PARSONS – Tucker County will have some new administrative officials beginning in the New Year, and Tucker County Chief Circuit Court Judge Philip B. Jordan Jr. conducted a swearing in service to welcome those newly elected or appointed to those positions on Wednesday.
William “Mont” Miller has been appointed as Tucker County Magistrate beginning Jan. 1. He will fill the unexpired vacancy with the retirement of Carol Irons. Miller received his oath of office from Jordan as well as Patrick Darlington, who was elected to serve on the Tucker County Commission, and Brenda J. Arnold, who was appointed to serve as Magistrate Assistant to Miller.
“We are pleased to appoint Mont Miller to this position,” Jordan said. “I told the Supreme Court when I called them he would be the most qualified magistrate that we have ever had in the state of W.Va. I don’t think we have ever had a magistrate that has 34 years of experience with 32 years as a prosecuting attorney. I don’t think this has ever happened in the history of the state.”
Miller said he is pleased to serve as Tucker County Magistrate.
“I have done criminal work for 32 years,” Miller said. “The difference is the prosecutor begins when the magistrate files the paperwork. Now I will be doing the paperwork. It is an easier job with less stress. All of the criminal process begins in Magistrate Court.”
Miller said he is excited to begin his position.
“After 32 years as prosecutor, it was time to go,” Miller said. “After two years of retirement, I have gotten my rest and relaxation. I fell it is something I will like to do and I will have much to offer the people.”
Miller will have two years left on his term as Magistrate.
Arnold will serve as magistrate assistant for Miller.
“Mont asked me to work with him, and I am pleased to do,” Arnold said. “I think he will be a great person to work with and I am looking forward to it. I have worked with him before when he was the Prosecuting Attorney, and I think appointing him as Magistrate was a good call.”
The first Tucker County Commission meeting for 2015 is slated for 8 a.m. Jan. 2. Darlington said he is excited to begin as Commissioner.
“After college I got into the auto industry and worked my way through there,” Darlington said. “In 2007, we purchased the Chevrolet dealership here in Parsons. I have been in business since then, and that is what I hope to bring to the County Commission.”
Darlington said he feels the business experience will help with the commission.
“Over the next six years, with Corridor H coming into Davis, we have a window to grow, get things started and completed,” Darlington said. “I think my business background will be helpful to get things through.”
Darlington said he feels it’s important for the commission to continue working as a team.
“I want to bring an aspect of teamwork and cooperation,” Darlington said. “What I have learned in business is everyone must work together toward one common goal. We need to build that aspect and environment of everyone on the same page.
“I am excited to get started and get working,” Darlington said. “I want to thank everyone for the opportunity.”
