Something to Think About
Don Michael, WVFB Director of Governmental Affairs
Distinguished Service
It is very rare to have a decisionmaker on your page one hundred percent of the time, especially on the Congressional level. That is exactly where Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito was as votes were taken during the 112 th Congress. American Farm Bureau recently released their scorecard on 18 key House votes impacting farm policy, environmental regulations, trade and energy. Congresswoman Capito was with Farm Bureau on every vote! In fact, she was one of only thirty( the only one from West Virginia) of the 435 House members to be with Farm Bureau 100 % of the time. Voting percentages favoring Farm Bureau’ s position by WV members of Congress ranged from 50 – 100 % in the House( based on 18 key votes) and 45 – 55 % in the Senate( based on 11 key votes). As a result, Congresswoman Capito was recently presented with the“ Friend of Farm Bureau” award at a special meeting hosted by Kanawha County Farm Bureau members at Elkview. Following the award presentation by WVFB President Charles Wilfong, members and guests had the opportunity to exchange ideas
with Congresswoman Capito on a range of issues, including the devastating effect of high fuel prices on small business, EPA’ s assault on West Virginia, taxes, etc. Thanks Shelley, for going the extra mile for American agriculture. Thanks, also, to Kanawha County Farm Bureau and representatives from their 1000 + membership who made this appreciation event possible. Guests at the event included Farm Bureau friends serving in the West Virginia Legislature – House Minority Leader, Tim Armstead( R-Kanawha) and Delegate Doug Skaff Jr.( D-Kanawha).
The week following the Kanawha County Farm Bureau event to honor Congresswoman Capito, I had the opportunity to participate in Congressman David McKinley’ s Roundtable with area farmers in Parkersburg. Wood County Farm Bureau members touched on numerous issues challenging agriculture – EPA regulations, crippling effect of high fuel prices, estate taxes, predator control, need for effective programming to assist farmers with disabilities, etc. Compassionate concern was expressed for agriculture’ s future, particularly given the challenges facing young farmers and those considering farming as their livelihood. We thank Congressman McKinley for conducting a series of agriculture roundtables statewide to gain input for legislative action. For his continued commitment to agriculture, Congressman McKinley also received American Farm Bureau’ s“ Friend of Farm Bureau” award.
West Virginia lost another treasure with the recent passing of William Paul McCutchan, age 98, of West Union. Paul was past State FFA Treasurer and served as 1932-33 National FFA Vice President. He held the distinction of being West Virginia FFA’ s first National Officer, as well as our nation’ s oldest surviving National FFA Officer. While serving as State FFA Advisor, I had the opportunity to watch Paul weave his magic at National FFA Conventions. Students from across the country and around the world would corner our“ FFA treasure” to listen to his leadership adventures with the Future Farmers of America. Paul’ s eyes twinkled with pride and excitement as he shared fond memories of yesteryear with captivated listeners. He will be missed! Until next time, here’ s wishing you and your loved ones God’ s richest blessings for Thanksgiving and the CHRISTmas Season ahead – KEEP SMILING FRIENDS.
West Virginia Farm Bureau News 5