In the just concluded legislative session there were several good pieces of legislation passed by both houses that were vetoed by the governor. The Republicans are in control of both houses and Governor Tomblin, of course, is a Democrat. I feel fairly confident that if the situation were reversed - that is if the Democrats were in control of the legislature with a Republican governor that the Democrats would be throwing around the “obstructionist” label. Just saying.

The West Virginia legislative session in Charleston is now over - the first session in more than eighty years with a Republican majority in both houses. While it did not quite live up to the hype, it was for the most part a positive session with what might be called “baby steps” in the right direction. On balance, this session potentially lays the groundwork for good things to come.

Impact fees are aptly named. They are so called because they are supposed to mitigate the “impact” of economic development. (Gee, I grew up thinking that economic development is a good thing!). However, impact fees in turn have an impact on the economy and growth and it is hard to make the case that it is a positive one. Here in Jefferson County, impact fees have been implemented to fund school construction and to fund various services in the county, including fire and rescue, emergency medical services and law enforcement. The “non-partisan” League of Women voters has even proposed additional impact fees to fund library construction.

Previously I had written about the Jefferson County Emergency Services and the ambulance fee/tax based on conversations with Ramona Wesling, a concerned citizen that has been attending the monthly meetings. Based on those conversations I wrote the following: “Commissioner Jane Tabb is the county’s representative on the JCESA Board. However, the president of the JCESA Board and another board member have stepped down and as a result, Commissioner Tabb is now the president of the JCESA as well as serving as the county commission’s representative on the board. Does this not seem odd? I also find it odd that the Commission’s attorney is also its chief administrator. Initially the title was ‘acting’ chief administrator. Now the assignment is permanent. Is the dual role still in effect?”

The ambulance fee/tax is an issue that appears to gather more complexity as time goes on. I recently had a conversation with Ramona Wesling, a concerned citizen who has been attending Jefferson County Emergency Services Administration meetings. I have to admire her perseverance and dedication to following this issue through. I am ever skeptical of government provided services and Wesling’s observations have done nothing to allay my apprehensions in this regard.

On most of the roads that enter our state there can be seen a sign saying “West Virginia - Open for Business”. According to the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WVSBDC), which is supported by the West Virginia Development Office, “Starting a business can be gratifying…the WVSBDC will help you quickly and easily find the information you need to launch your business and keep it growing.  Federal statistics show that small business owners fuel the state’s economy and, in fact, 97 percent of West Virginia companies are classified as small businesses”.