Tired of Politics as usual in West Virginia
Many are tired of politics as usual, when "Open for Business" really seems to mean "Open for Funny Business."
Currently, Manchin appears to be working on plans to out source hundreds of Information Technology jobs statewide while relocating the 45 WVNET employees (thereby freeing up their work site for Mylan Pharmaceuticals, his daughter's employer, to purchase for a parking lot).
Who will be next? DOH, some DHHR jobs or the corrections officers?
Who is not concerned about the massive corporate contributions to many candidates?
In 2006, it was reported that since 1996, coal interests had given over $4 million to candidates for governor, the state Supreme Court and the West Virginia Legislature and that in the 2004 election, Joe Manchin received $571,214 from coal interests for his campaign and $175,000 for his inaugural.
A recent report finds the coal industry costs the West Virginia state budget $97.5 million a year more than it generates.
Not a bad return on their investment.
But very bad for West Virginia taxpayers.
Apparently, Manchin was a coal broker, but one doesn't hear much about this.
Concerns about lack of strict enforcement of mine safety laws, pollution from mountaintop removal and loss of mining jobs (as mountaintop removal takes fewer miners than traditional mining) mean many are ready for a change.
The 29 miners killed at Upper Big Branch could be alive today if the 1969 Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, authored by Ken Hechler, had been enforced.
In 2000, Hechler walked 530 miles cross country with Doris "Granny D." Haddock on behalf of campaign finance reform, resulting in passage of the McCain-Feingold Act.
Can we not all at least walk to the nearest poll and cast our vote for Mr. Hechler, campaign reform, our jobs, health and our beautiful mountains?
Marilyn Howells
Huntington, W. Va.
is a member of the 
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