Push for Municipal Representation on County Development Authority
How should the Jefferson County Development Authority be structured?
The Shepherdstown Chronicle | Thursday, July 31, 2025
By Staff
In a recent column for The Shepherdstown Chronicle, John Doyle critiques the abrupt dissolution of the county's Development Authority by the commission and advocates for a structure that includes representation from each of the five municipalities—Charlestown, Harpers Ferry, Ranson, and others—to ensure diverse perspectives in economic planning. He raises concerns about the shifting focus from agriculture, such as supporting local farming initiatives for a slaughterhouse, to technology-driven developments like data centers, reflecting a tension in the county's economic vision. Doyle emphasizes the need for a transparent and inclusive decision-making process to benefit all residents.