History was made in Hancock County on Dec. 14 as Eron Chek was sworn into office as the County’s first female county commissioner.    Chek’s election to the  Commission coincides with the 100 year anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment which gave women the right to vote.  
Chek opted to have her oath of office delivered outside on the Courthouse steps so that she could take the oath without wearing a mask believing that wearing a mask points too strongly to silencing women.
 “I did not campaign on this issue,” she said.  “I believe merit matters more than gender.”
 But the significance of the moment caused her to acknowledge  the many women in Hancock Country are who are and have been strong leaders. Other women who have served in county offices include Prosecuting Attorney Ruth Cox Turner who served in 1951 and along with Attorney Callie Tsapsis formed the first female law firm in the State of West Virginia.  Tsapsis would go on to represent the 1st District as a member of the House of Delegates and  serve as a Circuit Court Judge.  The 1st District would be represented  by Delegates Patricia Bradley and Tamara Pettit  and Senators Judy Herndon and Thais Blatnik.  
  Women who have served in County offices include Assessor Dorothy Thomas and Circuit Clerks Lois Wilkerson and Brenda Jackson.  Mary Stewart was the first women to serve as County Clerk after she was appointed to fill the unexpired term of her husband, Don Stewart, upon his death in 1963.    Female County Clerks Wilma Boring and Eleanor Straight would follow.  
 Chek, a Republican, joins Democratic Commissioners Jeff Davis and Paul Cowey on the County Court.
 “I don’t anticipate any divisions because I am Republican and Commissioners Cowey and Davis are Democrats,” said Chek.  “I anticipate discussions and so far all indicators tell me that we will have reasonable and rational discussions.  My goal is to participate in them honestly, constructively and with the best interest of the future of Hancock County.”
 “The biggest alternate perspective I have to offer is my business experience.  I have achieved lofty goals in my business career over the last 15 years and learned many methods along the way that if I can contribute just a little of that to help us grow and prosper then I want to do that.  Being female might be good.  I am mindful of the fact that I am one a team of three professionals and together we  can work together as a team and each bring our best talents to the table.”