11/06/2020
To the voters in the 36th district, I appreciate the opportunity you gave me to be your representative. It literally has been my highest achievement in my life. I did not take my responsibility as your representative lightly. If you had a need, I tried to find a solution. I wanted to earn your support, mostly because I didn’t feel like I belonged in the “professional” political arena. I don’t possess a college degree. I am a female with a backpack. I know first hand what it is like to chose feeding your family or filling your prescriptions. I buy used clothes- and those flaws made me work harder. “Pull myself up by my bootstraps” as you say. I did not want to let you down. I care. I would have eventually killed myself trying to legislate real substantial change in West Virginia. I was politically driven not politically motivated.
I am grateful for every single person I have met along the way. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime. I sincerely appreciate every single vote that was cast for me. I am not done. I don’t know what’s next. I hope to remain a West Virginian, despite the counter- productive votes that you cast. I don’t take the easy way out often, so leaving is unlikely. Being a West Virginian has always been a struggle. Corrupt politicians and entrenched extraction industry executives have ruined us, regardless of political party affiliation. The coal lobbyists don’t care what your party is, they only care about who is in power. They will sell their souls to gain power.
However, there are amazing folks serving in the House. Some of the most genuine, caring people, (despite party affiliation) serve their constituents graciously. So, please don’t throw all politicians into the “politician” box. Sure, there are a lot of snakes under the dome, who continue to sweep their elections every two years. They smile a fake smile and act interested when you discuss a policy that will really help the people in your district. They nod and make promises, only to keep if your make a deal to support some horrible legislation they need to pass. Just like any profession, a few rotten apples ruin the bunch. Despite the bad apples, the majority of the Delegates that I worked with were there because they had a heart for service.
Thank you for this opportunity. It has been my honor and pleasure to serve you. I pray this legislative session, gives you everything you want and need. You certainly deserve the best! I’m never going to stop being me-
Dear Democrats- We have to do better. How can I help to unite us and actually work towards helping the people of WV? I have some ideas. If you want my two cents, let’s chat. It’s time to disrupt or die and we are barely breathing.
