Commission Looks to Future

Encouraged by the accomplishments in 2008, Pocahontas County Commissioners share an optimistic outlook for 2009 and their goals for the county.

According to Commissioner Rita Griffith, one goal of the commission is to get an annex to the county courthouse, "but it's more than a year's goal," Griffith said.

The annex, according to Griffith, would better secure the courthouse and provide more storage.

"The economy will factor into that project," Griffith said, "But we've been good stewards and over the years have been able to save quite a sum to start the annex."

Commissioner Martin Saffer hopes to see the establishment of the New River Community College store front in Marlinton which will provide a distance learning center and counseling for those interested in college.

"Because water is an important resource element in future planning, I am hopeful the Elk Headwaters Watershed Association will continue to meet and provide a model for bottom-up planning," Saffer said. "The commission needs to refocus on the economy, waste and having money in reserve for new initiatives."

Newly elected Commissioner David Fleming said his goal is to restore trust in Pocahontas County government.

"Our approach to communication and transparency needs a complete reworking in order to re-establish that trust," Fleming said.

The new commissioner also wants to bring technology-based industry to Pocahontas County - a place he sees as geographically ideal for the opportunity.

"The poor economy will make these challenges more difficult," Fleming said. "We will possibly have less to work with, but now is the time to plant the seeds for the next economic harvest.