To the Editor,

I have been preparing to start the next chapter of my public service, and I wanted to take a moment to share what is on my mind and why I remain energized to continue this work.

Serving as Hancock County Commissioner has been both an honor and a responsibility I take seriously. As I reflect on the work accomplished during my term, I want to begin with a simple message to the public: thank you for trusting me with this job.

County government is not abstract. It is detailed, procedural, and consequential. Decisions made at the commission affect taxes, services, infrastructure, and the long-term health of our local economy. From the beginning, my approach has been grounded in careful review, fiscal discipline, and respect for the size and capacity of our county.

Hancock County is small in geography but significant in responsibility. Responsible budgeting requires matching services and projects to what our tax base can reasonably sustain. Throughout my term, I have worked to ensure that spending decisions are appropriate for our population, our operating budget, and a growing business environment that depends on predictability and stability.

One of my primary goals has been to build a foundation that looks outward for funding before looking inward to taxpayers. Grants, partnerships, and external funding sources allow us to meet legitimate needs without automatically increasing the tax burden on residents and local businesses. This is not a short-term strategy–it is a long-term trajectory that prioritizes stability over volatility and planning over reaction.

That approach requires diligence and restraint. Not every opportunity is the right opportunity, and not every request fits within responsible limits. Saying “no” can be just as important as saying “yes” when the goal is to protect long-term financial health.

As with any public office, rumors and misunderstandings can arise. West Virginia’s campaign and ethics laws require public officials to refute untruths, and I take that obligation seriously. If you ask me a question, I will tell you the truth. Transparency matters. Accuracy matters. When questions arise, the best response is clarity, documentation, and open communication–especially in a role that carries both legal and ethical responsibility.

This is a detail-driven job, and I am a detail-oriented person. Budgets, contracts, policies, and funding sources demand close attention and careful review. I remain accessible to the public, and my contact information is listed on the county website for anyone who wishes to ask questions or seek accurate information directly.

Looking ahead, my focus remains the same as it has been throughout my service: stability. Stability in county finances. Stability in services. Stability that allows families, businesses, and community partners to plan for the future with confidence.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve Hancock County and for the trust you place in those tasked with managing its public resources responsibly.

Eron Chek

Weirton