The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

April 22, 2009

Area leaders gather for municipal training

Jessica Farrish

The Sophia Training Center will be hosting municipal training for city officials from Raleigh, Fayette, Greenbrier and Nicholas counties today.

According to Phyllis Rose, spokesperson for the STC, the training covers the laws and rules that operate within West Virginia for municipal government, including conflict resolution, licenses and taxes on alcohol, private clubs, hotel taxes and economic development.

Raleigh County Commission president John Humphrey will be lecturing the officials attending the event, and the West Virginia Municipal League donated books, Rose said.

The goal of the training is to equip community leaders and members with what they need to run their local governments efficiently and effectively and promote economic growth in southern West Virginia.

She said she hopes the class will give people a common vision that unites them in meeting their goals.

“In order to grow, we have to know the laws and we have to know how to get along with people,” she said. “We have to know how to tell people what the law is.”

In September, Sophia Mayor Harry Taylor had to stop a meeting before it started when council members had a heated disagreement about the printed minutes of the last meeting.

“In this class, they’re going to learn those laws so you don’t have disturbances as we’ve had in the past in our town council,” Rose said. “When people don’t understand, they think they can make their own rules.

“The main thing about working in a municipality is people working together, having a vision and working toward goals.”

Mayors and officers from Sophia, Lester, Rhodell, Ansted, Summersville and Rainelle plan to attend the event, according to Rose.

“We’re expecting a good crowd, and we’re hoping that anyone who has intentions of running for a municipal office will attend because there is so much in this training that will help them as well as common citizens,” she said. “If people have questions about what goes on in your municipalities, this class will answer those questions.”

The event is free. The STC is located at the old Sophia High School.

— E-mail:

jfarrish@register-herald.com

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