Randy Elliott. Marion County Commission photo.
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A long time member of the Marion County Commission, has announced his retirement.
Marion County Commissioner Randy Elliott, announced that he will be retiring after the end of his current term, ending an eighteen year run on the Commission. Elliott, announced his decision. The decision was made in part, to help allow those looking to run for his seat to do so with plenty of time to campaign.
“I just wanted to let everybody know early on at our first meeting of the year, that my plans to retire were at the end of this term, the end of this year,” said Elliott on what prompted the early decision. “And to allow anybody who was interested in running for my position, then if they can file for my position, then it would be open,” he said.
Elliott, has overseen several developments in Marion County during his soon to be eighteen year run including the development . Among those, include the development of Fairmont’s Pallantine Park and the waterfront development as a result of those efforts and in recent years, the work that lead to WVU Medicine taking over Fairmont Medical Center, which was in danger of closing in late 2019. The work behind those projects, in particular the preservation of a local hospital, was pointed out as highlights during his tenure.
“I just can’t thank WVU Health Systems enough for stepping up to the plate, and all the people responsible for keeping our acute care hospital in Farimont,” said Elliott on “Talk of the Town.”
While Elliott has been a part of developments such as the move of WVU Medicine into Fairmont Medical Center, Elliott also pointed out efforts to improve the city’s volunteer fire department as another high point during his run. This includes the passing of the Marion County Fire Levy, which was passed midway through his second of three six year terms on Marion County Commission. In doing so, Elliott felt that the county received a great service from residence who needed extra assistance to help those in the event of an emergency.
“You know they put themselves in harms way, while they are protecting our families and our property, and they’re volunteers,” he said elaborating on the importance of the levy for county volunteer firefighters. “And I know they’ve come on hard times, it’s hard to get the youth involved in it and the one’s that are there work very, very hard and long hours, it’s very, very important,” he said.
When Elliott officially retires at the end of 2022, he will leave office as one of the longest serving members to have been on Marion County Commission. Elliott, who is also Marion County Commission President, stated he will fondly reflect on his time as a commissioner and hopes the progress that was made during his tenure, can be continued as years move on.
“I want to leave the commission on good terms, I want to leave the commission in a very strong position, both financially and administratively, and we are,” said Elliott. “It just comes a time where you have to say ‘hey, the timing is right for me,'” he said.