Happy New Year!! I am sure you have all been offered this phrase once or twice, so I would like to be the last to offer it to you one more time. We are in to a New Year, that of 2013, one that is already filled with change. I am assuming the office of President of our Association with the departure of Ms. Cindy Pyles. I would like to offer Cindy my personal thanks and gratitude for leading our organization with class, intelligence and great direction. Thank you and the best of luck to you in all your endeavors.

We have a full plate to deal with as Commissioners, and we WILL continue moving forward with our agenda. Each and every one of you have the responsibility of representing your constituency to the best of your ability, and I hope you will do the same for your OWN organization, the County Commissioner’s Association of West Virginia! We have our Legislative Conference in late February, giving us the opportunity to discuss our legislative agenda with our representatives from across the State in a face to face setting. There is no better way to promote our ideas, other than speaking with them on a one on one basis.

Again, with the change I mentioned earlier. It is my responsibility to name a Vice President to fill that position until our Annual Meeting in August of 2013. I have appointed Nancy Cartmill, President of the Cabell County Commission, to do so. It is my hope that each of you will work with Nancy and I, and allow us to work with you, to continue moving our Association forward in a positive direction for our Counties and our constituency.

Have a great 2013, stay healthy, and let’s do what we need to do!!!!