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We are coming into the end of February, and, thus, the beginning of March. That puts us a few weeks closer to the start of spring. It also means we are only a bit over two months before West Virginia's primary election.
We have an interesting mix of candidates this year, with many of our local incumbents facing off against candidates new to running for public office, as well as some who previously served as public officials but now are looking at different positions. There also are some who have run previously, but have never been elected.
Through this newspaper, we always encourage our readers to educate themselves on the issues taking place on their local, state and national level before heading to the polls. We also encourage them to educate themselves on those who have stepped forward to seek public office. Never forget, these individuals, if elected, will be representing all of you with their words and actions for the next few years.
Just as important, though, is for the candidates to educate themselves.
There are so many issues going on around as at this moment. We've just been rocked by the Cleveland-Cliffs announcement, but we also have the planned opening of Form Factory 1 later this year. The City of Weirton is discussing a variety of investments for the future, including updates to its parks facilities, upgrades to the utility treatment plants and improvements into its public safety forces.
Hancock County Schools have been in the process of investing into some of its facilities, as well, constructing a new physical education expansion to Weir High School, along with building new softball and baseball fields. There also are plans for updates to classrooms and HVAC systems at some of the schools in the county.
Brooke County is completing construction of a new judicial annex next to the county courthouse and has officially begun work on a centralized ambulance station.
There also are a variety of financial and employee matters constantly in the mix on all levels.
Being a public official is a matter of trust between the official and the voters. It is important for the voters to know whether the candidate is the right person to hold such a position, and it is important for the candidate (if elected) to truly understand what they are doing and what they might face once in office.
My advice, whether you have held office before or not, is to take some time during your campaign to take as deep a look as possible into what is going before the office you seek. Reading this newspaper is one option, but it also is a good idea to attend meetings and see for yourself some of what is going on.
I'm not going to name names, but there have been a few candidates attending meetings for some of the local governmental boards and commissions - at least in Weirton. Keep in mind, Weirton will hold only a general election this year, and it will be in November.
I would like to see more of that taking place, especially for those offices which will be determined (even unofficially) in May. Attend a school board meeting, for example, if you are running for a seat and not currently on the board. Go to a county commission meeting (I know that might be a little more difficult because of the time they meet).
Get copies of some of the resolutions, ordinances and other bills approved. If you are running for a legislative post, every bill introduced in the current session is available online for review.
Even if you have held office in the past, it is never a good idea to think you can go into such a situation cold. We are facing major changes in the coming years, and those elected will be presented with significant choices. Their votes will set us on a path to success or failure. Let's all hope they make the effort to prepare themselves.
(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter/X @CHowellWDT)