CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Kanawha County Commission offered high praise Monday for five attorneys who sought the job of Kanawha County prosecutor. During an open discussion with all five applicants the commission commended the integrity and resumes of each.
Following the discussion commissioner Dave Hardy and Kent Carper indicated the matter came down to experience. On a 2-1 vote the commission selected Chuck Miller to take the job for the duration of the unexpired term left when former prosecutor Mark Plants was forced from office.
Commissioner Dave Hardy cast his vote for Don Morris who is a longtime employee of the office and served as a special prosecutor in recent weeks handling domestic cases which Plants and his staff had been disqualified from handling.
Miller is a former U.S. Attorney with years of experience at the federal level. Hardy, in casting his vote for Morris explained it was a narrow decision, but believed Morris’ work in the state system gave him the upper hand. Carper and Commissioner Hoppy Shores backed Miller.
“The only thing I can say is I know it was a difficult decision because I know Don Morris,” Miller said. “Mr. Wright, Mr. Doddrill, and Mr. Browning I really appreciate competent people are interested in this job.”
Miller was asked when he wanted to be sworn in and requested the commission handle to duties immediately. He was sworn in moments after the commission voted to hire him. Miller was already serving as the temporary prosecutor. He said he intended to add Morris to his staff.
“Don Morris and I have talked about this and I’ll be frank to say he’s asked me to stay if he was appointed prosecutor. I’ve asked him if he would come on board if I was appointed prosecutor,” said Miller. “Both of us have agreed, so I think the presence of Don Morris may be more permanent than simply as a special prosecutor.”
Miller said Morris’ knowledge on a number of cases which now revert back to the regular prosecutor’s office will be an asset to the office and helpful in the service of those victims seeking justice. Miller added he has not had any discussions with anybody about the future of the current staff.
“I’m not going to fire anyone and I haven’t been asked to fire anyone and I’ve not been asked to hire anyone,” Miller said. “But I do intend to hold the people there to professional standards. If they do not meet those standards then maybe they should seek work elsewhere.”
Miller’s term as prosecutor will last for the two years when the office is up for election again.