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W.Va. County May Give Lawmaker Economic Development Job

Morgan County Courthouse
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West Virginia county officials may hire the state House of Delegates majority leader as the county’s new economic development executive director.

The Journal reports that Morgan County commissioners will decide at an Oct. 20 meeting whether to hire Republican Delegate Daryl Cowles.

Cowles says the state Ethics Commission told him there’s no conflict in holding the Economic Development Authority job while he serves in the Legislature.

Former director Betsy Heath resigned in June after a few months on the job.

EDA board member Susan Webster presented Cowles as the board’s choice during the Oct. 6 commission meeting.

The position pays $35,000 annually, with county benefits.

Webster said Cowles’ job description would be tailored to his situation. The Legislature is in session 60-plus days each winter and convenes other times.