Questions About WV’s Health, County Commission Transparency
Published 8 days ago • 4 min read
Jefferson Weekly
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April 1, 2025
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Governor Morrisey Addresses Weighty Issues In Local Speech
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. joined West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey last Friday in Martinsburg to promote Morrisey’s “four-pillar” plan to improve West Virginians’ health. To improve the Mountain State’s last-in-the-nation rankings for obesity, diabetes, and other health indicators, Morrisey supports:
Ingredient bans. As of August 1, 2025, HB 2354, signed by the Governor last Monday, prohibits the use of Red Dye No. 3 and other food dyes and preservatives in any school nutrition program. As of January 1, 2028, the ban will extend to all food products sold in the state.
More work. Morrisey plans to increase minimum work, training and education requirements in order to be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
More movement. Pledging to improve his own exercise and diet habits, Morrisey encouraged everyone to exercise more and walk a “Mountaineer Mile” each day.
Healthier food incentives. Secretary Kennedy promised to approve the state’s request for a waiver to disallow sugary drinks (like soda) from being purchased with SNAP benefits.
According to Dr. Mark Cucuzzella, a prominent local physician, educator and health advocate, “Governor Morrisey’s call to action is exactly what West Virginia needs.” Cucuzella pointed to grassroots programs that have proven effective locally, such as Double Bucks SNAP for healthy food access and bringing movement back to school. “We have the tools to turn the tide on our state’s health crisis — now we just need the will to implement them.”
Morrisey’s health initiative takes place against a backdrop of significant federal restructuring of government health programs whose impact on the Mountain State is unclear. Earlier today, HHS announced extensive firings at all levels to implement Kennedy’s plan to reduce its workforce by 20,000 or almost 25%. Among the HHS agencies affected are the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Food & Drug Administration. In addition, President Trump has indicated support for structural changes and cuts to Medicaid, a government program that in 2022 spent more than $5.5 billion in West Virginia with 81.8% paid by federal money.
WV Dance Performance Tomorrow
Shepherd University will host a performance by West Virginia Dance Company on Wednesday, April 2 at 7 p.m. in the Frank Arts Center Theater (260 University Dr, Shepherdstown. Free parking). Pay as you can admission (suggested donation $20). Founded in 1977, West Virginia Dance Company is the state’s only professional dance company and features highly-trained dancers under the artistic director of founder Toneta Akens Toler.
Jefferson County Commissioners Reduce Transparency
Last month, the Jefferson County Commission voted unanimously to change the way the county advertises open positions on county boards, commissions and committees. Now, Jefferson County residents are questioning the March 6 decision which they say reduces government transparency.
At issue are the requirements for two-week notice and advertising in the local newspaper, which were removed from the Commission's policy 901 on appointments. The five commissioners appear to have voted to revise policy 901 without reviewing or discussing the specific changes that eliminated the notice and newspaper advertising requirements.
During the same meeting, the commissioners also reviewed changes to policy 900, which governs how the Commission sets its agenda. For that discussion, the commissioners had both the old and new versions of the policies available to review and all of the substantive changes were highlighted during the discussion. For the appointments policy 901, only the new version of the text was included in the meeting packet and the only discussion was about how the commissioners would pre-select candidates to interview.
The Observer contacted each of the commissioners yesterday for comment on how the action on policy 901 is consistent with their stated commitments to improving the transparency of local government. We will update this article online to reflect any responses.
Interested in Getting More Involved in Local Government?
The Shepherdstown Town Council (image above) has a vacancy. If you reside within the town limits and want to serve for the remainder of a two year term (until June 2026), contact Mayor James Gatz (jgatz@shepherdstown.gov) by April 2.
The County Commission is looking to fill 3 seats on the Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA) board, to begin in April. There are also 4 seats on the JCDA to be filled by representatives nominated by Bolivar, Harpers Ferry, Ranson and Shepherdstown.
The County Commission is currently soliciting applications for two other boards:
The Property Safety Board (1 seat open) deals with complaints regarding unsafe, abandoned, and/or dilapidated structures in Jefferson County.
The Board of Zoning Appeals (1 seat open) adjudicates requests for zoning variances and conditional use permits.
The County Commission is also accepting applications to fill June openings on these boards and commissions:
Harpers Ferry School of Massage is now enrolling our next class in the 8-month massage therapy licensure program, beginning on June 16. Our hands-on training, expert instruction, and supportive community prepare you for a fulfilling career in health and wellness. If you’re thinking about becoming a licensed massage therapist, this is your moment. Learn more at HarpersFerrySchoolOfMassage.com.
Grand Games Opening in Shepherdstown
Game Knights in Shepherdstown is a new space to play (and buy) board games and enjoy other immersive experiences such as scavenger hunts and murder mysteries. With snacks and drinks available for sale, the new establishment welcomes drop-ins and offers private party options.
Pictured at last week’s grand opening are proprietors Laura Richard Baken (founder and former proprietor of the Black Box theater on Princess Street), Phil Bakin, their son Rudy Bakin, and family friend Mandy Cockrell. Game Knights is located at 400 S. Princess Street.
