Much like the first Town Hall held a few weeks ago, Ridgeview News prepared for the unexpected, but unfortunately got the expected. Low attendance. But before you think that this is a negative report on the Town Hall Event, think again.
Low attendance doesn’t mean anything if the attendance you have are intelligent citizens who ask all the right questions and prove their purpose in attending, which was to become informed.
There are few rising stars coming up in our community that are out to make a positive change. Eric Lupardus is one such individual who owns and operates The Outdoor Store in Arnoldsburg, WV on Route 33/119. He was asked to speak at the Town Hall because the decisions voters and elected officials make determine whether or not this County moves forward into a viable market to attract businesses and new people to the area and help established business survive.
Eric spoke to the positive response the creation of a Chamber of Commerce had received. A group of business leaders who want to be schooled on the proper way to conduct a business organization that will best serve the community. Like the Town Hall, area businesses want to start a conversation where problems can be aired and addressed and with cooperation, solved. This is the same conversation we need with the current officials in office. Which is why they were invited to attend the town hall as well. Yet only two opted to accept the invitation which was Magistrate Richard Postalwait and School Board member Hortz Motz. Both of which spoke candidly about the positions they hold.
Mr. Motz , who is running for re-election for the Calhoun School Board, unopposed, questioned that people have issues with the Schools, as was spoken of at the Chamber of Commerce meeting the night before. Eric responded by saying that those at the chamber meeting had shared experiences of bullying and other matters that were not addressed by the school. Eric felt that the business could take a proactive approach when the community faces issues to help the school address the problems as community leaders.
Crystal Mersh, 1982 Foundation President, urged all that attended not to be overwhelmed by the change initiative that is taking place in Calhoun County or become hyper sensitive to the issues, but to have eyes wide open, understanding that differing opinions will happen.
Others spoke about being new to the area and how very well they were received. One person in attendance was Jeremiah Patton of the Arnoldsburg area, who just moved from Connecticut. He asked the leaders in attendance to ”help us understand,” what’s happening in the county and what the roles of area leaders are.
The lack of attendance by other candidates allowed Craig Arthur to once again shine in the spotlight. It’s not that the community doesn’t understand busy lives, we too are busy. But community meetings are an opportunity to address the citizens and listen to their concerns. Unfortunately, and as it has been in the past, it didn’t fall on deaf ears, the concerns fell on no ears. Absence speaks as loud as words.
When asked how we will keep the momentum up in Calhoun County that is currently going on and how will you connect with Charleston and other agencies, rather than just waiting for the ARPA funds to show up? Craig answered, “I want to have a presence in Charleston and I want to get involved. I just resigned my position as a teacher at Calhoun Middle High School and I’m committed to running for Commission.
Jeremiah Patten questioned him as to how he will deal with the people who don’t want change? and what has held up business progress. Craig’s response was to speak of what he called the Power 5. A select group of people in the community that doesn’t want change. That control needs to stop and if they’re in office they need out.”
Rick Postalwait asked Craig what he thought about the current wage of a Deputy Sheriff in Calhoun County, pointing out that a gas attendant at a Sheetz Gas station makes more money on the hour than someone we expect to wear a gun and defend our county.
Craig suggested that there are things going on that are not transparent within our county government. We need to know where funds are going and look for ways to support betters wages.
Rick Postlwait pointed out that the current Levy (although it’s a requirement) cannot support two deputies and has not been raised for greater than 20 years.
Other matters brought up by Crystal Mersh was that there was no mention of Amendment 1, Senate Bill 2, nor Senate Bill 21. Amendment Number 1, labeled the “Property Tax Modernization Amendment,” will be on the November ballot in West Virginia. This would amend the State Constitution by providing the Legislature with authority to exempt tangible machinery and equipment personal property directly used in business activity and tangible inventory personal property directly used in business activity and personal property tax on motor vehicles from ad valorem property taxation.
Senate Bill 2 was rejected but the purpose of this bill was to create additional eligibility verification for benefits, reduce the maximum duration of benefits period, and implement a system to link the duration of benefits to state economic performance.
