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Westover’s attorney wants allegations against officials in ‘simple sentences’

WESTOVER, W.Va. — After responding to allegations against Westover Mayor Dave Johnson related to the city operations, City Attorney Tim Stranko asked city councilmembers to put their claims into “simple sentences” so the council can discuss the issues.

Stranko’s comments during Monday’s city council meeting follows Councilmember Ralph Mullins making multiple statements about Johnson’s leadership and the release of audio featuring Johnson criticizing former Westover Police Chief Rick Panico.

“This city right now is on a threshold or a precipice,” Stranko said. “We’ve three major commercial districts to this city over the last eight years. We’ve increased revenue by $4 million and not added a dime to the tax burden of these citizens. Now, are we ready to plan for the future, or are we going to fight with each other?”

The pending status of the Aaron Dalton case has increased tensions; Dalton has been on paid administrative leave for more than a year in the wake of two federal civil rights investigations.

Westover officials have stopped short of blaming Panico for the Dalton scandal, but have commended his work in the field while citing his perceived lack of effectiveness in administration.

“What’s going on now I don’t recognize as governance,” Stranko said. “If you’re keeping score at home, we’ve had multiple secret recordings, we’ve had anonymous letters, we’ve anonymous internet postings all with a level of anger that debilitating and destructive.”

Stranko urged council members to get their allegations in written form and allow a review with the possibility of resolution. He admitted he has no binding authority to set a timetable but wants elected officials to understand constituents’ expectations.





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