The Breakfast of Champions

Tuesday the Mineral County Chamber of Commerce held its annual Legislative Breakfast. Invited were Senators David Sypolt (R), & Jon Hunter (D), as well as Representatives Allen Evans (R), Bob Schadler (R), and Ruth Rowan (R) which represent all or parts of Mineral County. Ruth Rowan didn't attend which was not as much a surprise as the absence of Hunter. This is the first Legislative Breakfast I can remember him not attending. Maybe there is some truth to the rumors of Jon not seeking re-election.

I really like the Legislative Breakfast. I believe it is very important for the community to have a briefing from the very people that we count on in Charleston to represent us. What really got me hooked was a few years ago. Then Senator Sarah Minear (R) was at the breakfast. She spoke after Jon Hunter, and did what I believe a politician should do. She stood up at the mic and told it like it was. Speaking with fire in her belly Sarah explained in detail why she disagreed with her counterpart, and whether you agreed with her or not you had to give her respect. That is what I want to hear from my representatives.

We don't need representatives that are only seen as frequently as Roswell aliens. Speaker of the House Tip O'Neil once said, "All politics are local," and that means getting out among the people. The attendees at the breakfast were doing just that. They were there to take questions, hear comments from the people, and some cases take some heat. That is what being a representative in a representative democracy is about. You have to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly from the people you represent.

Last year people couldn't believe when the Governor visited Keyser, that I said more than "Welcome to Keyser" as he shook hands. I did that and told him, we have some problems that need addressed and here they are. Politicians are people there to serve us, talk to your representatives. Be respectful, but tell them what you think, why you think it, what you would like to see, and why you disagree if their opinion differs from yours. Our representatives need to know what we think, so tell them when you see them.