The purpose of Senate Bill 21 bill is to prohibit the net enrollment be set below 1,200 students.
Those decisions directly impact the well being of finances and families in Calhoun County. Yet, current leadership never acknowledged them as issues or needing to be addressed in Charleston. Calhoun has always been low in priority for state and national attention, as said by Tony Morgan in his letter to the Calhoun Chronicle when he stated ”I think we can all agree that this is a much better way to handle this, rather than involve state government or federal government in local affairs.”
The reality is, State and Federal agencies are involved in our community, and their decisions are not always in our best interest. And if local officials are not aware of these matters, our people suffer. We need a voice for Calhoun County. Who that is going to be will be determined on May 10.
Invitations had not only gone out locally but to district and state candidates as well with attendance by only one who had been invited. Lacy Watson, Democratic Congressional Candidate for District One.
While it was an honor to have Mr. Watson and his wife attend the meeting, of the residents in attendance he was not well received with regard to his green policy promotion. When asked by Eric Lupardus how he would address the loss of oil and gas jobs in our community, Mr. Watson spoke more about Climate Change and the need to make large corporations increase their wages for a better life. He did speak of a clog in the system where money could not trickle down from DC into areas like ours, and the need to get State representation into local communities and conversations going. All great points, but the proof of that from the County to Washington DC is going to be what happens after May 10, election day.
For more information on Lacy Watson, check out his website at www.votelacy.com
A survey was conducted online and at the town hall. The results from that survey are as follows:
Question 1: How would rate Calhoun County’s Current Leadership?
- 45% – We need new people
- 21 % – I’m not at all satisfied with their performance
- 33% – They do the best with what they have
- 0% – I think they’re awesome
- 1 % – did not answer
Question 2: Are you voting in the May 10, 2022 Primary election?
- 98% – yes
- 2% – No
Question 3: How aware are you of what occurs within the county government?
- 0% – I am totally unaware of how our county Government is ran, and do not try to understand
- 1% – I attempt to be informed but I do not feel comfortable asking questions
- 69% – I feel there is not enough transparency of information made available
- 30% – I seek and find the information I need to stay informed
Question 4: What Media Source do you depend upon for your local information?
- 40% – Ridgeview News
- 35% – Calhoun Chronicle
- 24% – Facebook
- 1% – Local Gossip
Question 5: Ranking Elected Officials with regard to trust in their ability to do what they were elected to do.
- Jason Nettles: 45% no trust, 35% No opinion, 5% Somewhat trustworthy, 10% Trustworthy
- Jean Simers: 60% no trust, 20% No Opinion, 0% Somewhat trustworthy, 20% Trustworthy
- Shelia Garretson: 20% no trust, 60% No Opinion, 2% Somewhat trustworthy, 18% Trustworthy
- Lora Davis: 0% no trust, 49% No Opinion, 2% Somewhat trustworthy, 49% Trustworthy
- Rick Postalwait: 0% no trust, 35% No Opinion, 5% Somewhat trustworthy, 65% Trustworthy
- Nigel Jeffries: 15% no trust, 65% No Opinion, 5% Somewhat trustworthy, 15% Trustworthy
- Warren Basnett: 30% No trust, 33% No Opinion, 2% Somewhat trustworthy, 35%% Trustworthy
Question 6: What do you believe is our most critical need in Calhoun County?
- 40% – New Business Recruitment
- 30% – Help for existing businesses
- 10% – Focus on Tourism and traffic creation for the county
- 20% – Provide attractions for new businesses and families (parks, recreation, schools)
Question 7: Was this town hall informative and will you attend in the fall
- 2% didn’t attend
- 1% said it was not informative and they would not attend the fall event
- 97% said it was informative and they would attend the fall event.
This survey was by no means a scientific survey, with a low attendance at the event and a low response on line, the survey pool was limited. But what it does show, and what everyone should take heart in, Is that this was the opinion of people who cared enough to attend or send me their answers, and is very likely the consensus of many others.
