Gilmer Free Press

Poll Result: Gilmer County E-911 Center Poll Results

The E-911 Center, currently in Lewis County, can be brought back to Gilmer County.

Should the center be brought back to Gilmer County?

~~  Voter Comments ~~

•  why? There’s nothing here ....

•  Chapman voted it out last time.

•  We need to know the costs involved, cost to keep running, etc.

•  Should not have left county

•  But without higher taxes and county people to fill the jobs

•  Has anyone calculated if it really going to be any cheaper to operate here let alone the $700,000?

•  No taxes

•  It should NEVER have left!

•  Only if it can be proven to be less costly than it presently is.

•  Chapman killed 911 in Gilmer, gave it away!

•  Without levy

•  Let Gilmer County take care of thereself.

•  Option#2

 

The initial cost of the center can be paid for by one of the following two options:

Option #1 – Levy

• The levy would run for 4–years and fund the building and start-up costs.

• Tax rates would raise an estimated $3.84 per $1000.00 on Class II Property

• The estimated payoff would be $700,000 - $1,000,000

Option #2 – Financing

• The county would borrow an estimated $750,000 for a term of 15 years.

• The county would have the option to pay the loan off early with no penalties

• 911 fees, which citizens are currently paying on cell phones and land line phones monthly, would cover the yearly debt repayment

• No tax increases

 

 

~~  Voter Comments ~~

•  Use existing monies from phone services

•  We the people have voiced our opinion before but it did not seem to matter

•  Why spend all this in the first place?

•  This makes sense and would be the most efficient way to do this

•  911 is way MORE important than any finance deal for GSC!

•  A bond they can default on is better than paying tax

•  Option #2 - so everyone / especially those with Cell Phones will have to contribute! Far more people

•  Funding source for the Bond would ensure a more equitable contribution from all residents.

•  Option#2 We pay for 911 and that should go toward paying for the service in Gilmer county.

•  Use an existing building, there are lots of empty ones in Glenville

•  Pay enough taxes already

•  Why change it

* GFP: Results show ONLY the votes casted in Gilmer County

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It is certainly interesting, and noteworthy, that the peoples opinion, VOICED by a POLL seems to always directly conflict what the commission president wants or projects as the desired effect or result for the community.

Why do we have a county government with such president, directly in conflict with the people? Could it be the totalitarian regime in place for the last couple of decades?

WE ARE PRISONERS OF THE ELITE IN GLENVILLE!

This poll proves, that most county leaders need to be removed BECAUSE THEY DO NOT REPRESENT THE WISHES OF THE PEOPLE AT ALL!

LIES WERE TOLD TO GET ELECTED AND THEN ACTIONS WERE TAKEN IN DIRECT CONFLICT WITH PROMISES. HOW ABOUT THE 150 PEOPLE YOU KNEW MR. KENNEDY WHO WERE AGAINST THIS? WHAT HAPPENED TO THEM?

I feel the current county president should immediately resign his position. If he doesn’t we should ban together to remove him by means necessary.

Enough is enough, and anyone interested should attend the next meeting of the G.S.C. to also discuss this issue.

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Well, what about it Commissioners…Can you hear us now?

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We all figured that the “block of 150” was simply put, just the smelly stuff that bulls leave.

So much for “Common Sense”.

Its been obvious to residents for years that the Commissioners like Kight, Hess, Chapman have NOT acted in accordance of the peoples wishes.

This trio now has not only shown their disdain for the voters, they have succeeded very well in disgracing themselves.

Will they have the backbone now to stand up to the elites jerking their strings?  We will very shortly see!

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The purpose of the Gilmer Schools Coalition has been and always will be to support a superior education for the children of Gilmer County and throughout the state of West Virginia.  That some members made a personal decision to step into the political arena has never been a topic of discussion beyond honestly informing those present of such intentions.  We of the G.S.C. commend those who made the difficult decision to work for the community and certainly make no apology for their affiliation with the organization. That being said, there will be no discussion this evening involving voter decisions regarding elected offices.

Exchange of information, actions and ideas that assist in meeting Coalition goals are always on the agenda. All positions presented are important and will be treated with respect.

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Isn’t it interesting that when the county voted NOT to consolidate the schools, the state took over and decided to send half the kids to Lewis County.  Now what will happen when we know people want the 911 center back here, financed with a bond and not a levy?  Will the state come in and tell us we can’t do that?

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to Karen Pennebaker,
It is even more interesting that our county commissioners led by Brian Kennedy sat there and watch it happen and didn’t do a darn thing about it. I understand it was difficult for Ramsey fearing to lose his job with the school system, but Kennedy and Hess had absolutely no excuse.

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Or will the same tried and true method of non-compliance with state requirements be used giving that same old excuse of “we didn’t know”?
That’s how CUBE effected the takeover of the schools and that’s the only thing that can block bringing back 911. The difference is, that on this issue, being quiet and doing nothing will be costly for County Commissioners.  CUBE CEFP had nothing to lose but their self respect.

