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 8th 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.
