Boos & Applause
Editor’s note: During the course of a week, issues are covered that might not lend themselves to full editorial comment, but they are worthy of The Inter-Mountain weighing in — pro, con or neutral.
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Applause to area counties, municipalities and citizens for gathering together Tuesday in celebration of the Mountain State’s 154th birthday. Events were hosted in every corner of the state, including at the Courthouse in Buckhannon and at the West Virginia Wildlife Center in French Creek.
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Applause to the Fred Brooks Garden Club for continuing its Civic Beautification Plan, including the planting of flowers at Fred Brooks Park and other area throughout the city. A special project took place June 7 — during National Garden Club Week — at the History Center Museum. The club worked with Noel Tenney of the Upshur County Historical Society to plan the refurbishment of the flower beds in front of the museum. Civic groups, like area garden clubs, make significant contributions in transforming our communities into warm and welcoming places.
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Applause to Mike Ross, Jim Rossi and all who were involved in organizing and putting on another memorable edition of Coalton Days. Community members — and special guests — gathered for a family friendly day of fun, fellowship and food. All involved deserve a big thank-you for keeping this tradition alive and thriving.
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Boos to some members of the West Virginia Legislature for dragging out — once again — the budget process. Although members ultimately passed a plan, as West Virginia Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Hall said, it’s “not a beautiful thing.” It’s about time state lawmakers set partisan politics and their egos aside and do what’s best for all West Virginians. Waiting until the last minute to approve a budget is ridiculous and, ultimately, hurts those most in need. Let’s hope that lawmakers will deal with budget needs first next year, instead of wasting time at the beginning of the session on issues that can wait.