CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — Twelve of 21 members of the Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA) have submitted resignation letters.
JCDA Executive Director Nicolas Diehl confirmed to MetroNews affiliate WEPM Friday that the resignations were effective noon Friday. One of the resigning members was Chairman Eric Lewis.
“He indicated he’d served on the board of directors for nearly 20 years and was proud of what the JCDA has accomplished,” said Executive Director Nicolas Diehl. “He indicates that it has become apparent that there are serious differences in opinion regarding the future of economic development in Jefferson County. That a segment of citizenry objects to certain types of manufacturing.”
Tension continues to build in the ongoing Rockwool insulation plant controversy. When asked if the resignations were mostly due to Rockwool, Diehl responded with “yeah”.
“I think, frankly, some of the board members have been targets of pretty vicious attacks. They are volunteers, they felt like they were doing something to benefit the county (by bringing Rockwool).”
Diehl also explained it will be business as usual with the existing nine board members until the rest can be replaced.
“We stay the course until the county commission appoints some new members. They will be advertising that, to my understanding, next week and the following week.”
Rockwool officials released a statement on the resignations.
“We want to commend the entire JCDA for their commitment to public service and the good work they’ve done for Jefferson County. It’s unfortunate that so many members have felt obliged to resign, but we want to be very clear with the community that we will fulfill the commitments we have made and will continue to build the factory, make the investment, and create the jobs and economic activity that we’ve said we will.” – Rockwool