In Berkeley Springs, it’s not about Republicans or Democrats. It’s about how to keep those pesky citizens out of your hair.
Let’s take the case of Amy Lane.
Lane, an independent, has been serving faithfully as a volunteer on the Morgan County Planning Commission for four years.
She attended every monthly meeting.
She hasn’t missed one. She had the best attendance record on the Commission — bar none.
She has served on every subcommittee.
She took the job seriously.
And how was Amy Lane rewarded?
When Amy Lane was put forth by County Commissioner Brenda Hutchinson (D) to be reappointed to the Planning Commission along with Sue Parker and Scott Swaim, Lane didn’t get a second from the other two Commissioners — Brad Close (R) and Stacy Dugan (D).
That meant that Amy Lane was no longer on the Planning Commission.
Now why would Commissioners Close and Dugan do such a thing to a hard working citizen volunteer?
Especially in an age where there is such overwhelming citizen apathy?
Well, it’s clear by now that Close and Dugan don’t want anything to do with Amy Lane.
She’s a woman of conscience. She speaks her mind.
And if the County is mistreating any living thing — be it animal or human — she’ll speak out.
Just last week, she came across six puppies sitting in a 2 x 4 foot cage in their own diarrhea in a stifling hot house at the Morgan County Kennels with no food and no water.
And what did Amy Lane do?
She went to the State Police and filed a complaint.
It’s clear that Close and Dugan have it in not just for Amy Lane, but also for their fellow Commissioner — Brenda Hutchinson (D).
Until last month, Hutchinson served on the the County Board of Health.
But then Close and Dugan blocked Hutchinson’s renomination — the same way they blocked Amy Lane’s.
Why would Close and Dugan do such a thing?
And what message are Close and Dugan sending to their fellow citizens?
One message is this — if you volunteer for public service in Morgan County, keep your mouth shut.
Or else.