Outgoing Governor Jim Justice has appointed Hampshire County Commissioner David Cannon to be the next member of the House of Delegates from District 89, which includes parts of Morgan and Hampshire counties in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia.
The seat was vacated when Governor Justice appointed Delegate Darren Thorne to take the place of Charles Trump in the Senate. Trump was elected to serve on the West Virginia Supreme Court.
“For over four years, I have placed my confidence in the people of Hampshire County, and you have generously responded by placing your confidence in me,” Cannon said in an open letter to his fellow citizens. “Together, we’ve worked to strengthen our communities, face challenges, and embrace opportunities. Now, in just over four weeks, I will assume new and broader responsibilities for our County and our great State.”
“Governor Justice has placed a great honor and trust in me, by appointing me to represent you in the 89th District of the House. To have my name on a list among those of great citizens, lawmakers, and proven leaders vying for this position is truly humbling. I am deeply honored that The Governor and The Republican Party have chosen me for this vital role.”
“Some of you may ask, why take this next step?”
“The answer lies in a question I asked myself repeatedly: Where can I do the most good for my people? Reflecting on the progress we’ve made together over the past four years, I see how instrumental our state government has been in helping us achieve those advancements.”
“To continue serving Hampshire County to the fullest, I need to go straight to the source.”
“With Senator Thome, Senator Willis, Delegate Hillenbrand, and myself now representing our region, alongside the first panhandle Governor in decades, our county is positioned to have an unprecedented voice in Charleston. I truly know you will see this become a major net gain for our community.”
“I make a promise to you and to Governor Justice: he has never sent a harder worker to Charleston. I am one of you-a common man, a working man, who knows firsthand how to pull himself up by the bootstraps. A great leader is humble, seeks wise counsel, and surrounds himself with capable people, and I will take those principles with me to the Capitol.”
“At the beginning of next month on February 11th, at midnight I will resign as your County Commissioner. I ask for your help and your prayers to push us into the future. I could leave now and accept the break but I feel that is not me.”
“I am going to give this prestigious Commission and its people the due respect of working until the last minute I can, and give them all the time I can to fill my shoes. The remaining Commissioners will have one month from my resignation to appoint a hardworking and honorable individual to fill my seat. I have full confidence that they will choose someone who will lead with integrity, work alongside them with dignity, and collaborate with me in Charleston to ensure Hampshire County’s continued success.”
“Thank you, Hampshire County for The Honor and joy it has been to lead.”