An editorial from The Exponent Telegram
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — As West Virginians look through the candidates for the various positions being decided in the Nov. 8 general election, we’re sure much attention will be given to the presidential and gubernatorial races. Granted, that should be the case.
But it would be unwise for West Virginians to only focus on those two races, because many more important positions will be filled by the power of the ballot box, or if you will in today’s technologically-driven world, the computer screen ballot.
One of the state races that receives scant attention from some people is that of the position of agriculture commissioner, a post that was held by a longtime incumbent for many years until the last election.
This year, Helmick faces competition from another state Sen. Kent Leonhardt, a Republican from Monongalia County, as well as Libertarian Buddy Guthrie, also of Monongalia County. It is a solid field and one that deserves voters’ strong consideration.
In a rural state like West Virginia, which continues to struggle to diversify its economy, the agriculture commissioner can play a key role in advocating for programs that spur small business growth through farming and farm-to-table programs.
Such programs can help establish a clear chain of residents’ food sources, from creation to meal preparation, and thus help to ensure food safety.
With that in mind, The Exponent Telegram Editorial Board endorses incumbent Helmick for a second term.
Helmick has demonstrated the forethought and ability to implement new programs that we think will boost economic growth through agricultural endeavors.
He also has implemented programs that provide education for current and would-be farmers, begun an aggregation program that will streamline and make efforts to get West Virginia produce to market more efficient and has addressed issues in the department left behind by his predecessor.
And Helmick has an intuitive understanding that West Virginia farming has tremendous potential for growth.
“Agriculture was by far the biggest industry in West Virginia up until 1930,” Helmick told The Exponent Telegram’s Austin Weiford. “Today, we see ourselves consuming $7.3 billion in food, yet we grow significantly less than $1 billion. So it creates significant opportunity to create a huge number of jobs to try to lower that gap of $6 billion.”
We encourage state residents to vote on Nov. 8, or take advantage of early voting, which begins this Wednesday. And when they do, we strongly recommend Helmick for a second term as agriculture commissioner.
