by Ron Gregory
It is not a “Tale of Two Cities” but rather a “Tale of Two Counties.” That the “two” counties are one and the same makes the story line a bit odd, although not at all unique.
Saturday past, Mingo County’s Democrat Ladies held a meet-the-candidate or meet-and-greet or who the hell-knows-what in the building located at the old Williamson swimming pool. One knows little about the event, since the ladies, as usual, decided to cloak it in secrecy. It has become an all-to-familiar habit of theirs to make only certain people aware of their activities.
Some say this is because the club just doesn’t keep up with modern-day politics. Others say it is not at all vindictive. Some say it is caused by a gauge the ladies use to determine who is in power and who is not.
All I know is that it seems strange that an organization supposedly dedicated to enhancing the Democrat vote would keep its activities so quiet.
For example, Assessor candidate Amber Mounts Bishop reported on social media that she was “invited” to speak at the candidate event. But, oddly enough, incumbent County Commissioner John Mark Hubbard was not. Does that give any appearance of impartiality on the part of those having the event?
But they are part of the “dark” side of Mingo County, the part that SHOULD be hidden from the public eye and mind. For it is not the real Mingo, not by a long stretch.
By a huge majority, Mingo Countians are loving, caring, fair-minded, compassionate people. They are content with their God and praise Him for his mercies upon them. They remember a day when coal flowed from the mountains, money filled the miners’ coffers and businesses flourished.
These honest Mingo Countians are inclusive; they do not shut others out. They do not somehow believe there is a “Mingo elite” that solely deserves their attention.
The second group is the type that put together and attended Saturday’s other event, the ribbon-cutting at the new race track complex off Corridor G in Mingo. The difference in attendance speaks volumes as to the influence of the groups. A difference of … uh … maybe 1,700 is QUITE a difference indeed.
The Democrat ladies made sure that their favored candidates were personally invited to the meet-the-candidate event, as Bishop testified. It did not matter to them if other “outside” candidates knew about the meeting or not. After all, the ladies said “all candidates are invited” on Facebook and other places, their defenders say.
Gilbert First Man/Councilman and all-round-Greenbrier Resort-lover Randy Livingood pointed out the invitation on one Facebook posting. Livingood, who lives in that same limited, us-against-them atmosphere that occupies the Democrat ladies, seems to think EVERY candidate should read that one Facebook posting or at least the multiple postings that occurred on social media.
Let’s explain it again: favored candidates received telephoned, personal invitations to the meet-and-greet. Outsiders did not. That’s the real way to promote the Democrat party; just support the chosen few.
A wide majority of Mingo, though, shows signs of having had enough of the political games, no matter who the players are. They’ve had enough of the “team” approach. They are looking for good candidates who will treat everyone the same and work just as hard for Hootie Smith as he or she will for Truman Chafin.
When Bishop referred to the “team work” she was promoting by attending the meet-the-candidate, I pointed out that she had said she was a member of no “team.” She said she meant to say, “county team” but completely deleted the post from Facebook.
That’s why the turnout at the ribbon-cutting was so impressive. Mingo Countians from all walks of life; from diverse previous factional groups; and from various locations and religions walked together for a good cause: economic development in the county. This is the face of Mingo most of us want to see develop. This is the Second County and the one we should all be supporting.
Those who will never understand said the ribbon-cutting was a “Team Mingo” event. It was not. It was an opportunity for all of Mingo to come together and look at the gleaming asphalt and concrete that are already in place.
As Commissioner Smith pointed out, there has been criticism that those developing the track want to keep progress hidden. Not so, he said. “This is a working coal mine around us here,” he said. “They have a guard shack, there are rules for entry, nobody is hiding this development.”
Naysayers added it was the “third or fourth ribbon-cutting” in the lengthy history of the project. That isn’t so, either. An earlier, public ceremony marked the transfer of the property from its private owner to the county.
A tremendous expanse of asphalt and concrete is visible at the scene but “aginners” say it isn’t sufficient. Funding for the project is nearly in place, with private partners coming forward to finish the deal. There will be cars running at the race track before long.
That likely means there will be restaurants and hotels and motels nearby. At least existing hotels, motels and restaurants should do additional business, thanks to the track.
The two counties of Mingo can remain in constant turmoil with swirling animosity or thinking people can join the Second County and become real advocates for Mingo.
Amber Bishop, who this paper endorses for Assessor, has often said she has an economic development “vision” for Mingo. Part of that vision should include the new race track off the Corridor. It is already a long way down the track; it is nearing reality. All should climb on board this train before it leaves the station.
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Some other “aginners” pointed out that a factory on top of the mountain would be preferable to the race track, creating more jobs and a bigger payroll.
The problem with that theory is that a company would have to WANT to locate a plant on top of the hill. At this point, I am not aware that any of come forward to do so. Thus, the track is a better solution than letting the property sit vacant until a factory can be located.
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Your story ideas, comments, gossip and factory contacts are always appreciated. Use my email listed or call my cell, 304-533-5185.