This past week has brought a rich tapestry of themes, particularly centered around love and human decency. As I struggled with insomnia, waking at 2 a.m., I found myself scrolling through TikTok after catching up on the latest news headlines. The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has left countless individuals facing suffering, loss and trauma. Amidst the chaos, many have stepped up, risking their own safety to help stranded neighbors. In response, President Biden has deployed 1,000 troops from the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, alongside 6,000 National Guard members, to support relief efforts.

Even as we grapple with these crises, the world is still plagued by wars in 2024, and our political landscape seems dominated by two presidential candidates more focused on personal attacks than meaningful dialogue. Yet, in the midst of this turmoil, stories of love and solidarity shine through. People have packed supplies and made treks into remote areas to deliver aid. Community members have launched Facebook campaigns to gather essential supplies, showcasing a powerful sense of togetherness.

I’ve been particularly inspired by two of my former students, who have taken the initiative to organize aid collections for those impacted by the hurricane. Additionally, Jefferson County Commission candidate Carrie Blessing has dedicated her time to coordinate these efforts, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to community service, despite her busy schedule. These actions reflect the strength of human compassion that can flourish, even in challenging times.

Turning our attention to the local election scene, I’ve noticed a refreshing absence of animosity in the current campaigns. As a former candidate, I am all too familiar with how toxic the political environment can become. In my own experience, I faced smear campaigns from prominent community members — many of whom had never even spoken to me — who preferred to follow the crowd rather than engage with the truth.

This context makes the behavior of the candidates for West Virginia’s 16th District Senate seat, John Doyle and Patricia Rucker, all the more noteworthy. They have demonstrated a level of respect and civility that is increasingly rare in today’s political arena. Rather than resorting to personal attacks, they have engaged in courteous debates on pressing issues that matter to voters. The pervasive negativity that often distracts from crucial discussions has been notably absent in their interactions.

Voters deserve candidates who are committed to addressing the issues that affect their lives, rather than indulging in personal conflicts. Doyle and Rucker have set a commendable example of how opposing candidates can conduct their campaigns with integrity and respect. Their approach serves as a reminder of what political discourse should embody: constructive dialogue focused on the community’s needs.

It is my hope that more political candidates, at all levels, will embrace this spirit of cooperation and respect. A return to thoughtful and respectful dialogue would not only benefit the candidates themselves, but also the voters they aim to serve. In these challenging times, let us celebrate and foster the spirit of love and community that can guide us toward a brighter future for all.

Donna Joy, of Shepherdstown, is in her second term on the Jefferson County Board of Education. Her comments are personal, and do not represent the Jefferson County Board of Education as a whole. She can be reached at DonnaJoyBOE@gmail.com.