TOWN MEETING TO BE HELD
Saturday, May 29, 1999
MARLOWE RURITAN MEETING
LEGISLATIVE RECAP
At both meetings, we recapped the recent legislative session.
Among legislation passed in 1999 were laws adding a fourth judge to the
Eastern Panhandle, legislation authorizing a roundhouse authority,
clarification of the open meetings law, wiretap authorization under very
controlled circumstances for first degree murder and obstruction of
justice, and state actions concerning the tobacco settlement. There was
good news in that there were no new taxes. Unfortunately, however, there
was no action taken to stop lawsuit abuse, either despite broad based
public support for many areas of tort reform.
Sen. Unger spoke on actions taken in the Senate. Included were
in-state tuition assistance for Air Guardsmen from out-of-state who
serve with West Virginia guard units; free tuition for seniors 65 and
older when space is available at state colleges and universities; an
increase for felony penalty for hit-and-run; and Promise Scholarships at
state colleges and universities for B or above students. No money has
been identified for the Promise program, but the legislation is in
place.
CITIZEN CONCERNS
Citizen concerns covered such items as the new workers compensation
formula and when
the state would "go after" out-of-state coal companies who owe the
state. I explained how
hard this can be as many large out-of-state companies sub-contract to
smaller in-state firms and this liability becomes harder to assess.
Education was also a much discussed issue at Marlowe. We explained
the state's school aid formula and how the formula had been changed to
more fairly fund school programs in growing counties such as those in
the Eastern Panhandle.
An increase in the availability of advanced technology,
particularly computers, in schools was a concern. An attendee suggested
approaching federal agencies, who are upgrading computers, in an attempt
to get excess equipment for the schools.
An aside to the education discussion was the fact that parts of
Berkeley county don't have all-day kindergartens, although with Potomack
Intermediate School, North Berkeley leads the county in adding this.
School consolidations in smaller/non-growth counties are using up funds
that could be used for the all-day kindergartens locally.
Progress on the Grade Road curve was also presented. The Division
of Highways has stated that design work is being finished and contracts
should be bid out this summer with construction fall. The status of Rt.
9, however, is still in limbo with groups continuing to block it. When
construction on that upgrade will begin is still up in the air based on
federal bureaucracies such as the Keeper of the Record.
On I-81 design work is being done for making the interstate six
lanes. Construction contracts could be bid this fall. The plan is to
keep two lanes open both ways as the third lane is added from the
median. A right shoulder lane will provide the second traffic lane
during construction.
Litter along county roads was an irritant to all in attendance.
Progress on the acquisition of a covert camera was presented. Half the
money for the camera has been collected. Suggestions to deal with
litter and literers ranged from heavier fines, to having jail trustees
pick-up trash, to having convicted litterer police littered roads.
Those interested in the litter problem are invited to join the
anti-litter team to assist in drafting legislation that might more
closely address the litter problem.
BAKER HEIGHTS MEETING
PROLIFERATION OF ALCOHOL
We repeated legislative results from this past session at the Baker
Heights Fire Station meeting. Again, the proliferation of
establishments selling alcoholic beverages was of great concern. Sen.
Unger reported that Senate Bill 459 died in committee. Frustration
about the licensing process was evident.
The inability of getting legislation passed to lower the BAC from
.1 to .08 was another area of frustration. Citizen input and
involvement at all levels and points in the licensing process are
essential if changes are to be made. Another possible solution to the
licensing problem would be for the County Commission to request the
Alcohol Beverage Control Administration put moratorium on new bars in
the county. Participation on the DUI team should help in drafting
appropriate legislation. The next DUI meeting is June 28 at 7:00 p.m. at
Brownie's Restaurant.
My appreciation goes out to all that attended and participated. If
you would like to be on my mailing list for future meetings, please send
me your name and address.
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