The Exponent Telegram
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
By Colleen Wright, Staff Writer
Bridgeport – Next week, Harrison County will play host to all 100 state delegates and 34 senators.
The legislative interim session will be held at the Bridgeport Conference Center from Sunday to Tuesday.
At least once a year the Legislature holds an interim session outside of Charleston, said Stacey Ruckle, communications director of the state House of Delegates.
“It is a good time for them to get to know a particular area and the needs of that area,” she said.
Del. Ron Fragale, D-Harrison, who is House Speaker Pro Tem, has been working on getting the interims held in Harrison County for a couple of years.
“I didn’t think we had ever had one, then when I looked into it we had but it was in the ‘70s. So, it had been quite a while and things were done differently back then,” he said.
Fragale is hoping the other legislators will get to see some of the progress being made along Interstate 79 and other development in the county.
A variety of committee meetings will be held during the three-day session, all of which are open to the public. The meetings will cover topics such as health, higher education and economic development.
“It gives the community a chance to see the Legislature in action,” Fragale said. “It is a unique opportunity to take advantage of if you are interested in government.”
The legislators also have several tours scheduled.
Tours will be held at the Clarksburg Police and Fire stations, Watters Smith State Park, city of Salem, WVU Jackson’s Mill, North Central West Virginia Airport, FBI Center, Biometrics Fusions Center and West Virginia Veterans Nursing Home, among others.
“I think it is fantastic that they will be in Harrison County and I am honored they will travel to the western side of the county. We will put our best face forward,” Salem City Manager David Mayle said.
Mayle has plans to talk to legislators about the city’s ongoing water and sewage plans.
In the evenings, legislators will be treated to receptions at various locations in the county.
On Sunday, the reception will be held at the Clarksburg Parking Facility and on Monday it will be held at the Air National Guard hangar at the airport.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase Harrison County,” said Ron Watson, president of the Harrison County commission.
At the Bridgeport Conference Center, preparations have been in the works for the last six to eight months.
Employees of the center have been at work determining where meetings will be held, how they will be set up, what meals will be prepared and the overall schedule, said general manager Scott Duarte.
“It takes everyone to come together,” Duarte said.
Employees of the center will begin setting up the rooms for the various meetings, including audio/visual equipment, on Saturday, he said.
“We are real excited to have them here and to give them a taste of Clarksburg and Bridgeport,” he said.