Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the 56th Annual Conference of the West Virginia Municipal League in Morgantown. The conference is always packed full of workshops, panel discussions and materials that address community problems. If I have learned one thing from attending the WVML conferences, it is that each town and city has the same issues and problems. The difference in the size of the problem is determined by the size of the municipality.
Tuesday morning, fresh off his Monday visit to our County Clerk’s office in Marlinton, Lee Dean, with the Secretary of State’s office, sang a song at the opening session. The Morgan- town Mayor (of one month), Danielle Trumble, recalled her first WVML conference while greeting league members.
Beginning conference topics included implementation of Senate Bill 50, titled “sync or swim.” A topic you will soon be hearing more about. Also, Laken Sheets is a cyber security specialist from Marshall University. She talked about “Risk to Resilience” and guarding against system takeovers.
I was impressed by WV State Treasurer’s Larry Pack’s remarks. He shared a broad background that suits him in his present position. MetroNews Talkline host and Veteran Broadcaster Hoppy Kercheval was there and shared his positive thoughts on the future of West Virginia.
One session advised a “Saner way for Class III & IV cities to run Town Meetings.” It seems more municipalities are moving away from Roberts Rules of Order.
Other topics were “Avoiding Pitfalls,” “ From Liability to Viability,” “Flood Resiliency,” and the “Housing Supply Issues of our Towns.” Meeting representatives from the National League of Cities will be of benefit in the future.
Last, but not least, Charleston Mayor Amy Goodwin was sworn in as the new president of the league for the next year.
On a personal note, that makes me smile, Mayor Amy and I served on a webinar panel about a year ago. Before starting our sessions, she told me that she and her family had recently visited Pocahontas County, and her son said; “Mom – Marlinton may be my favorite city.” Mayor Amy quickly replied, “what did you say?”
Her son instantly got it and followed up with, “Marlinton is my second favorite city to visit!”
Until next time.
Sam
