CLAY, W.Va.
The commission met Wednesday for
the first time since the news broke of Slack’s alleged wrongdoing. Commission
President Mike Pierson said state code requires the county commission to fill
the vacancy within 30 days by “appointment of a person of the same political
party.” Before that process begins, Slack must step down.
“He has not resigned yet but in the
near future we assume he is going to,” said Pierson.
The commission president said he
talked with Slack last week and understood the sheriff plans to step down
at the time of his court hearing. That date, however, has not been set.
Meanwhile, Slack remains the chief
law enforcement officer in the county. Pierson said the sheriff has been in and
out of the office since the allegations surfaced..
“We are personally not looking
forward to this. We like Miles. He was very good to work with,” said Pierson.
“Be that as it may, we can’t do anything about it.”
Pierson said once Slack resigns the
first thing commissioners will do is give the county’s chief tax deputy the
ability to sign checks until a new sheriff is named.
So far, 13 people have shown
interest in replacing Slack. The Clay County Democratic Executive Committee has
recommended three: former County Commissioners Fran King and Peter Triplett and
former deputy James Paxton. Pierson said the commission will consider all
applicants.
Slack’s replacement will serve
until November 2014 when the post is up for re-election.
