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The pain of change

Dear Editor:

Anything that takes us from our usual routine tends to make most people a little uncomfortable until a new routine becomes everyday normal. I understand the pain of change, but I also realize the necessity of change when circumstances warrant. Perhaps this explains the incredible emergence of Donald Trump as a presidential candidate.

Now with that said, let’s discuss the pain of change as it pertains to Hancock County. This comes from the eyes of someone who moved here by choice 14 years ago from the deserts of Arizona to the hills of West Virginia. I have spent the past 10 years familiarizing myself with the ongoings of West Virginia politics and have concluded one can never master the ever changing landscape of politics — West Virginia and Hancock County in particular. There are, however, a number of constants that reflect the decision making process.

The biggest obstacle to change is acknowledging the dramatic need for change. Hancock County does not exist in a vacuum, but rather is affected by state, national and international events that must be included in the decision making process. We have been blessed with gas, oil and fracking industries that are in their infancy and hold unlimited financial potential. The caveat to this blessing is how we manage and develop this gift. If we fail to control events, surely events will control us with catastrophic results. You have to look no further than the current economic malaise in conjunction with stagnant leadership stuck in 20th century mindset where Weirton Steel was the driver of all things economic. Those days are long gone and are never coming back! The good news — oil, gas, fracking and the diversity of economic industries places Hancock County in a unique position for unprecedented growth. Just think, Hancock County’s number one export will no longer be our young people leaving the area seeking good jobs elsewhere. The drive to visit your grandchildren will be shortened considerably.

This brings us back to the pain of change. I was recently elected as a delegate to the Republican National Convention held in Cleveland. One of my goals was to speak with delegates throughout the country who had similar problems as Hancock County. The counties who were successful had several things in common: 1.) recognize they had a problem, 2.) submit to the pain of change theory, 3.) seek outside professional help, and 4.) keep open the lines of communication within their communities.

As the next county commissioner, the “The Pain of Change” will start on Day 1. From the animal shelter issue to the non-smoking disaster, I will bring a new mindset to the office. My job is to represent all citizens, which includes hearing all their concerns and suggestions in an easily accessible format such as afca1@yahoo.com, starting right now.

If residents feel this change is worth the pain, then by all means they should “Back Baldt” on Nov. 8 and let the change begin.

Greg Baldt

candidate for Hancock County Commission

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