Editor, News-Register:

I am writing to express my strong opposition to House Resolution 33, which proposes renaming Spruce Knob, the highest peak in West Virginia, to “Trump Mountain.” This resolution is not only unnecessary but also a wasteful use of time and resources that does not reflect the will of the people. To my knowledge, no public vote or statewide poll has been conducted to determine whether West Virginians support such a change.

Beyond the political implications, renaming Spruce Knob would come with a significant financial burden to taxpayers. Changing the name of a well-established landmark would require updates to state and federal maps, highway signs, park materials, guidebooks, GPS databases, and countless other documents. These costs would be borne by the people of West Virginia — not by those pushing this resolution. Instead of spending taxpayer money on an unnecessary name change, those funds should be directed toward real needs, such as fixing our crumbling roads, upgrading bridges, and improving broadband access in rural areas.

Spruce Knob is a natural treasure, symbolizing the rich heritage and rugged beauty of our state. Its name has stood for generations, representing West Virginia’s landscape rather than any political figure. Landmarks like this should remain nonpartisan and untouched by political agendas. Renaming it in honor of any politician — past, present, or future — sets a troubling precedent and undermines the shared identity of all West Virginians.

It is concerning that our elected representatives would push forward such a resolution without first consulting the people they represent. The delegates who introduced this measure–Coop-Gonzalez, Anders, Bridges, Brooks, DeVault, Dillon, Linville, Lucas, Marple, Sheedy, and White–should have considered that many of them are up for re-election soon. West Virginians deserve leadership focused on improving our daily lives, not on symbolic, politically motivated gestures.

West Virginia faces real challenges — failing infrastructure, healthcare needs, economic struggles, and job growth. Instead of renaming mountains, our legislature should be working to repair potholes, modernize transportation, and invest in the future of our communities.

I urge my fellow West Virginians to speak out against this wasteful and unnecessary resolution. Let’s keep Spruce Knob as it is — a landmark for all West Virginians, not a political trophy.

Our tax dollars should be spent on real improvements, not on rewriting history for political gain.

Phillip Wiley

New Martinsville