will affect the PROMISE Scholarship program:
Joe Delong, a Democrat who is leaving the Legislature, did the persuading; Gov. Joe Manchin signed the bill.
If there's a husband or wife reported missing, the first place to check is the card rooms at the race track casinos, thanks to the unanimous approval of 24/7 gambling.
Gov. Manchin's second term looks solid, which could mean trouble for the PROMISE program. The state started by taking a step backward from the PROMISE (not an entitlement) as some might suggest by raising the requirements on ACT scores and suggesting students pay back some of their promised dollars.
A PROMISE -- not an entitlement -- of a college education for our children was made to persuade the Legislature to legalize gray machines. There's no reason to renege. Let the public ask Gov. Joe Manchin what he's going to propose in 2011 when the LVL parlor legislation comes up for a renewal vote.
Reducing licenses for LVLs or shutting them down would shatter the dreams of every child who works hard, makes good grades and strives for a college education.
Steve Kopa
Weirton, W.Va.
