Working in the District

This week was a busy work week at home in West Virginia as we crisscrossed the First Congressional District meeting with constituents, local officials, business leaders, and members of the media. It’s always great to speak directly to the people, hear their concerns, and work together to put forward the solutions we need to the problems we confront. We had many successful meetings and I’m looking forward to a busy summer working around the district.

Meeting with Mayor Fitzpatrick in Glenville

Meeting with public officials in West Virginia and hearing about the issues that directly impact their local communities is a vital part of my job. This week, we traveled to Glenville in Gilmer County and met with Mayor Dennis Fitzpatrick to discuss local infrastructure projects, the economy, and how best to combat opioid abuse and drug addiction. We had a good conversation with Mayor Fitzpatrick and we look forward to visiting Glenville again soon. 

Strengthening Our Local Economy

If we are going to turn our economy around, create good paying jobs and give more people a chance to succeed, our officeholders need to work closely with local business leaders. This week, we held roundtables with members of the business community in Gilmer and Harrison counties and visited SustainU, an innovative clothing company in Morgantown. We discussed how we can bring new investment dollars to West Virginia, the need to diversify our local economy and how advanced technologies are vital to improving our manufacturing industry. 

Visiting the YMCA in Clarksburg

The YMCA has been instrumental in developing our nation’s youth for decades. This week we had the chance to visit the YMCA in Clarksburg and see their facility. The staff and volunteers are hosting their annual summer camp where kids play sports, participate in arts and crafts, and even learn how to garden. It is a very impressive facility and we were privileged to meet the Executive Director, Laura McMahon, who provided a tour and an update of this summer’s activities.

ICYMI: McKinley in the News

While traveling around the district, 5 News WDTV caught up with us to chat about one of our business roundtable in Clarksburg. You can check out the story, here.

Looking Ahead: Weekend Festivals

The Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival is this weekend. The festival will be held on Water Street in Wheeling. Saturday festivities start at 11 AM and go until midnight. On Sunday, the event starts at 11 AM and ends at 6 PM.

The Serb Fest Picnic is this Sunday in Weirton at the Serbian Picnic Grounds on Kings Creek Road. It is a rain or shine event that starts at noon and promises to have great food and live entertainment throughout the day.

Both of these events are going to be a great time. Stop by if you can make it!

Next week will be another busy week traveling the district and meeting with constituents.

Have a great weekend!

David B. McKinley, P.E.