Change comes slowly in Mingo County

Those who follow politics in Mingo County don’t think the resignation of David Baisden as Mingo County Commissioner Monday is the end.

Baisden pleaded guilty to federal charges of extortion. He resisted giving up his county commission seat until his sentencing in January. Amid pressure from voters and State Auditor Glen Gainer he finally relinquished the seat this week.

Baisden’s was a classic case of southern West Virginia politics. He demanded of Appalachian Tire he be given the same price for a set of tires on his personal vehicle they gave to the county for its fleet of vehicles. When they refused, he ended the county’s purchasing agreement with the company and took the county’s business elsewhere.