by Ron Gregory
ronjgregory@gmail.com
A well-known Mingo County man is being accused of removing political signs around the county, according to courthouse sources.
A picture of what is allegedly the man’s truck was provided to the Corridor Chronicle this week. Parked near the courthouse, the truck clearly has a number of political signs on its exterior. These include Prosecuting Attorney Teresa Maynard, Assessor Ramona Mayhon and County Commissioner John Mark Hubbard, all candidates for re-election in the May Democrat primary.
Visible in the back of the truck, however, are signs urging the re-election of County Clerk Big Jim Hatfield and Magistrate Jim Harvey. According to some who posted the photo on social media, the truck belongs to Gary Stepp. Those making comments say Stepp does not support either Hatfield or Harvey. They maintain Stepp and others are among those who they accuse of removing opposition signs throughout the county.
One courthouse source said the photo shown and other pictures “have been turned over to law enforcement.”
While removing signs from public right-of-ways is likely not a criminal offense, taking them from private yards without the homeowner’s permission would be, a Charleston attorney said this week.
“Technically,” he said, “nobody is supposed to place any signs on public right-of-way or public property. A person’s private property is another matter, though. Only the property owner can legally remove a sign from their residence or business.”
While the removal of signs is likely as old as politics itself, some candidates and others over the years have been prosecuted for doing so. A Kanawha County politico spent jail time several years ago for such activities.
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In addition, the value of yard signs is always questionable. An old political axiom says, “signs don’t vote.” And they do not. However, in 1999 I fully believe Charleston’s former Municipal Judge, Jay Goldman, had the Democrat primary won over then-current Mayor Kemp Melton months before the election thanks in part to Goldman yard signs sprinkled all over the city.
Yard signs do mean that the person living at that location is, at least, going to vote for the candidate listed. So, they do have some value.
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Although it appears the greatest issue of the campaign season has now been solved, I believe we may have a solution to the economic downturn in the Mountain State. Little did any of us in other locations realize the real value of being named a poll worker in a West Virginia election.
With all the bluster created by Gilbert Mayor Vivian Livingood about those chosen to work the polls, it is now apparent to all of us at every level just what a job-producer poll working can be. Since West Virginia’s economy is going down the tubes at an unprecedented pace, it is time for Governor Earl Ray Tomblin to take advantage of what may be the greatest jobs program the state can offer.
Inasmuch as folks are backing up in line to fill poll worker positions in Mingo and collect that outrageous sum of $175, maybe there are folks everywhere who would be saved from financial ruin if named to a poll worker position.
I suggest Tomblin bring in his Commerce Secretary, Keith Burdette, whose economic claim to fame is bankrupting his family business in Wood County. Together, Tomblin and Burdette could unveil the “West Virginia Poll Worker Express” bus. Buses could then be stationed geographically throughout West Virginia to hire poll workers in all parts of the state.
Until we try it, nobody knows how many starving Kanawha Countians would be willing to ride the bus to Mingo and work as a poll worker on election day. There’s no doubt $175 can buy a bunch of Vienna wieners.
Similar operations could be launched to take Clarksburg residents to Pocahontas County. There’s no estimate of the economic impact of such a program.
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I said it earlier but will mention it again: anyone who thinks a poll worker at a precinct can control the vote outcome from that precinct is simply living in the dark ages. At one time, I could have told you all the ways poll workers could get votes for favored candidates. Today, it cannot be done.
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Rare, indeed, is the candidate who is effective with door-to-door campaigning. Like anything else, meeting strangers one-on-one takes a special talent. In fact, there has to be some of a natural salesman in the effective politician who walks the neighborhoods.
Some candidates truly lose more votes than they can possibly win by going door-to-door. And even elementary level political consultants advise against any more than one candidate campaigning in a group. Still, for whatever reason, some in Mingo continue the practice. It is a mistake.
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In answer to the age-old question, “do you support everything the Mingo County Commission does,” the answer is “of course not.” On the matter of poll workers, though, the Commission and its staff appears to have handled it correctly. Enough said.
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And certainly neither I nor anyone else should be criticizing County Clerk Hatfield on the poll worker situation. I see no possibility that his office made any errors.
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Is it possible that a potential poll worker received a questionnaire form about working in the 2016 election and misread it to say he or she had been appointed to do so? Yes. The cover letter written by County Administrative Assistant Tina Abbott might have been a bit clearer and even she admits that.
Still, the letter begins with, “We appreciate you previously working with us and would like to know IF (emphasis added) you would be interested in working this election as well.” It seems the “if” would make it clear that no appointment had as yet been made.
Regrettably, the follow-up letter formalizing the appointments says “you have been chosen as an alternate instead of a poll worker ….” It can be imagined that someone takes that sentence, totally out of context, to mean there was a previous appointment in the current election. That there was not should have cleared up any confusion but apparently did not.
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A wild rumor spreading last week was that Greenbrier Resort owner Jim Justice, when he secures the Democrat gubernatorial nomination on May 10, will bring in Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump the next day for an endorsement.
Trump, according to the tale-waggers, would fly onto the lawn of the Greenbrier, go inside to meet with Justice and then the two would walk out arm-in-arm to declare their new alliance.
While I don’t expect that to happen, remember where you first read it.
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State Senator Art Kirkendoll is a legendary Logan County Commissioner whose work brought his county to the head of the class. From public water projects to emergency services and beyond, Kirkendoll has always been a mover-and-shaker.
I have repeatedly told those who want to know “who should I talk to at the statehouse” that Kirkendoll is the key contact. If it can be done, Kirkendoll knows how to do it.
For all the right reasons, then, Kirkendoll deserves another term as a State Senator and we endorse his re-election in the Democrat primary.
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So too, Boone County’s Assessor is a living legend in public service. Now, Jennings Miller wants to vacate the Assessor’s office and relocate to his former position as Sheriff. There is no reason to attempt to humiliate current Sheriff Randall White, undoubtedly a good man.
But Miller is simply better. His hands-on approach to law enforcement, combined with his institution of educational programs that bring youth and elderly citizens on board his policing policies, make Miller the obvious choice for Sheriff.
He deserves your vote and support on May 10.
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Former State Senator Joe Minard looked quite chipper a couple of weeks ago when I saw him in Charleston. Minard, whose last role was as State Senate Clerk, has filled an interim appointment as a Harrison County Commissioner.
Minard is a great public servant but his bigger claim to fame is having one of the best Italian restaurants anywhere. In Clarksburg, where Italian establishments flourish, it is Minard’s specialties and salads that win the day.
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Those who wonder can be assured that there will be endorsements for virtually all offices we cover in Boone, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan and Mingo counties. We may well urge voters to refrain from voting for any candidate in some races, but that will be rare.
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Your comments, story ideas, gossip and detailed descriptions of how poll workers can STILL steal elections are welcome. (Incidentally, does that mean the politicos upset that THEIR buddies have not been chosen as poll workers are simply concerned that THEY cannot steal votes?) Use my email listed or call my cell, 304-533-5185.