BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Tuesday’s meeting of the Raleigh County Commission closed with the newest appointment to the Raleigh County Memorial Airport Authority, in a decision which incited debate among Raleigh County Commissioners.
Jina Belcher was appointed to the Raleigh County Memorial Airport Authority in a 2-1 vote which saw Commissioner Linda K. Epling and Commission President Dave Tolliver casting votes in the affirmative.
Commissioner Gregory A. Duckworth displayed a reluctance regarding Belcher’s appointment, noting that her position with the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) – the board to which Duckworth was appointed last year – could become a point of contention with regard to the board and its chairman, City of Beckley Mayor, Rob Rappold.
“Jina Belcher, she’s a good candidate,” Duckworth said, acknowledging Belcher’s value as a candidate but maintaining his position.
“I’m part of the NRGRDA Board that she works for. If you’re insistent on approving her today, I would suggest we wait to hear from the chairman of the NRGRDA Board. I can tell you sitting here today that [the] board did not approve that she could take this appointment,” he said.
“Maybe she still can, I don’t know the logistics of it,” he continued. “But she has some issues on the NRGRDA Board that maybe you all aren’t aware of.”
Commissioner Epling appeared to take issue with the notion of the NRGRDA Board’s authority usurping that of the Raleigh County Commission.
“My number one concern is the Raleigh County Airport Authority,” Epling asserted. “We need someone there, and it bothers me that the county can appoint someone and [the NRGRDA] Board can say ‘no’ when it’s an appointment of the Raleigh County Commission.”
Commissioner Duckworth reaffirmed his disinclination, positing Donnie Holcomb – who had also been included for consideration on the morning’s agenda – as the superior choice for the position, countering, “We just disagree, I [believe] that Donnie Holcomb would be a better candidate.”
While Tolliver praised Holcomb’s intelligence and value as a candidate, he ultimately agreed that Belcher’s experience makes her the most suitable candidate.
“As far as credentials, Jina no doubt knows more about that airport and Raleigh County than anybody I know of,” Tolliver said, before echoing the sentiments of Commissioner Epling that it is the duty of the Raleigh County Commission to make the appointment. I’m in total agreement with Commissioner Epling that our responsibility is to appoint someone on the board.”
Commissioner Duckworth then clarified that his allegiance lies first and foremost with the commission rather than the NRGRDA Board.
“My position is, and will remain, that the Raleigh County Commission is first.”
He went on to recognize the value in Belcher’s experience and accomplishments, but noted that her already substantial position with the NRGRDA would allow her talents to continue to be utilized by the county should Holcomb be appointed.
“Jina Belcher’s knowledge from the NRGRDA and [her] work with Raleigh County Airport … is very positive. So why not add someone who’s developed properties from the Bahamas to Canada, had a [car] dealership in Beckley – a local businessman – why not marry those two,” Duckworth said. “The Raleigh County Authority will be a better board with Donnie Holcomb, with the support of the money Jina Belcher is bringing.”
Tolliver added that, should issues arise from the NRGRDA Board upon the appointment, that the commission would consider other options.
“If for some reason, once we appoint her, the board says ‘no, Gina you can’t serve,’ then the commission has to go to Plan B,” Tolliver assured. “But our primary responsibility is to appoint someone to the board.”
“And I share that responsibility, for the record,” responded Duckworth.
More information on the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority can be found on the NRGRDA website here.