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Spencer DMV office undergoing changes
By David Hedges, Publisher
TIMES RECORD-ROANE COUNTY REPORTER
Amidst several recent personnel changes at the Spencer office of the W.Va. Division of Motor Vehicles, a retired supervisor is making allegations that the office is filled with tension because jobs are handed out on the basis of politics.
Larry Cottrell, supervisor from the time the office opened in late 2001 until he retired last December, says the jobs were controlled by Spencer Mayor Terry Williams through his association with Oshel Craigo (D-Putnam) who was Senate Finance chairman when the office opened. Craigo was defeated when he ran for re-election in 2002.
"From the beginning the mayor had people picked out for these jobs," according to Cottrell, who spoke from his home in Calhoun County. "It was all political. Every job had a political connection."
Williams denied the claims, saying neither he nor Craigo had anything to do with the process.
"I didn't even know who was hired until after they were hired," said Williams.
The man in charge of the office, Steve Donohew, resigned last week, Cottrell claimed, after his supervisors came to Spencer and locked him out of his computer. No DMV officials would comment.
"I think he was set up," said Cottrell. "We all have faults, and whatever his faults may be, he has a family to take care of."
The area supervisors identified by Cottrell were John Haynes and Don Godbey. A spokesman in his office said Godbey was on vacation this week. Haynes said he was not allowed to comment to the press.
Donohew, reached at his home in Jackson County, said he stepped down of his own accord.
"This was my choice. I left on good terms," he said.
Donohew said he resigned to take another job, although he would not say what that job was.
"I enjoyed my time there," said Donohew. "It was just time to do something different."
Cottrell is a former Calhoun County Commissioner and unsuccessful candidate for magistrate. Donohew is a former Jackson County Magistrate and one-time candidate for state senate. Both are Democrats.
Cottrell said Williams, also a Democrat, had selected Republicans for all the jobs before the office opened.
He said several Democrats complained to the staff of then-Governor Bob Wise. As a result Cottrell said he, Donohew and Jackie Nichols, a former Democrat candidate for Roane County magistrate, were given positions instead of some selected by Williams.
Williams said claims that he and Craigo played a part in the hiring were untrue. When a grand opening was held, he said Craigo was introduced to the staff members for the first time.
"I don't think many of these kinds of jobs are political any more. I think they are all civil service," said Williams. "I might have the only political job in town."
Donohew said he had no knowledge of politics being involved in the hiring process.
Continued at www.thetimesrecord.net
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