Feb. 12, 2007
 
Rainelle Businessman Speaks Up in February 10 E-mail to Greenbrier County Commissioner Brad Tuckwiller
 
SUBJECT: QUESTIONS FOR OUR COMMISSIONERS
 
Mr. Tuckwiller,
 
I hope you get this e-mail and would kindly make a reply to me. I have a few areas of interest and would beg your attention to them. I most of all, say what I say in due respect to you and the other commissioners.
 
I have been reading the formulation of the ideas of the commissioners of the Greater Greenbrier Valley and find some things that are very disturbing to the folks on this end [western] of the county. I first noticed a petition at the Sam Black Convenience Service Station of the intent of the commissioners and the displeasure of this end [western] of the counties residents. I begin to see a neglect to my end [western] of the county by our commissioners from the Lewisburg Area. I'm not sure what favor Mrs. Crookshanks [Commissioner Betty Crookshanks from Rupert] can bring to the commission meetings (I say this in great respect) due to the fact that she voted against moving the magistrates offices to the Lewisburg area.
 
I must add a few other areas in which I find interest. The Sam Black Church area should have long ago had water and sewage installed. That would have projected large dividends for this end of the county and for Lewisburg also. When I see thousands of dollars thrown uselessly away for swimming pools by people who can't manage them and when I see thousands of dollars thrown to architects and planners for future gob burning plants, and to see as yet, no fruitation to these decisions (I know I must maintain patience in this area). What on earth is happening to our commissioners when we elect them to oversee, to build, to maintain, to disperse fairly and equitably the many millions of dollars pouring into our county.
 
The taxes of many hard working Greenbrier Countians and many that have worked the coal fields, and timber yards, are collectively bargained into a pool for one part of the county. Sir, I don't understand this type of business management. I have managed my business for many years and have found that when funds are dispursed, into areas that need them the most, the profitable assets grow over the entire needed area. Yet, from what I see happening in our beautiful county, and from the articles published in our newspapers (Beckley Register-Herald) I see that the area of Lewisburg grows by leaps and bounds and yet the informal meetings, that are held by your department, comfort, build and support the eastern end of the county. The commissioners vote on a majority rule and due to this most hazard type of government rule, our west end commissioner has no say, no vote nor actual responsibility in decisions that eventually favor the Greater Greenbrier Valley businessmen and residents.
 
Sir, you say that you "have little sympathy for making things convenient for the folks who have frequent appearances before the magistrates, the chronic law breakers, while sacrificing staffing, security, recordkeeping and other operational efficiencies." How many years have we had this department in Rupert? Do the magistrates from Rupert live in Rupert or Lewisburg? What good has it done and is the Rupert office giving to the folks on the western end of the county? Would the cost incurred by moving the office, outweigh the sensible decision to leave it where it's at? Or is it of more convenience to build bigger buildings on Court Street (thereby gathering larger grants from the federal government) and housing this entire complex into one and using taxpayers' hard earned money to rent buildings that are possibly owned by attorneys, or other business people in the Lewisburg area? I feel, sir, that this would be very convenient.
 
I realize that you have supported money appropriated to Rainelle for a swimming pool, which is not in use. I realize that you have supported money for the power plant coming to Rainelle (It will make millions for the tax pool). Yet, no public statements are forthcoming in letting us know the current status. Is the plant going to be taxed beyond limits by the B&O [in Rainelle] or is that rumor? Can you stop such rulings if this is the case? What are the future plans for Rupert, Rainelle and Quinwood in helping economize and grow our areas? A few new street lamps would be great for these three towns. Would you favor such a vote?
 
I have many questions sir, but can't lay them at your doorstep at this time, but I know I must remain vigilant in seeing that our towns are incorporated into your tax plans. Otherwise, we can close our street gates and let Lewisburg harbor the spoils. Could you give the residents (of interest) the total dollar comparison (Rupert or Lewisburg) in your decision to move this office? Could you give us the name of property owners benefiting from the location in Lewisburg? Would you publish this through the Beckley Register Herald or mail all the taxpayers in Greenbrier County this information?
 
Mr. Tuckwiller, I feel this information would be helpful in securing your decision and to settle our minds as to whether this is a just and competent decision by our elected officials of this great county. If Rupert, Quinwood and Rainelle continue to deplete at the rate in which we are going, then I feel that your commission won't have to worry about whether we have a magistrates office, town hall, or any government at all. But yet, I must say that I feel the commissioners of your town are creating this at a greater rate, and its saddening to those who have worked so hard. Sir, I don't want to go back to the 1750s as it was in Lewisburg then. What I've worked for, I want to keep and owe no man anything. But at the same time, I want to keep Greenbrier Countians free and freeborn.
 
Thank You,
 
Martin Rudd
Businessman
Rainelle, WV
 
P.S. I wrote Mrs. Crookshanks last week and have not heard from her at this point in time.