Here in Putnam County, we have Putnam County Commissioner "Steve" Andes, who voted against the DHHR office complex in Hurricane, costing jobs and revenue. His buddy, Putnam County Commissioner Raymond "Joe" Haynes (Who has yet to win a primary election) helped kill the kiddie pool project at Waves of Fun, which also cost jobs and revenue. Andes' and Haynes' anti-progress votes and mindsets have cost us jobs, revenue, and hurt Putnam County. But with their six-year terms, it's nearly impossible to get rid of these CAVEMEN (Commissioners Against Virtually Everything).

Then there's Hurricane's Disputed Mayor Scott D. Edwards, who "won" an election with "Administrative errors" and, in his first meeting as mayor, lied about enforcing the Hurricane noise ordinance. Since then, it's been a slide downhill under Edwards' administration, most recently, banning the media from observing the Excess Levy vote count. (What is he hiding?)

On the same council as Edwards is Lana Call, Donald Chaney, and Patricia "Patty" Hager, who foolishly made headlines last year for failing to vote to pay Hurricane's bills. Edwards called for their resignation, constituents called for their resignation, and all of them arrogantly still sit on the council, along with Edwards, who is the poster boy for resigning.

In the statehouse, we have Troy Andes, Patty Ann Eagloski-Schoen, Karen Facemyer, and William "Mike" Hall, each of who refuse to pass a noise ordinance protecting all West Virginians against excessive construction and traffic noise brought about by out-of-control businesses. Schoen wisely decided against running for re-election this year. Voters will get the chance to show Andes the door. Unfortunately, no one is running against Hall, guaranteeing us six more years of him voting his own will instead of that of the people he is paid to represent.

Then there is F. Raymond Peak, the bumbling mayor who lasted 40-plus years in Hurricane. He should have been shown the door decades ago. Peak would say "I'll look into it," then, too often, nothing would happen.

The Town of Winfield has it right. Their council and mayor serve two-year terms. That should be the law throughout West Virginia. It keeps the politicians accountable and encourages fresh thinking.

All of the above, and more, are the very reasons why each term should be only two years. With no more than two straight terms. Then voters should have a recall option to kick incompetent, arrogant, and renegade politicians to the curb. We elect politicians to represent us-not their own whims. If they don't do what they want, hold their feet to the fire, and send them packing immediately, not four or six years later!

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