As I look back on this past year, many thoughts and emotions run through me. 

There were contentious times when it seemed to me so much was on the line.  Things didn’t always turn out the way I might have hoped.  There were fulfilling times when I felt we accomplished so much, especially for our service groups and organizations; it is always a pleasure to be able to financially assist worthwhile community projects.  And I know through working with fellow commissioners Martin Saffer and Jamie Walker that they, too, had the privilege and burden of experiencing the same sorts of ups and downs.  It is a tough, and rewarding, job.  And I know I speak for them both when I say we all enjoy it.  That might seem hard to believe, at times, but we do.  We are glad to serve you.

The elections in May and November have shown us who will be leaving public office, and who will be returning or beginning anew.  For those leaving office, I have fond and bittersweet thoughts and feelings.  I have very much enjoyed working alongside Kathy Beverage and Janet Kershner-Vanover.  I remember our many conversations, and have always had high regard for them and the tough job they performed both day and night.  Donna Meadows Price was always very courteous and professional with me as our prosecuting attorney.  I cannot imagine the pressure that job can put upon an individual.  I wish each of them peace, and I will miss them all.

And then there is Martin.  My friend and comrade with whom I have had many a pleasurable experience advancing the good for Pocahontas County, and with whom I have had many a disagreement.  I don’t know that I can sufficiently describe the unique privilege it has been to serve with one so intelligent and concerned for both environment and community as Martin.  I will miss him greatly.

In my first and fast four years as a county commissioner, I could not have prepared myself for the rapid change in faces and issues that - I have come to learn - takes place in public service to the county.  And I think that if I am learning anything, it is that I cannot truly know what issues will come in 2013.  However, one thing we do know now is the team.  We know the faces, familiar and new, that will lead our county government into and through 2013.
I am eager to continue, to begin again, with Dolan Irvine as our new county commissioner.  Undoubtedly his long- standing experience in county matters is something from which both Jamie and I will learn much.  Gene Simmons returning as prosecuting attorney after a long hiatus brings elements of both old and new; i.e. his depth of experience in the office and us working alongside one another for the first time.  And our new magistrates Carrie Wilfong and Cynthia Broce Kelley will face new challenges as they bring fresh thinking to the magistrate court process.  Tom Lane as our new assessor ensures that property owners will continue to benefit from the collective experience his team possesses.

Just as looking back throughout 2012 brings many thoughts and feelings to bear, looking forward to 2013 does the same.  And we all, both old and new, enjoy the privilege and the opportunity to serve you, once again and for the first time.

As always, the Pocahontas County Commission serves you.  Sign up at www.PocahontasCountyCommission.com to receive agendas via email, and please contact us anytime with your questions, thoughts and concerns.  I can be reached at 304-456-4016 or fleming42@gmail.com, Commissioner Martin Saffer at 304-653-4418 or martinsaffer@frontiernet.net, and Commissioner Jamie Walker at 304-799-0864. 

Our assistant Sue Helton can be reached at 304-799-6063 or shelton1@assessor. state.wv.us.