The US Navy Sea Chanters performance at Shepherd University’s Frank Center in late October. Part of the US Navy Band, the Sea Chanters’ repertoire includes traditional songs of the sea, along with patriotic tunes, pop melodies, and even some Italian opera.
Veterans Day is easy to overlook, squeezed in between the hubbub of Halloween and the hectic planning for Thanksgiving. The Navy Sea Chanters (above) include a salute to veterans of all of the United States uniformed services in their public shows, a joyful recognition of those who have served. Composer Kimo Williams, who now calls Shepherdstown home, offers a more soulful recollection of the travails of black veterans returning home from World War One in his latest album release (link).
Looking to learn some local lessons in public service, a group of young scouts visited the Jefferson County Commission meeting on October 19. Their visit was cut short as the commission quickly adjourned for lack of a quorum. The standoff between Commissioners Stolipher, Jackson, and Krouse is about to continue into a third month. Stolipher maintains that the commission is required to appoint a commissioner to fill the vacant seat, Jackson and Krouse want the appointment taken off the agenda, citing concerns with the list of candidates provided.
According to Donald Kersey, General Counsel with the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office, state law requires that the vacancy be filled. He stated, “it’s not an option to not have a decision.” While the Secretary of State’s office provides advice on election laws, it would be up to a court to force the commission to act to fill the vacancy. One option to compel performance of a statutory duty is for a county resident to file a writ of mandamus in circuit court. State law also allows for a group of registered voters to file a petition in circuit court seeking to remove an official from office for neglect of duty or other wrong-doing.
