PUTNAM MAGISTRATE CANDIDATES SEE NEED FOR 4TH POST

Putnam County's magistrate candidates say there is a need for a fourth
judge in the county to handle increasing domestic violence and
methamphetamine cases.

Seven candidates met with Gazette editors Monday to discuss what they
would do if elected to one of the county's three seats on the bench.

Incumbent Republican Kim Blair said dockets sometimes have to be
planned two months ahead of time, meaning people have to wait that
long for their initial court hearings in Putnam County.

"That's too long," Blair said.

Incumbent Republican Kylene Dunlap Brown said the county already
qualifies for an additional magistrate based on its population.

"I hope it happens, maybe if we make a push," Brown
said.

Democrat Sherry Hodges Otey said she also sees how busy the court
is.

"I know they do need help," she said.

Democrat Paul Rogers, a hardware store owner from Fraziers Bottom and
a retired West Virginia State Police trooper, said he has seen an
increase recently in people buying ingredients commonly used to make
methamphetamine.

"It's at an alarming rate," he said. "I see that side of it. I see
what's going on."

Republican Ronnie W. Matthews, a U.S. Army veteran who also is a
hardware store owner, said he has worked with police in the past to
help identify people who try to buy meth-making materials.

He said he supports a fourth magistrate to deal with such
cases.

Republican Linda Hunt said she hopes for another post because court
officials "do need to take care of the cases."

Republican Sherry L. Sanson said she has spent hours observing
magistrate court, and could be an asset if she is elected. Sanson said
she already has completed West Virginia Supreme Court training for
magistrates.

Democrat Bonnie Westfall-Dunn did not attend Monday's
meeting.