I want to say everyone should love our environment

　

　I wanted to share my enthusiasm and hope for our unique and wonderful Eastern Panhandle community. I recently traveled throughout southern West Virginia. Returning home to our little corner of the world made me appreciate everything that we have here. I send my hearty thanks to those individuals who are trying to revitalize downtown Martinsburg. It is rewarding to come home to our cozy community.
If there is one important lesson I learned from my trip - it derived from the profound sadness of viewing the stripped and barren landscape of "mined" West Virginia. Talking to my fellow West Virginians throughout our state made me more aware of how precious our unpolluted, healthy and pristine environment is here. The daily sight of ugly stripped barren land and constant water troubles are part of everyday living for many our southern West Virginia neighbors.
Residents who live near mining areas have health burdens that are sad to witness. Everyone has remembrances of how vital and healthy their neighborhoods were before mining came to town. There is no pride left among those who remain. Many wish they could leave, and most eventually do.
My thoughts and prayers go to my friends and family locally in Gerrardstown, who may be doomed to the same plight due to the company that plans to operate an industrial quarry mining operation on North Mountain in an incompatible residential location.
There is alternative progressive economic development besides mining in which West Virginia should invest. Citizens and our environment should not be continually exploited for the enrichment of out-of-state mining entities.
West Virginia is at a crossroads. If residents do not have the promise of healthy water and air along with a peaceful homestead, there will be no future growth for our state. Either elected officials will work with the citizens and protect our residential communities or we can continue to watch as towns become empty shells.