April is National County Government Month. In Monongalia County, all eighth grade students were invited to participate in an essay contest, writing about the benefits of our local Mon County Commission. Additionally, students at St. Francis learn the value of community and practice the concept of “service”. Writing the essay enabled students to research and focus on the question “How does my county commission make life better for me?”
This year, Caomi Fitz earned second place honors for her essay. We are proud of Caomi’s efforts and outstanding writing skills.
Caomi Fitz
3/22/15
How Does My County Commission Make Life Better For Me?
My county commission makes life easier for me by making ordinances that benefit the county, keeping contact with other miscellaneous authorities, boards, and commissions, and simply by being a source of information for anyone that needs it.
There are several beneficial laws passed by the county commission. Smoking in a building owned by the commission is illegal, which will keep me and others healthier and lower our risk of getting lung cancer. There is also a law that requires the commission to take care of the buildings and property that they own, which includes picking up trash in their public parks or recreation centers, taking care of the restrooms, and repairing any electrical problems whenever they occur. The commission now has the right to tear down unsafe buildings in the county. They even have that same authority over privately-owned buildings except for farm facilities or any building that would be considered unsafe to tear down. There is a danger with some old buildings that might release toxins, so the county is protecting us. As of now, they also have a law that states all large dogs running around and causing a commotion or mass destruction must be kept on a leash. Interestingly, I wonder if dogs on leashes are allowed such disruptive privileges?
The Board of Commissions also makes appointments with other miscellaneous authorities, boards, and commissions to help the county. These other entities include, but are not limited to, the Abandoned and Dilapidated Property Enforcement Agency, the Chestnut Ridge Camp Management Board, the Civil Service Commission for Deputy Sheriffs, the 4-H Youth Camp Commission, HIRT (Hazardous Incident Response Team), the Local Emergency Planning Commission, the Mason Dixon Park Board, and the Solid Waste Authority. Each of these aforementioned groups helps the county in some way, making our neighborhood an improved place to live for everyone.
The county commission office is a source of information for everyone who asks for help by answering questions and providing assistance where needed. Looking for a birth certificate, death certificate, or marriage license? Just call the main office of the county clerk. Needing to pick up an income tax form? Just go to the courthouse on the second floor in room 202. Looking for your missing dog who might have been picked up by a dog warden? Call the Monongalia County Canine Adoption Center. These are some of the real life questions answered by the county commission office.
As a valuable resource, the county commission office is available to answer any questions that arise. They will be happy to help in any way that they physically can, whether it is by making laws, communicating with other associations, or even simply pointing someone in the right direction for the help they need. I know that if I ever had a problem or question about my county, I always have a ready resource available in the form of my county commission.