…….The election is over and it’s time to begin talking..  The County Commission will certify the votes making the unofficial results official and the work should begin in advance of those newly elected officials taking the oath in January.

………The Legislature goes into session one month later in a gubernatorial election year meaning the session will run from February through April. The month’s delay is to allow the new Governor a month to look at the State’s finances and prepare his budget.

……There are some issues that are important to Hancock County that need to be addressed this session. The three County Commissioners must decide if they will ask their local legislators to introduce legislation to return the County to the original 2 percent of the Racetrack Video Lottery revenue. If you remember the County’s portion had been cut to 1 percent last session and the other 1 percent given to the incorporated municipalities of New Cumberland and Chester. The enabling legislation was first sponsored by Del Pat McGeehan, but his bill never moved. The same bill was then sponsored by Del. Mark Zatezalo and it passed. Ironically, the bill excluded the City of Weirton from the revenue as it specified that the City must be wholly contained in Hancock County.

…….The bill flew under the radar and several entities dropped the ball.  The County Commissioners were unaware their 2 percent take was at risk.  Neither McGeehan nor Zatezalo made the Commissioners aware of the bill nor asked what it would do to the county’s budget.  Finally,, the County Commissioners Association dropped the ball.  The organization exists on dues paid by the county and should have following the bill and trying to kill it.  I realize Hancock County is the only County effected by the bill (the other track is in a municipality) but they are dues paying members.

…….The reduction in racetrack video lottery funding was devastating to the County. In order to balance their budget, County has tapped the Rainy Day fund.  To date, no jobs have been cut nor programs reduced.  The legislators need to know how the continuance of the reduction will affect the County and ultimately its citizens.

……..On the other hand, New Cumberland and Chester were estactic to learn of the additional revenue and made good use of the funding..  Will the city officials be actively involved in making their case heard.?  They both are dues paying members of the WV Municipal League, the lobbying agent for incorporated cities.  So it would be appropriate for their lobbyist to fight to retain the City’s share.

………Former Speaker Clyde See had a saying that come the last hours of the session you have to be especially vigilant because “fat possums travel late at night.”  Bills passing at the end often scurry across the rotunda making their way to the other House or vice versa with little amendments tucked inside their paws that go unnoticed.  Such was the case with the amendment that excluded the City of Weirton. From any revenue.   I was surprised that there was not a huge outcry from officials and citizens of Weirton.

……..The composition of the County Commission changes when Jeff Davis retires and Tommy Ogden takes his seat.  Jeff has had a long and distinguished career beginning with two terms in the House of Delegates before moving to the County Commission seat.   We’ve been fortunate to have Jeff because he truly believed in the concept of public service and he has always been accessible if you had a problem..   In all my years of dealing with the County Court, I think Jeff has been the hardest working Commissioner we have had and much has been accomplished because of his efforts. In addition to his hard work, Jeff was just a nice guy. He was down-to-earth and pleasant to everyone. He will be missed.