To the Editor,
On January 10, candidates will begin registering to try to become an elected official in 2022. Over 80% of individuals who win elections are incumbents. Make sure you understand what these candidates promise and hold them accountable for their record. Have they been a public servant or just another politician?
As an example, let's look at the Hancock County Commission.
Commissioner Jeff Davis was re-elected in Nov. 2016 by just 10 votes.
• Two months later he was found guilty by the W.Va. Ethics Commission of using his office for personal financial gain for over a decade. County records show he received over $120,000 in violation of the state ethics law.
• To avoid criminal prosecution, he repaid $29,5000 to the county in an out-of-court settlement.
Commission President Paul Cowey was elected in 2018 promising to do "what is right"'.
• After being elected, he was given county records documenting the appointed Animal Shelter Director attended a conference in Ft Lauderdale and stayed an extra couple days at the county's expense. He chose to accept her justification even though documents showed otherwise.
• On multiple occasions, he was given county documents indicating state code is not being followed at the animal shelter. I am not aware of any action being taken. He hasn't even acknowledged receipt of the provided documents.
• After a commissioner lost his re-election, Commissioner Cowey voted to appoint him to represent Hancock County on the Brooke Hancock and Jefferson County Planning Commission prior to the new commissioner taking office. Why? Commissioner Eron Chek was elected in 2020 promising public input into county actions and government transparency.
• On multiple occasions, she also was given county documents indicating state code not being followed at the county animal shelter. Again, I am not aware of any action being taken.
• Even though the W.Va. Attorney General issued a legal opinion stating the county had no legal right to over $300,000 in Excess Levy funds raised to support a nonprofit that operated the county animal shelter for 20 years, Commissioner Chek voted to have their attorney file legal action to gain control of the funds. Again, the wording of the excess levy specifically directed the levy funds be controlled by the nonprofit, not the county commission. The Commission never contacted the nonprofit for input prior to filing the legal action.
• Commissioner Chek never asked for public input and voted for the legal action in July. She has been silent on a hearing date or legal progress. So much for public input and government transparency.
Are the above commissioner actions "Doing the right thing"? In my opinion, the Hancock County Commission is a good example of elected officials not wanting public input nor providing leadership. Just don't make waves and collect a nice paycheck for a part-time job.
By the way, Commissioner Cowey is up for re-election in 2022. You decide if he represents you!
Rudy Rosnick
Weirton