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CLAY CONTINUES IN CRISIS - The Blame Game In Full Force |
| (03/30/2001) |
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By Bob Weaver In our bountiful society, when most folks flip the light switch, twist the water faucet, call the police, need a pothole fixed or request an ambulance - we are use to the correct response. In Clay County, more particularly the Town of Clay, some of the basics are falling apart. The town's third mayor in recent weeks was appointed this Tuesday. His name is Glenn Nichols. Clay Council may not have followed the open meetings law to get him on the job, but things are desperate. There is anger, screaming and yelling, with blame placed on lack of funds or personal character, or both. Most of this year, and again this week, the water system is under a boil advisory. A testing of water a few weeks ago resulted in the tester saying the quality was similar to nasty water straight from the Elk River. The town provides water to the counties public service districts, so all the customers are in turmoil. The PSD's, some of them seeking rate increases, don't know where to turn. "Some people seem to think the money has been misspent," said Pam Taylor of Bickmore. "Whatever, the place is in a mess." Her friend from Ivydale Brenda Baird, caught strolling down Main Street Wednesday said "Things need to look up pretty soon. It's hard to tell what's going to happen next." Interestedly, traffic was bumper-to-bumper on Main Street, Route 16. The Clay County school system has been purchasing bottled water to keep school open. The town has been unable to pay the certified water plant workers, and for a while, West Virginia Water Company gave a helping hand with their employees. The Town of Clay has been on the brink of building a new and upgraded water plant. With the town in debt up to $70,000, according to last week's Mayor, it is unlikely the project will be launched. Street workers have not removed the Christmas lights, and it is not clear if there are any street workers left. The town's last temporary Police Chief turned her badge and gun back in to the town a few days ago. The ambulance service is in bad shape, cutting their budget and cutting services, midst conflict and in-fighting. The Clay Commission is facing a serious financial crisis, and everyone is blaming everyone else. With or without "fall guys," the situation is really depressing. Described as a town fixture, "Crow" Smith remained perched on his stone pillar in front of the old courthouse. He thought it was "pretty peaceful around here even without the town cop." Smith was an obvious photo target for the Charleston newspaper last week. "I still like it here," he said.
 Christmas lights are still up
Vacant storefront welcomes visitors
War memorial honors Vets
Clay Republican Headquaters at "Y"
Pam Taylor(L)of Bickmore and Brenda Baird (R) of Ivydale talk about the future of Clay
"Crow" Smith sits on perch at old Clay courthouse
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