Editor:
I am writing in response to the report on the June 7th special meeting of the coun-ty commission which appeared in The Pocahontas Times in which I was portrayed as possibly impugning the integrity of the com- mission’s president, Walt Helmick. The meeting had been called for the express purpose of approving the purchase of property adjacent to the courthouse to be the site of a future courthouse annex building. There had been a sense of urgency in scheduling the meeting and in how it was to be conducted so that the project could proceed expeditiously. The agenda included the opportunity for public input – and I said I wanted to speak before the vote on purchasing the proposed property.
I recounted how, in 2010, the county commission decided to make needed repairs to the courthouse rather than move ahead with a proposed courthouse annex that was to be financed mostly with bonds. I then said, “Now, we have a situation where Walt Helmick, with about six months to go in his term, wants to buy a piece of property… to start work on his dream of a courthouse an-nex.” Apparently, my use of the word “dream” set him off by accusing me of accusing him of seeking personal gain by promoting the courthouse annex project. Decorum at the meeting quickly fell apart and Walt’s hope of getting approval to buy the property seemingly vanished when it became apparent he didn’t have the support he needed from the other commissioners. I did not imagine that opposing a new courthouse annex at a public meeting would be taken as a personal attack. To my mind, I was stating a personal opinion.
Walt Helmick has accomplished many great things which benefit the citizens of Pocahontas County with no hint that be benefited personally. Recently, he led the way in assuring the long-term financial solvency of Pocahontas Memorial Hospital. Years ago, while he was in the State Senate, he sponsored legislation so that rural counties would be funded for 1,400 students regardless of how few they actually have. Our school system now has fewer than 1,000 students but receives State funding for 1,400. Walt’s legacy won’t be diminished if a courthouse annex is not built.
Jay Miller
Hillsboro
