Happy Birthday, America!
As I prepared this column, I fondly remember reading that the most important thing to emerge
from the historical period known as the Age of Enlightenment was the United States.
I’m not sure how historians measure such things. However, I certainly endorse the concept that
these United States, a diverse mixture of people from all over the globe, was the best thing
produced from a period known for logic and reason, rationality, and the search for truth.
Ours is a nation in which the common person could, and often did, triumph over those who were
in positions of privilege. And that possibility remains one of the foremost motivating powers in
this nation today.
I believe the governing body of the Public Service Commission of West Virginia exemplifies
that idea. The three of us sit as a tribunal over utility ratemaking issues, and none of us is the
product of privilege. We’re your neighbors and your colleagues. What we have accomplished,
we have done mostly through our own hard work.
I grew up on a farm along the Ohio River. My family wasn’t wealthy. Winning the Golden
Horseshoe in the 8 th grade inspired me into politics. And while I have won elective offices, I’ve
also been humbled by losing races.
Commissioner Bill Raney began his career as an inspector for the Division of Natural Resources,
wearing the green uniform. He was born and raised in Mercer County and, like me, went to
WVU. He served many years as a reserve officer in the National Guard. By hard work and effort,
he earned an important leadership position with the coal association. Bill is also an elder in his
church.
Commissioner Renee Larrick is from Beckley, and went to the University of Kentucky. She has
taught in high school and college. Renee was the business manager of a law office when she was
tapped to serve on our Commission. She knows what hard work is all about.
So, this is what I think of every time our great national birthday rolls around. In this country, if
you work hard enough at it, you can be anything you want. I like to think we commissioners
exemplify that idea.
So, as I close, let me wish you – on behalf of us here at the Commission – a very happy and
prosperous Fourth of July.