Berkeley Springs, WV - I attended the meeting of the Morgan County Commission this morning, specifically to be a part of the discussion that was to take place in regards to the appointment of Wayne Omps to the planning commission. It was standing room only, and very obvious that the majority of folks were there to oppose this appointment. I happened to be one of the few that were there to set the record straight regarding Mr. Omps and question claims made by Commissioner Hutchinson that he is too Pro-development.

Wayne Omps a Developer? Pro-Development? I would like to know, what criteria constitutes the title of Developer, or Pro-Developer? Does the fact that Wayne Omps builds 2-3 homes in this county per year constitute the title of "Developer?" Does that make him "Pro-Development?" Does the fact that over the past 20 years, Mr.. Omps has officially Developed 19 acres to build 8-10 homes earn him the title of "DEVELOPER"?

Do you know Mr. Omps Personally? Well, I do! I didn't know him professionally until I just recently decided to question him regarding all of the hoopla and letters to the editor in opposition to his appointment to the planning commission. Wayne and Kip Omps are members of my church. Both are extremely dedicated members, participate in almost every activity, hold executive positions in the church, are very kind and giving, and open their home to large groups of people on a regular basis. They have lived here most (if not all), of their lives, raised their family here, and their grandchildren are also being raised in this county!

Is Mr. Omps a developer? Or a hard working, small builder who has spent his entire life here working hard, raising his family, and an active member of this community that we so love and cherish?

What sense would it make for him to destroy the future of this county that he has so loved an nurtured all his life? Might I request that folks examine these facts before they jump on the political smear campaign that in my opinion is nothing but a case of playing the politics.

Who would better know what is best for the future of this county? Where's all the opposition to those who are really planning to DEVELOP our beloved county?

What about the Freeman Companies of Olney. Md. who have plans to develop 776 acres, and build over a thousand homes? Could this be a case of who happens to be buddies with whom?

In my opinion, If Mr. Omps is guilty of anything, he's guilty of not "Talking the Talk", but definitely not guilty of not "Walking the Walk". Remember folks...Talk is cheap! Campaign Political promises usually don't pan out.

Outhouses may help win elections, but in the end, it all comes out in the wash.

My conclusions after attending today's meeting are as follows:
  1. • The process has been set as to how new appointments are made for many years. At times folks who apply for these volunteer positions are asked to attend a meeting , at times they are not. It was agreed upon by all three commissioners that the process in which appointments are made should be revisited.
  2. • The appoinment was made in an open meeting at the same time all appointments are usually made. The appointment was not made secretly, or in private as previously claimed. All other applications were available to Brenda Hutchinson, and she has been aware for sometime that a new appointment was to be made.
  3. • The appoinment was on the agenda, and not sprung upon anybody without their knowing.
  4. • In conclusion, it appeared that many people who attended todays meeting wanted the appointment to be recinded, and asked for a new process, and vote.

    5. Does this community really want to set a legal precedent that when a couple dozen people don't like the outcome of a vote, they have the ability to change the laws, rewrite the rules, and demand a new election? I rather doubt it.

    Janice L. Frank Zakrzewski Print Add a Comment Back to All Articles