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To the Editor,
I just learned a few weeks ago the following actions by Hancock County Delegate McGeehan during the 2023 legislature session.
Hancock County Delegate Mark Zatezalo introduced HB 3450 which, as I understand, would have taken 1% of the Mountaineer Race Track slot machine revenue (between $700,000 and $800,000) that the Hancock County Commission had been receiving, and split evenly these monies between the three Hancock County cities; Weirton, New Cumberland and Chester.
This would have resulted in each Hancock County city receiving approximately $250,000 annually. This amount could go up or down depending on the slot revenue at the Mountaineer Race Track.
However, Del. McGeehan amended this legislation as follows: "The remaining 1% shall be distributed in equal shares to all municipalities located wholly within the county." The word wholly removed the city of Weirton from receiving any funds in question (approximately $250,000 annually.)
Del. McGeehan knowingly and intentionally omitted the city of Weirton from sharing the monies in question.
Please keep in mind as you consider the actions of Del. McGeehan:
Sections of the city of Weirton are in his district. Prior to redistricting, all the city of Weirton was in his district.
When the Hancock levy to allow the slots at Mountaineer Race Track, most votes in support came from Weirton Hancock citizens.
If you see Del. McGeehan, please ask him what he has against the Weirton Hancock County citizens. Since he works in the city of Weirton, hopefully you will get the opportunity to ask him the question.
In closing, I call upon the other state legislators who represent the city of Weirton to correct the injustice and unfairness that Del. McGeehan imposed on the Hancock County citizens of Weirton.
Edwin J. Bowman
Former state senator
Weirton