| Calhoun's political activity heats up today with filing starting for elected officials. Filing continues through midnight on January 26th.
All incumbents appear to be filing for reelection, with the exception of Prosecuting Attorney Matt Minney, who has accepted a job with the WV Public Service Commission.
The Calhoun Commission will be appointing an interim prosecutor who will service through the end of 2008, with a resume deadline on January 24th. The Commission is required to appoint a registered Democrat.
In addition to the incumbents, at least one person has pre-announced their candidacy, Jim Lemon is running for Assessor.
Delegate Bill Stemple has told a number of his supporters he will likely run for Sheriff, which would leave an opening for the House of Delegates.
Filing is now done in the County Clerk's office.
Clerk Richard Kirby released information this week regarding the openings, listing salaries and filing fees.
The salaries of elected officials are set by the State of West Virginia based on county population.
County Commission ($24,420) filing fee $244.20, must be from Center, Sheridan or Sherman District
Sheriff ($41,910, with additional supplement) filing fee $419.10
Prosecuting Attorney ($50,160) filing fee $501.60
Assessor ($41,910 plus $10,700 supplement) filing fee $419.10
Magistrate - Two Openings ($43,624) filing fee $436.25
Board of Education, filing fee $25, elect two board members. Only two people can serve in any district at one time, meaning only one member can be elected from Lee, Center and Sherman. Two members can be elected from Sheridan and Washington.
Surveyor (Non-paid) filing fee $10.
Candidates desiring to file for House of Delegates should contact the Secretary of State's office.
In addition to county, House of Delegates and State Senate openings,
both circuit judgeships, held by Republican Tom Evans III of Ripley and Democrat David Nibert of Pt. Pleasant are up for reelection.
The 5th Judicial Circuit includes Calhoun, Jackson, Mason and Roane counties. The eight-year term has an annual salary of $116,000.
The family court judge position held by Larry Whited, a Grantsville Republican, is also on the ballot for the second time.
The eight-year term has an annual salary of $82,500. The 4th Family Court Circuit includes Calhoun, Gilmer, Ritchie and Roane counties, a change from the current alignment that has Doddridge instead of Ritchie.
County Clerk Richard Kirby says he will answer questions, call 354-6725. | 
