POLICE DOG "JERRO" PETITION PRESENTED

At the beginning of the meeting at the Bedington Ruritan, Dorothy Snow of the K-9 Replacement Fund Committee, presented a petition of over 3,000 signatures to reinstate "Jerro" the police dog. Jerro was paid for and trained through donations from residents of Berkeley County. I presented the petition to Governor Underwood and State Police Superintendent Edgell. Jerro's return to duty is expected soon.

GRANDPARENTS RIGHTS

Additional citizen concerns brought up at the Bedington meeting were grandparent visitation rights and concern that many new businesses opening in Berkeley County are not using resident companies for purchase of goods and services. I acknowledged the positive influences grandparents can exert on children involved in custody battles between separating and divorcing parents. Many state and county services can be of assistance in insuring that grandparents continue to play an important role in the children's development.

On the issue of companies not taking advantage of local goods and services brought up by a local businessman, I will assist in calling attention to the fact that spending dollars in local establishments would be beneficial to both the companies and local merchants.

ROUTE 9 MAP AT FIRE STATION

Route 9 was of major concern to citizens at the Baker Heights Fire Station meeting. I explained the process for deciding the final right-of-way. The main concern expressed was the question of when the final decision would be made so that citizens could plan accordingly. I related a recent meeting with State Highway officials and also touched on the proposal to construct a Martinsburg by-pass from near the Opequon River crossing by Route 9 to Edwin Miller Boulevard north of the city. There is a good possibility that the by-pass would be completed before the upgrade to Route 9.

Also discussed at the Baker Heights meeting was the legislative proposal to repeal the current regulation requiring the wearing of a helmet by motorcyclists. Most people at the meeting felt that the helmet requirement should be retained.

VETERANS VIEW CENTER FAVORABLY

At the January 12 meeting at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, I discussed the treatment of the residents. Those who attended said they found the facility more than adequate and very good in most cases. I don't feel that the public expresses their appreciation often enough for the sacrifices made by our veterans. The veterans who attended the meeting said this was the first time in their recollection that anyone in my position has visited the Center to seek their opinions.

The issue of taxes was the main concern of those at the Marlowe Ruritan Town Meeting on January 17. I restated my pledge to resist efforts to increase taxes. If changes in the tax structure could be made where increase in taxes in one area were offset by a comparable or greater decrease in another area, I will consider it. As example is that West Virginia has no taxes on smokeless tobacco products. I suggested as a revenue neutral tax change the possibility of implementing taxes on smokeless tobacco products while at the same time lowering them on other items.

FOOD TAX CONCERNS

The 6% food tax was one mentioned as a possible area where taxes could be lowered. I also explained my support for legislation requiring a super-majority vote before any additional taxes can be levied. Also discussed was the subject of Sunday hunting. Many pros and cons were presented and the group appeared split on the issue.

Another tax issue discussed at the Marlowe meeting was the return of budget revenue excesses. Many in attendance expressed concern that government cannot always be trusted not to spend windfall monies. While provisions for a rainy-day fund are in place, many felt that the money should be returned to the taxpayer as a tax cut on their yearly taxes or through other tax reductions.

CITIZENS POLL RESULTS GIVEN TO ALL LEGISLATORS

The questions on the Citizens Polls were discussed at each meeting. As in the past, I will share the results of the polls with the other legislators in Charleston. The results will also be provided to the citizens of Berkeley County. These meetings are an opportunity for the voters to express directly to me their concerns and suggestions. These four meetings were particularly important since they occurred just before the legislature was beginning for 1998. Thanks to all of you who attended and participated!