BUCKHANNON – A Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School student placed third in a statewide essay contest.

James “Brody” McDaniels, a student at Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School, won third place in the 2023 County Commissioners’ Association of West Virginia’s essay contest. The prompt asked students to write about the topic of “How My County Commission Makes My Life Better.”

Upshur County Commission president Kristie Tenney congratulated the student and presented him with a $200 reward during the June 1 Upshur County Commission meeting.

“The CCAWV likes to have the eighth-grade students do an essay contest, and we were excited that Brody has won third place in this contest,” Tenney said. “Today, we have a presentation of $200 to Brody, and we’d like to congratulate him and the teacher Kayce, who’s here today and thank you both for being here and the staff for coming as well.”

Upshur County Commissioner Doug Bush read the essay during the meeting, which appears in full below:

There is an old saying in government that reads, “all politics are local.” This phrase is what comes to mind when I think about the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of the county commission members. Sometimes we get so caught up in the national political scene that we forget that our day-to-day lives are profoundly impacted more so by our local leaders and governing bodies. County Commissioners act as a foundation, backbone and lifeline between the individual citizens and government.

The County Commission provides and maintains so many of the local recreational spaces that my friends and I enjoy. They provide upkeep and oversee maintenance at different facilities.

I would like to explain why my county commission makes my life better for me, my friends, and my community.

I have spent many summer days at the county recreational park, I would meet my friends and family to swim, play basketball and use the park facilities for cookouts. Without our County Commission’s help, we would not have a place to meet, socialize, exercise and visit. We have made many memories at the park, and we look forward to many more.

The County Commission recently received a land donation for an expansion of a new Recreational Sports Complex that will best fit the athletes of Upshur County and surrounding counties. The recreational park is one example of the services the county commission oversees and provides the county residents.

The County Commission must balance the residents’ needs and wants and ensure these are financially feasible for the tax base. When there is a gap between a given service and financial expectations of the taxpayers, County Commissioners worked with federal and state governments to secure grants and outside funding to provide the service and close the money gap.

Selecting and providing the proper services and funding is just a portion of the responsibilities. The County Commission must ensure the areas are maintained and safe. Sometimes, it is challenging to find positive ways to help the community continue to be a safe and healthy place to live. Our County Commission has worked extremely hard to provide this aspect to the citizens of Upshur County and is appreciated.

Commissioners have a duty to make sure services are provided to all citizens regardless of age and/or disabilities. Without the support of county commission to our local 911 Center, public libraries, Homeland Security, county park, health department’s EMS and law enforcement we would struggle as a community.

The County Commission has a delicate role, as all elected officials do, they must maintain the job of representing the will of the majority and protecting the rights of minorities. I am so thankful and proud of the Upshur County Commissioners and the role they play in our community.