Sometimes it was difficult to tell if he was grinning behind that signature mustache of his, but no matter what, you knew he was listening because that might have been his greatest superpower.
David B. McKinley heard you. And he learned from you. He was a teacher, too, and he’d do his deep dive into whatever subject you took to him formally or during a common conversation. And then he’d get back to you, not because he was a state or federal lawmaker, but because he was, well, him.
The headlines since his passing have included the fact he was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for a dozen years, and that service is why the title “Congressman” comes into play – it’s practical practice to honor an individual by including their highest title when referencing them – and serving as a member of the U.S. House certainly is a really big deal.
The title, though, never defined David, and that’s because he had an admirable understanding that he was just one man with a mission, and to accomplish anything, he needed help. The real trick? When U.S. Rep. David McKinley was successful, the people in his congressional district benefited.
He fought for coal miners, construction workers, veterans, teachers, first responders, healthcare workers, senior citizens, and for everyone to gain an improved quality of life, and David believed the people should be in charge of their own futures. When government attempted overreach, he battled back gallantly even when he was a member of the minority in the West Virginia Legislature or while working in Washington, D.C.
That’s because he protected America’s freedoms.
The Congressman also understood his impact beyond his own presence, influence, and counsel, and when he was able to offer an opportunity or an experience to a district resident, it was because he believed the individual would grow stronger because of it. He set a higher standard for constituent services, too, and that’s not because he was a Republican but instead because he was, well, him again.
Congressman McKinley will be greatly missed, and his example should be followed.
