My name is Roger Propst, and I am a candidate in the May 14thRepublican Primary Election seeking to continue serving the unexpired term of former Commissioner Walker who relocated outside Calhoun County. I was appointed in November 2023 to fill that vacancy. The winner of the Primary will continue as the Republican candidate in the November 5, 2024, General Election for the remaining two years of Mr. Walker’s unexpired term. Jacob McCumbers is the unopposed Democrat candidate.
Having attended most Commission Meetings in the last two years, I had concerns that needed addressed. On my first meeting I jumped right into those concerns. I asked that two requests for funds be placed on hold and a legal opinion be sought from the Prosecuting Attorney. One of the requests was deemed appropriate, the other was not deemed legal.
In response to many public concerns about non-profit groups requesting funds for projects with little or no documentation and follow-up of what the funds were used for, I submitted a Funding Request Application packet to the Commission for approval. That policy was approved on a 2-1 vote and is now policy. Prior to its adoption there was no policy, and the county was out of compliance with requirements of the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office.
I have also addressed the West Virginia Open Meetings Act relating to executive sessions being routinely listed as meeting agenda items, which is itself a violation of the Act. Transparency in conducting the business of the people is essential to public trust.
The Commission is now dealing with two critical issues, consolidation of the two Public Service Districts and the Grantsville Water Department. The second being the American Medicines Company announcement of their intent to build a pharmaceutical factory in West Virginia providing five hundredjobs averaging $110,000 per year. Calhoun County has been asked to make a presentation to company officials outlining why the factory should be in Calhoun County.
These issues require strong and steady leadership on the Commission to bring both issues to successful conclusions. Our county is already experiencing a resurgence.
Arnoldsburg now has two medical clinics, a relatively new Family Dollar Store, and a new Dollar General Store under construction. Circle S Farms now occupies the former “Y” Restaurant building. Last year’s Molasses Festival was the largest in many years.
Grantsville has the 1982 Foundation’s Avalon Project of renovation and restoration of the former Calhoun High School campus, and the Town Park is now beautiful. The new swimming pool will officially open on Memorial Day Weekend. Several storefronts in the town have been painted in bright colors with more to come this, Summer. The Period Lamppost Project is in full swing with the order for lampposts being placed this week and installation to follow.
The past is gone, the future is bright for Calhoun County. I ask the Republicans and those Independents voting a Republican ballot for your vote on May 14th that I might be allowed to continue working hard for the great people of this county for the next two years.
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