letter
To the editor:
My name is Bobby Ford. I am a former Republican candidate running for Greenbrier County Commission on May 14, 2024 in Greenbrier County.
Previously, I worked as a county building code officer/building inspector for 12 years. During this time, I observed many changes, from good to not so good. My feeling is that the situation is getting worse. Proceedings that should be overseen by elected officials are being turned over to hired lawyers who are not accountable to the public.
The current board is guiding this unelected official through a process that is not streamlined, conducive to reopening the county, and not making it easy for contractors to do business in the county. I allowed that.
Our hardworking EMS providers are at a critical point where they almost fail. I don't mean to scare my friends and neighbors, but I want to remind you that it is past time for our county to commit to supporting the remaining three EMS agencies to avoid a system-wide collapse. I want you to understand. As things stand, we will be relying on outside agencies who promise to keep an ambulance here, but who will pull it in to cover other obligations outside the county. This is truly a top priority. These people deserve the attention of our committee.
Our fire department has been ignored with support from the county commission. The committee used to help pay the bills for each department. The money stopped. There is no support from the committee to help volunteers who give their time and resources to help us in times of need.
The current board wasted more than $3 million in arts and recreation funds on the development of a sports complex that never materialized. How is the complex progressing? What happens to the land if the complex fails?
Agencies and people are on the county board's agenda to be heard and discuss issues. The standard response is, “I need one of the committee members to put it on the agenda.” There are important issues that have not been on the agenda so far. This policy appears to limit people's voice and the ability for open government.
What is the real situation with the water projects that my opponents are talking about, especially against Alta? Has the project been submitted to tender? When will the tender be held? What is the expected completion date?
Everyone, I do not make politics my life's bread and butter. I am not a politician and have never held public office. There are many issues that require serious attention. I don't have the answers to them all, but with your vote and support, we can find answers to our problems and make our county better for everyone who lives, works, and visits here. We are committed to working with people who are willing to help.
Thank you for your consideration by May 14, 2024.
bobby ford