O’Dell, continued
in a letter to the FCC urging updates to fund
the Universal Service Mobility Fund, which is
critical for precision agricultural technology. The
senators will focus on strengthening broadband
infrastructure, promoting broadband deployment
and consumer adoption.
As we move into late summer, political activity
is set to accelerate by Labor Day. The presidential
election is now set after both Republican and
Democratic conventions occurred in Cleveland and
Philadelphia. The Republican ticket of Trump/
Pence will face Democrats Clinton/Kaine. AFBF has
established a website (Election16.fb.org) to provide
information and analysis on election issues that may
be important to farmers and rural communities.
West Virginia politics have started to heat up.
Republican Bill Cole will face off against Democrat
Jim Justice in the governor’s race. Also, Mountain
Party candidate Charlotte Pritt has filed for the office.
Lots of money will be spent in this election. Both
Cole and Justice will try to position themselves as the
candidate who can change West Virginia’s economic
conditions, with heavy concentration on jobs, taxes,
revenue, and energy issues. A recent study indicates
the coal industry will continue to struggle due to
electric generation to be based on natural gas.
this fall.
Please start to review the candidates’ positions on
issues. The WVFB will be making its endorsements
in mid-August! Many believe it is a time for change
in the direction that West Virginia will take. As we
look to the future, maybe it’s time for a new type
of leader. Dave Thomas, founder of the Wendy’s
fast food chain, said he had an MBA. No, he didn’t
have a master’s in business administration, but Mr.
Thomas often could be found mopping the floor
at the close of the business day. Maybe it’s time
for people in decision-making positions to have an
MBA—mop bucket attitude—in getting the work
done and understanding the needs of the people in
West Virginia.
We recently stopped at Antietam National
Battlefield. One of the monuments in the
cemetery has this quote etched in stone: “Not for
themselves but for their country.” Maybe it’s
time to place in office those who want to serve
with this kind of attitude.
Have a great day!
In the State Senate, Democrat incumbents
Kessler, Laird, and Snyder chose not to run;
therefore, these races, along with a number of other
senate races, will receive much attention. Also,
with Republican Bill Cole running for governor, his
senate seat is up for decision.
The attorney general’s race pits incumbent
Patrick Morrissey against Doug Reynolds, a member
of the House of Delegates from the Huntington
area. State Senator Kent Leonhardt will challenge
incumbent Agriculture Commissioner Walt Helmick.
Also, Mac Warner will challenge Natalie Tennant
for Secretary of State. With Glen Gainer’s early
retirement, Republican J. B. McCuskey will face
Democrat Mary Ann Claytor for State Auditor. All
100 seats of the House of Delegates will be elected
West Virginia Farm Bureau News 27