We, the elected leadership of Shepherdstown, are writing to express our deep concern and disappointment about the Jefferson County Commission’s recent decision to unilaterally change the role of the Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA) and remove all duly appointed members of the JCDA Board, including the elimination of the requirement for municipal representation on the Board.  

The Commission’s actions are counter to the need for regional cooperation and collaboration as we address so many important and inter-related matters—including job creation, affordable housing, roads and transportation, agriculture, and environmental concerns. At a most fundamental level, the Commission’s actions do not reflect the values of open, representative, and responsible government that Shepherdstown and Jefferson County residents expect and deserve.

The JCDA must continue to be independent of the County and empowered to bring a broad perspective to the vital work of economic development. The JCDA has long operated as an independent entity, guided by the State authorizing statute and its own bylaws, to represent residents and businesses as it works with the County Commission and municipalities to steer economic development and job creation strategies throughout the county. While in recent years, the Commission has allocated county funding to it, the JCDA is, by statute, independent from the County and as such, is not subject to direct control of the County Commission or of any County staff.  

The JCDA Board must continue to include representation from each of our county’s municipalities and other key sectors. The removal of municipal representatives, in particular, severs critical lines of communication and cooperation between the County and core economic drivers of our county and region—that is, Shepherdstown and the other Jefferson County municipalities. 

As a result of the Commission’s actions, the County now faces a leadership vacuum yet again, at this time when strategic planning, transparency, and intergovernmental partnership are more important than ever.

We strongly urge the Commission to retract the recent votes concerning the JCDA, and to pledge to work in collaboration with municipalities, businesses, residents, and the JCDA Board to strengthen the Authority, if needed, for the good of the county’s economic future. 

We also call on fellow municipal leadership, business owners, and residents across Jefferson County to stay informed and engaged. Our collective voice matters. The future of Jefferson County should not rest in the hands of a few—it should belong to all of us.
 
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Shepherdstown Town Council
Mayor James Gatz
Town of Shepherdstown