Two Jefferson County Commission members, Jennifer Krouse and Tricia Jackson, faced 42 misdemeanor charges in the Jefferson County Magistrate Court this Tuesday.
The charges stem from their refusal to attend seven commission meetings while continuing to draw their salaries between September 7 and November 21.
Despite being paid $45,000 annually and receiving additional benefits, Krouse and Jackson opted not to participate in commission meetings as a form of protest against the ongoing commission vacancy proceedings.
Their dissatisfaction with the eligible candidates led them to abstain from their responsibilities, a decision that has now resulted in legal consequences.
Two Jefferson County Commissioners (Credits: MassLive.com)
Krouse and Jackson, who belong to the Republican party, defended their absence, citing their discontent with the candidates presented during the proceedings.
Krouse expressed her frustration in an August Facebook post, claiming that the commission had not been provided with “actual conservatives” for review.
She went on to criticize elected Republicans in West Virginia, describing them as “incompetent, self-interested, closeted liberals, or some combination thereof,” as reported by MetroNews.
Two Jefferson County Commissioners (Credits: The Hill)
While facing the 42 misdemeanor charges, both Krouse and Jackson have refrained from making personal comments on the situation.
Instead, they communicated through written statements to West Virginia Public Broadcasting, explaining that they are actively seeking legal representation to address the charges brought against them.
The charges reflect a serious legal repercussion for the commissioners’ decision to abstain from their duties while continuing to receive their salaries.
The legal process ahead will determine the outcome of these charges and whether Krouse and Jackson will face penalties for their actions.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community and constituents will be watching closely to see how this controversy within the Jefferson County Commission unfolds.
