At its March 8 meeting, the Putnam County Commission read a resolution in support of Ukraine. A resolution is a firm decision to do or not to do something. In the instance of the County Commission, the resolution was a declaration of support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The only thing that the resolution actually purports to do is to declare support.

There was no statement of the nature of the support which the Putnam County Commission is prepared to supply. That is probably a good thing. It would probably not be a good thing to supply support which would result in escalation and expansion of the war.

Yes, probably. The avoidance of expansion and escalation of the conflicts that began in Europe in 1914 and in 1939 did not prevent World Wars I and II. It became obvious in April of 1917 and on December 7, 1941 that avoidance was not working.

There is no reason to believe that World War III can be averted by avoidance of expansion and escalation on the part of the United States. Avoidance only works when it works but it cannot work if it is not given an opportunity. It is unlikely that any action of the Putnam County Commission will contribute to or avoid World War III.

In addition to its support for Ukraine, the Commission expressed support of implementing policies that make the United States energy independent. Unfortunately, the present administration in Washington DC has chosen to pursue an energy policy which strengthens the regime in Russia.

In other business on March 8, the Commission heard budget requests from Prosecuting Attorney Mark Sorsaia, Circuit Clerk J.J. Mullins, Sheriff Bobbie Eggleton, County Clerk Brian Wood, and Assessor Gary Warner.

Sorsaia informed the Commission that his assistant prosecuting attorneys were under paid and requested that their salaries be increased to $90,000 per year.

Mullins stated that the Circuit Clerk’s office could operate with the same funding as in the current fiscal year.

Sheriff Eggleton urged the Commission to take care of his staff by issuing appropriate payraises.

Brian Wood oversees three different budgets as County Clerk. Wood stated that he has some employees who make less than than starting employees at fast food restaurants. Wood asked the Commission to take care of his employees.

Gary Warner informed the Commission that he advertised open positions with a starting salary of $10.50 per hour but had no takers. Warner said the starting salaries need to be made higher.

The Commission approved a Memorandum of Understanding which officially transferred EMS service in the Hurricane Fire Department territory from Hurricane to Putnam County EMS.

A copy of the Commission’s resolution of support of Ukraine follows:

RESOLUTION OF THE COUNTY COMMISSION OF PUTNAM COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA

Whereas, Ukraine’s population is overwhelmingly Christian, and the people of Putnam County support their right to continue to practice and spread the Christian faith, free of Russian violence and oppression; and,
Whereas, the people of Ukraine and West Virginia have a shared love of freedom, independence, self-determination, and self-governance; and,
Whereas, the language, culture, and history of Ukraine is rich and distinct from Russian language, culture, and history; and,
Whereas, Ukraine first declared independence from communist Russia in 1918; and,
Whereas, on December 1, 1991, more than 90 percent of Ukrainian citizens voted in a national referendum in support of independence, with majorities in every region; and
Whereas, the Ukrainian and West Virginian economies are driven by their abundance of natural resources; and,
Whereas, a threat to the sovereign borders of Ukraine is a threat to all Western Democracies; and
Whereas, on February 24, 2022, Russian forces, enabled by Belarus, launched its unprovoked full-scale invasion of a peaceful, independent country, Ukraine.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the County Commission of Putnam County, West Virginia supports, unequivocally, Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity; and, that the County Commission; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the County Commission of Putnam County, West Virginia underscores the importance of maintaining United States energy independence for the benefit of the American people and United States allies; and,
BE IT FURTHER REOLVED, the County Commission of Putnam County, West Virginia stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine in their fight against Russian oppression, aggression, and annexation; and,
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the undersigned Clerk of the County Commission of Putnam County, West Virginia hereby certifies that the resolution set forth above was adopted during an open meeting on March 8, 2022 by the County Commission of Putnam County, West Virginia.

ATTEST: PUTNAM COUNTY COMMISSION
R. Andrew Skidmore, President
C. Brian Ellis, Commissioner
Ronald R. Foster, Commissioner
Brian Wood, County Clerk