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Did not Gilmer County approach Lewis County some years ago to let us join their 911 center?  Gilmer wanted to have a center but could not afford one and Lewis had a center.  This center is only one of several that serves 2 counties. Examples are Doddridge/Ritchie and Wood/Wirt.  Does it really make any difference where the telephone is answered and the dispatcher is sitting? Why would one want to pay more taxes and/or borrow money to just to say the center is located in the county?
just wondering.

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TO:  Just Wondering.
Gilmer County 911 was given to Lewis County back in 1994 by former Commissioner Larry Chapman. It was not a decision that most Gilmer County taxpayers were pleased with or wanted. This same “former” commissioner is running again for the same office.  He and the President of the Gilmer County Commission says they want it back.  Election year remember?  He is riding the “fence” until he gets elected.  They said they had a “block” of 150 who did not want it back and they felt a poll should be taken.  It was taken and the people have spoken. We want a bond and to bring 911 back to our own county.  We’ll see!! This is the same two who without asking us the taxpayer they decided to back GSC for a $28 million dollar bond.

Yes, it does make a difference where the phone is answered and where the dispatcher is sitting.  We are giving everything to Lewis County. The dispatchers are mostly Lewis County. I’m sure we have ones from here who would love to work. One grocery store so where do people go to get cheaper groceries? Lewis County.  Where do people go to buy most necessities?  Lewis County.  Where do we go to buy furniture?  Lewis County.  Where are we sending our students from Sand Fork and Troy?  Lewis County.  Who is getting the NEW school?  Lewis County.  Who will have the final say and control of this school?  Lewis County. Where is our 911 Center?  Lewis Co.  When Gilmer is toned out, it sometimes is 3-5 minutes in between tones before it is toned again.  Lewis Co. they tone and usually after a minute or so they tone again.  But the tax dollars are going to Lewis County.  And people wonder WHY is Gilmer County citizens going elsewhere to work, shop, live?  Re-read what you just read if you still are unsure.  We need to take care of our own county first when and where we can.

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To just wondering:

There are several issues that have not been adequately addressed. Those with scanners may have heard some. Changes need to be made in the way dispatching is handled. So far with Lewis County in control that has not happened. That means second rate service for Gilmer County. At times Lewis County doesn’t dispatch the closest first responder organization. It is not known whether that is a software, a mapping or a management issue.

Ask anyone who has had difficulty getting an ambulance. Take a look at the official county road names and tell me you don’t see mistakes. Several in the county know the lead addressing coordinator recently lied to the county commission. Whether that was deliberate or from ignorance is unknown.

Our residents and first responders need the best service possible. We will never get that as long as Lewis County dispatches for us.

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The common denominator with the counties listed with combined services is low population.  It doesn’t make financial sense to duplicate services when they can be shared.  WV does not need 55 counties anymore and the move to consolidate government functions should be accelerated.  If you want to grow the county, start a business and hire people.  Don’t rely on the government to provide the jobs.  Take charge of your life and build something that will benefit your family and the county.  Find a way to capitalize on making the Gilmer/Lewis County area an economic empowerment zone.

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If indeed there are concerns with the dispatching protocols, perhaps the representatives that are from Gilmer County on the 911 center board address those.  It is my understanding that the county is represented by, county sheriff, county fire chief, county OES director, county commission, and county ambulance service director. This group of agency directors should voice those concerns.  Also all of the center’s open positions are advertised in local media outlets, anyone with the qualifications should apply for these. Still wondering if a $700,000 investment is necssary.

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These are the same two, “Chapman and Kennedy” who without asking us the taxpayer they decided to back GSC for a $28 million dollar bond.

THIS ABOVE STATEMENT PLAINLY AND RATHER SIMPLY SPELLS OUT THE PROBLEM FOR ALL TO SEE CLEARLY -KENNEDY AND CHAPMAN ARE NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PEOPLE - AND NEVER HAVE BEEN - THEY ARE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ELITE - AND SHOULD NO LONGER REPRESENT ANYBODY BUT DOG DOO DOO PICK UP - BOTH SHOULD BE IN CHARGE OF PICKING UP DOG DOO DOO AROUND TOWN -IN BIG BAGS AN MAKING SURE IT IS DISPOSED OF—THESE TWO ARE YES MEN FOR YOU KNOW WHO -AND MORRIS COLLEGE - IT IS PATHETIC BUT TRUE!

Gilmer County was duped by a Carpet Bagger drunk, and the elite, and the 28M bond is and was a SHAM and truly the tar and feather action is looking extremely attractive for the shysters that pulled the wool over everyone’s eyes.

Organization of the voters and immediate action needs to be taken, so that all non-beneficial actions cease and desist. We need to take our county back from the CROOKS from CROOKED COUNTY!!

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To just wondering:

Perhaps you should attend one of the meeting to see how many Gilmer County representatives show up. It would take a dedicated effort on the part of someone with the approval of the Gilmer County Commission to work with everyone involved to identify and develop the solutions to the problems.

