February 23, 2011

ICYMI: Mineral Daily News-Tribune Editorial Applauds Manchin's Commonsense Constituent Outreach

Washington, D.C. — The Mineral Daily News-Tribune this week published an editorial applauding Senator Manchin’s (D-W.Va.) “Commonsense Connections Week,” an unprecedented initiative during which staff will reach out to constituents all over the state. In a series of informal gatherings during the week, Manchin staff will meet with West Virginians in more than 80 locations to discuss their commonsense ideas, priorities and concerns.

The editorial said: “We applaud both Manchin and McKinley for reaching out to area residents, and pro-actively seeking their input as part of the communication process critical to representative government. Our elected representatives have done their part by asking us to share our ideas, now it's up to us to accept their invitation.”

The full piece is below:

EDITORIAL: Manchin, McKinley Hold Outreach Events

Mineral Daily News-Tribune

Mineral County residents have an opportunity tomorrow to share their concerns about local, state and national affairs with representatives of both the United States Senate and House of Representatives.

Sen. Joe Manchin will bring his common sense express to Keyser as part of ongoing outreach efforts from Capitol Hill. Although Manchin will not be in attendance, members of his staff will hold the senator's signature “Common Sense Connections” event on Wednesday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Keyser-Mineral County Public Library on Main Street in Keyser.

“Common Sense Connections” are described by Manchin officials as “informal gatherings during which staff members will meet with West Virginians to discuss their common sense ideas, priorities and concerns.”

Manchin, who is currently traveling in the Middle East as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, inaugurated the common sense campaign earlier this year when he held a “Coffee and Common Sense” visit in Follansbee. Dozens of members of the community came out for the event at a local restaurant to share their concerns, priorities and common sense ideas. West Virginia's newest U.S. Senator plans to hold numerous such events in towns all over the state over the course of his first term.

Even if Wednesday's event will not feature Manchin himself, the gathering will provide a chance for area residents to take their concerns directly to the senator, through his staff. If you've got something on your mind – and most of us do in these challenging times – take a few minutes to stop by the library and share your thoughts and concerns.

Following the Manchin event, residents can walk a block east to the Mineral County Courthouse, where a staff representative from the office of newly elected Republican Rep. David McKinley will be meeting with folks from 10 a.m. to noon in the County Commission room.

We applaud both Manchin and McKinley for reaching out to area residents, and pro-actively seeking their input as part of the communication process critical to representative government. Our elected representatives have done their part by asking us to share our ideas, now it's up to us to accept their invitation.