(While I always emphasize that this editorial is just MY opinion, I would wager that this opinion is shared by many readers)
Recent actions and inactions by Senator Ryan Weld (R -1st) in the WV Legislature indicate that the northern half of Hancock County has no representation in the State Senate. I checked several sources including the NCSL (National Conference of State Legislators) to make sure the duties of a state senator or delegate hadn’t changed since I was there in the nineties. They haven’t,: #1 is to pass or consider legislation; #2 is to confer with constituents to see how those changes in the law impact them or hear suggestion on new laws they request.
Senator Weld represents the Northern part of Hancock County on paper, but he certainly didn’t confer with New Cumberland or Chester officials on a bill he introduced this session adding Weirton to the communities receiving the 1% video lottery and making the distribution “per capita”. This gives Weirton 77% of the funds; Chester 16% and New Cumberland only 7%. In today’s edition you will see an article on New Cumberland’s letter to Weld and other elected officials as well as a statement from Chester Mayor Ed Wedgewood on the issue.
Both municipalities reveal that Sen. Weld will not respond to either their e-mails on the issue or their phone calls. Has Sen. Weld abdicated his representation of the Northern part of Hancock County and decided he could sponsor legislation that creates financial havoc for them without offering an explanation or a solution? His lack of service to the two towns is unacceptable. His lack of response to the officials of each town indicates he does not deem them or their citizens worthy of his attention.
The officials are working diligently with Del. McGeehan to get the bill amended or killed. As for Sen. Weld, it appears the only way we’ll be able to communicate our displeasure with his actions will be through the ballot box.