The software used by the 911 center may be part of the problem along with addressing errors and issues involving bringing outside support into the county when it could be more expeditious. No one has reviewed that.

That is not going to happen with the current office and position holders. They do not have the time, the expertise or the interest.

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Mr. Jones, that was not the common denominator when our 911 was given away but seems to have in part been a contribution to what exists today.  Jobs mean people, people who will spend their money for that loaf of bread, milk, lunch meat or anything they’ve run out of (daily needs)and fill up with gas where it’s most convenient when they get off work. They want to get in, get out and go straight home. When people have to go out of town to work, they spend more income out of town. For people to raise their families here they must have good schools and work that doesn’t cost more to get to than it pays. Gilmer County needs 911 back and we need more than one school.  Calhoun County had 2 built with SBA funds and are building a third in Arnoldsburg predicted to hold more of our children with a bond they recently decided to pass.  They have less population and much poorer educational stats proved by audit.  How can the state justify permitting this? Calhoun’s budget certainly doesn’t.  Our board had over 2 million dollars set aside to offset the loss of guaranteed 1400 funding.  The state took control of our checkbook and is spending like drunken sailors using their Superintendent while they hold federal monies in the coffers that should have been distributed to the counties.  No, we need business to be conducted here and services paid for by our own dollars to be located here.  We will gladly dispatch for Lewis County but given all the influx of cash they’ve seen lately from the State, doubt they need it.

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Since ya’ll are talking about 911 - I’m wondering why, when a Gilmer County resident calls 911 - why does the DISPATCHER get to make a decision on whether or not to send a response car?  Several times I witnessed calls made from a person who felt she was in danger (and rightly so) only to be told by 911 that it was a “civil matter” and would not send a car.  So that must mean that if someone is involved in a civil matter and is threatened, there could not POSSIBLY be a danger????????????  Shouldn’t it be to respond, see what’s what and THEN make that decision??

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For Gilmer County,
I am all for GC having as many jobs as possible.  If they were private sector created jobs then they would likely be higher paying job.  The 911 jobs will likely be low paying jobs and only account for very few hires.  The focus should be attracting and creating private sector jobs to increase population and tax revenue.  GC residents are responsible for businesses leaving the county because they are able to drive to Lewis, Harrison and Wood Counties to do their shopping and dining.  As a taxpayer, I believe our state should be looking to consolidate services in small counties.  Lastly, it is difficult to expect county commissioners to oversee the welfare of the county when commissioners don’t have any professional experience.  It’s a difficult job that requires a certain level of professionalism to operate of large budget, human resources and long term planning without training and experience.

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Roy Jones, with all due respect.
Your comments are well thought out, and would be true in most of the rest of USA.  It’s obvious you do not understand the politics of Gilmer.  Apparently you do not live here and actually see what has happened for the last 30 or 40 years as well.
Making excuses for the commissioners gets us nowhere either.  They are well paid to do their job and do it right.  It only takes <i>>common sense< <i>and not being beholden to the money-ed up elites.
They have training sessions and conferences they can and do attend.  Obvious those sessions don’t get them away from following the elites instructions and wishes.
You are really off with your statement that “GC residents are responsible for businesses leaving the county.“  That is plain wrong.  It is the GC business owners who cause this.  The locally owned business drive the GC citizens to shop other places with their outdated and inefficient and greedy business practices. Yes, not all are this way.  Most would like to feel they could shop locally.
You do not realize the negative impact the school mess created by the CUBES and WVDOE has had on our community.  Look at the massive teacher/aide turnover we are having.  The GC reputation has been driven to a new low.
And, as far as job creation.  That has been a joke for years.  The same elites have controlled the local Economic Development Association for 20 years.  Nothing of note will happen there.  It hasn’t yet for sure.  With the school climate, the college climate, the elitist situation as it is, people will coming looking to start a business, look the politics over, and then run off.
As long as the local control factions remain in place, nothing will change.
We have over 20 years of proof.

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R Jones, 911 is lifesaving only when it affords rapid response. Consolidating health care and limiting access is not extremely effective for those not living in the chosen location.  But I agree certain “services” should be consolidated.  I don’t feel public education is a service since it is a legal requirement but higher education on the other hand may well benefit from consolidation in WV.  I did like the idea of regional DMV offices and thought that was a very smart move.  I feel the biggest cost saving consolidation would be at the Courthouse level.  We don’t need 55 offices to record deeds, birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc or to bill or collect taxes.  Records would be easier to locate at larger, centralized locations. The courts could certainly be combined to a few central locations.We do not need 55 sets of County Commissioners.

Yes, there is streamlining that could be very cost effective.

Central WV in general has been ignored by State Government and ran by political agendas. Random selection for elimination based solely on population and yet not solely on population as evidenced by permitting 3 Calhoun County schools when they have been “smaller” than Gilmer for years or 4 new schools and a remodel in Lewis when they barely double our population is just more proof of that.Let’s not take the human out of the human equation especially when it comes to public health and public education. Gilmer County needs those jobs and many more.  We don’t need an under qualified highly over paid and bloated government.