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“Peanut gallery” comment lights a fuse at Marmet Council meeting

MARMET, W.Va. — Things have had time to cool down in the Kanawha County town of Marmet after some fireworks following Thursday night’s council meeting.

Council approved its budget for next fiscal year with little fanfare but things got interesting following the vote. There was a

between council members, citizens and former town attorney Richie Robb. Several in attendance began yelling at Robb and he yelled back. Robb defended himself afterward saying he was trying to serve the town as best he could.

“I represent both them and the mayor and it’s hard to represent two people that are in a confrontation,” he said.

But Robb was removed from the position by town council March 16.

Council member Jerry McGhee explained the root of the conflict.

“Our past meeting there was an incident that involved Mr. Robb and one of the citizens in attendance which happened to be the mayor’s granddaughter,” he explained. “He told her to shut up and lashed out at her. These are taxpayers that pay his bills and at the time supported him being here. We don’t lash out at people.”

At one point during the argument Robb called some of the residents making comments members of the “peanut gallery,” which prompted one woman to responded, “We pay your salary dude.”

Arguing and yelling ensued for about 10 minutes after the meeting until the police officer in attendance insisted everyone go home under threat of charging for disturbing the peace.





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