Kanawha County Commissioner search faces delays

The process to appoint a new Kanawha County Commissioner in West Virginia has encountered significant delays. During a recent meeting intended to select a successor for Lance Wheeler, who resigned in June to pursue a State Senate seat, the Kanawha County Commission received unexpected information regarding the three nominees provided by the county Republican Executive Committee.

Commission President Ben Salango reported that two of the three nominees, Edward Burgess and Austin Gessel, sent letters stating they would not serve if selected. This leaves Jared Page, the St. Albans vice mayor and city councilman, as the primary candidate. The vacancy exists to fill the remainder of Wheeler’s term through 2026.