(Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection - Editor's Notes by Christina Myer)

Ever notice how ceremonial signings of high school athletes to college sports programs tend to feature lots of signage designed to promote the college, rather than the athlete who did all the work to earn the honor? (But at least the colleges and universities aren’t adding to the expense of the trip by printing new, different signage for each visit, right?)

Ever had a boss take credit for what you’ve accomplished, using careful language that somehow celebrates them and THEIR “vision” without mentioning how the work got done?

Politicians take that kind of branding (or constant campaigning, to be more accurate) to a new level. They do this despite the tactic having become so commonplace in West Virginia that almost no one has failed to notice. But, hey, I guess that lets us know how little the political class thinks of us.

Keep your eye on how they’re trying to steer the narrative. And ask yourself: Why? November is not as far away as it seems.

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On the other hand, if you want to talk about government/bureaucracy that really does plan ahead and work toward doing better for West Virginians while also trying to attract other people to the state, let’s take a look at an example from the Division of Natural Resources.

You may have noticed stories about an unusual number of records being broken by those fishing Mountain State waters.

It was all part of the plan.

According to the DNR, the trend is the result of years of better fish stocking practices, improved water quality and “the maturation of trophy-sized fish populations,” as West Virginia Explorer put it.

“These incredible catches highlight the outstanding fishing opportunities that West Virginia has to offer,” Brett McMillion, director of the division, told the magazine. “From scenic lakes to iconic river destinations, anglers can find excellent fishing experiences all across our state. We encourage everyone to get outside, cast a line, and enjoy West Virginia’s waters this summer. You never know when you might reel in a record-breaker.”

The DNR’s biologists have done an excellent job managing hatcheries and fish-stocking programs. Blue catfish were reintroduced to the Ohio and Kanawaha rivers approximately 20 years ago, and are now reaching record sizes. David Wellman Jr., assistant chief of fish management, told West Virginia Explorer the fish have not yet reached their maximum size.

Those working at the Division of Forestry, State Parks, Wildlife Resources and the Natural Resources Police are among those genuinely getting their hands dirty to protect and improve so much of what is wild and wonderful about this place.

They are doing it in a forward-looking manner that has proved beneficial to residents and tourists alike.

If you’re like me and you escape to the woods to avoid filling your brain with more of what the politicians want you to worry about, chances are you can thank some quiet public servants who know their job and do it very well. They know they’re responsible for the land, the water, flora and fauna AND the humans who enjoy it; and so, they’re always thinking about how to do better. Sometimes those plans take decades to play out. That’s OK.

How wonderful it would be if more in Charleston thought that far ahead about work that would benefit ALL of West Virginia.

Christina Myer is executive editor of The Parkersburg News and Sentinel. She can be reached via e-mail at cmyer@newsandsentinel.com.