Something to Think About
Don Michael, WVFB Director of Governmental Affairs
Process with Integrity
– The January magazine
focus is on policy that will
drive Farm Bureau’s efforts
with our State Legislature
and Congress during the
year ahead. The policy
development process for
West Virginia Farm Bureau
is driven by “grass roots”
involvement. Policy is generated at the local
level and reviewed through a statewide policy
development meeting in October prior to being
reviewed and action taken by voting delegates
at our annual meeting each November. At any
point in the process you will find members with
differing political backgrounds working together
for a common cause – to improve agriculture and
the country we serve. The process is one with
integrity, featuring members passionate about our
agriculture industry, resulting in the development
of priorities truly reflecting the needs and
interests of our 23,000+ member families.
The integrity of our policy development
process and passion of those involved reminds
me of the Legislature’s House Rural Caucus,
where public servants leave their politics at the
door to unite their efforts for a common cause –
making a positive difference on issues impacting
agriculture, forestry and rural West Virginia. The
Rural Caucus will meet each Thursday during the
2015 Regular Session, with the first meeting set
for January 22. Farm Bureau thanks Delegate
Bill Hartman (Randolph Co.) for his continued
leadership for this non-partisan group, as well as
the numerous lawmakers who make this activity a
high priority.
Porterfield was in 1971 when he interviewed me
for a Vocational Agriculture teaching position
at Greenbrier West High School. From that first
encounter to working with him on a regular basis
as my local Vocational Director and Assistant
Superintendent of Schools, I found Mr. Porterfield
to be a man of the highest integrity who truly cared
about others, and whose word was gold. I was
blest to work with Mr. Porterfield for a significant
portion of my professional education career and
appreciate his wisdom and helping hand, as well
as the positive role model he provided for each of
us to follow. Whether wearing his hat as former
agriculture teacher, retired local administrator,
Greenbrier County farmer, WV Farm Bureau
member, or in the case of December 30 – a
passionate WVU fan, you can be assured God will
be using Alvin Porterfield to provide an example
for others to follow.
With the 2015 Regular Legislative Session
upon us, I am hopeful lawmakers on both sides
of the isle will provide an example for others
to follow in terms of working together with
integrity to move West Virginia forward. As
always, it will be vital for Farm Bureau members
to communicate with their respective lawmakers
during the legislative process. Stay tuned for
regular updates via our weekly Legislative Action
Report and FB website (www.wvfarm.org and
click on Legislature – Hot Issues). Based on
personal observations over the years, the Regular
Session promises to offer excitement, intensity
and suspense . . . fueled by the commitment and
tireless efforts of our dedicated public servants
“Under the Dome.” Until next time, KEEP
SMILING FRIENDS, God bless you and your
loved ones, and God bless America.
Speaking of integrity, I want to reflect on a “face
in the crowd” during a recent trip to Morgantown
to watch our Mountaineers roll Virginia Tech.
Prior to tip-off I spotted a friend known by many
in the agriculture arena – Alvin Porterfield from
Greenbrier County. My first meeting with Mr.
West Virginia Farm Bureau News 5