Barton will stay on board

Alexis Barker 
NLJ News Editor
 
A group of concerned Weston County residents attended the Oct. 6 meeting of the county commissioners to express their opinion about Commissioner Tony Barton’s recent move to Crook County. 
This isn’t the first time that residency concerns have been expressed about local elected officials, the most recent of which sparked the resignation of former Newcastle mayor Deb Piana. The biggest residency controversy in recent history occurred in 2018 when now County Attorney Alex Berger fought his way through court to appear on the Weston County ballot while residing in Campbell County. 
Leading the group of concerned individuals was Dan Fouch, who began the discussion at the meeting by stating that Barton should resign following his decision to relocate out of the county. County Commissioner-elect Don Taylor added that Barton was opposed to Berger running for office in Weston County without being a resident, so he should resign now that he is not a resident. 
According to Berger, the position of county commissioner has no definitive residency requirement. 
While there may be no law requiring Barton to resign because of his move, Taylor questioned whether Barton should remain. 
Thanking the citizens for their opinion, Barton explained that while he may have relocated to Crook County recently, his intent is to remain on the board and that the concerns regarding his stake in Weston County are invalid. According to Barton, while he may live across the county line, he still owns and operates businesses located in Upton and Weston County and is paying property tax. 
Providing support for Barton, Commissioner Tracy Hunt stated that he has confidence in Barton to keep the best of Weston County in mind while finishing his term with the board. Commissioners Marty Ertman and Nathan Todd suggested that the proper way to address this issue is for the public to express their issues and concerns to the local state representatives and senators. 
“This board has no ability to lean on (Commissioner Barton). You need to lean on Chip Neiman (state representative-elect for House District 1) and Hans Hunt (state representative for House District 2) to make the statutes clearer,” Todd said. 
Berger echoed these thoughts, stating that change must come from the Legislature. 
“I’m going to talk to Chip and Hans, and I encourage you to as well,” Todd said.