Commissioners bringing town hall meeting to Martins Ferry

Martins Ferry resident encourages public to engage with county leaders

MARTINS FERRY -- Martins Ferry residents will have an opportunity to hear from Belmont County commissioners and ask questions during an upcoming town hall meeting being held at the Martins Ferry Public Library.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at the Belmont County District Library, Martins Ferry Public Library, 20 South Fifth St., Martins Ferry.

Commissioners Jerry Echemann, Vince Gianangeli and J.P. Dutton will be in attendance for the event.

One of the event organizers Richard Hord -- a Martins Ferry resident and member of the Martins Ferry Public Library Board -- said the evening meeting provides an opportunity for residents who may not be able to attend the commissioners' regular meetings.

"This is a good opportunity," Hord said. "Belmont County commissioners have their meetings weekly in the mornings and there's a lot of people who can't make it due to their work schedule."

Hord said the town hall will allow residents to ask questions directly and hear from county leaders outside of the normal meeting schedule.

"So this will be the opportunity to ask whatever questions and hear what the commissioners have to say," he said. "Hopefully, it will be very convenient for some citizens to attend the meeting after work hours that they might not otherwise get to."

Hord has been encouraging Martins Ferry City Council members and residents to attend the meeting during recent council meetings, emphasizing that the event is intended for residents throughout the county.

"The town hall is open to anyone in Belmont County," Hord said. "It's not just for Martins Ferry residents. It's for all citizens of the county to come out and hear what their commissioners have to say and let the commissioners hear what they have to say."

Hord helped organize similar town hall-style meetings over the years, including events featuring state lawmakers at the Martins Ferry Public Library and Recreation Center.

"I have been doing this for many years," Hord said. "I've scheduled town hall meetings and we've had them at different places whether that's the library or the Rec Center in Martins Ferry."

A longtime attendee of local government meetings, Hord regularly participates in Martins Ferry City Council meetings and Belmont County Commission meetings to stay informed on community issues and encourage civic involvement.

"It's about staying informed," he said. "I hope we have a good turnout at the town hall and I hope people will come out, ask questions and take advantage of the opportunity to hear directly from their elected officials."