Annexation Ruling Hits a Nerve

County officials remain fired up over last month's Supreme Court ruling in a Charles Town annexation dispute, which affirmed that counties have no say when landowners voluntary petition for annexation.

"Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper says it's been years since he's seen county commissioners this upset over an issue," MetroNews reports. "Carper says county leaders are upset that some cities are making what some describe as land grabs."

MetroNews also offers audio of Carper's remarks.

As The Associated Press reported Monday, Delegate John Doyle, D-Jefferson, is among lawmakers who want to visit the issue during next year's session.

But municipal officials are urging the status quo. Charleston Mayor Danny Jones told AP that strong cities are key to growth in West Virginia.

"If Delegate Doyle is spoiling for a fight, we're poised and ready for battle," Jones said.

Justice Elliott "Spike" Maynard explained the court's recent ruling to a Rotary Club crowd in Parkersburg.

"Maynard couldn't speak about the recent annexation ruling, citing a 30-day appeal; however, he repeated the court's majority opinion," The Parkersburg News reports.

"Maynard said the commission is not a court of appeal," the article said.

"If you want to do something different than that someone needs to get the Legislature to change the law," Maynard is quoted as saying. "(Municipalities)get to make the call... The county has to sign off. That is all they can do."