(a) The Legislature finds that:
(1) There is confusion concerning when a candidate for county commission must be a resident of the magisterial district he or she wants to represent;
(2) The supreme court has discussed the residency requirement in several cases and has conflicting interpretations;
(3) It is imperative that this issue be permanently resolved at the time of filing to ensure the citizens have choice on the ballot;
(4) It is essential the citizens know they are voting for a person who is qualified to be a candidate; and
(5) With the expense of holding an election, tax payer moneys should not be wasted of officials who could never serve.
(b) A candidate for the office of county commissioner shall be a resident from the magisterial district for which he or she is seeking election:
(1) By the last day to file a certificate of announcement pursuant to section seven, article five, chapter three of this code; or
(2) At the time of his or her appointment by the county executive committee or the chairperson of the county executive committee.
Structure West Virginia Code
Chapter 7. County Commissions and Officers
Article 1. County Commissions Generally
§7-1-1. County Commissions Corporations; How Constituted; Election of President
§7-1-1b. Legislative Findings; Qualifications for County Commissioners
§7-1-3. Jurisdiction, Powers and Duties
§7-1-3bb. Levy For, Establishment and Operation of Sheltered Workshops; Financial Aid
§7-1-3d. Levy For, Establishment, and Operation of Fire Prevention Units; Financial Aid
§7-1-3e. Acquisition of Land For, and Operation Of, Public Refuse Dumps and Sanitary Landfills
§7-1-3ee. Providing for Payment of Service Fees at Banking Institutions
§7-1-3f. Establishment and Operation of Garbage and Refuse Collection and Disposal Services
§7-1-3g. Acquisition, Operation, and Maintenance of Sewerage Systems and Sewage Plants
§7-1-3gg. Lease Agreements for Equipment or Materials With Option to Cancel or Renew
§7-1-3i. County Commission May Cooperate With Other Governmental Units
§7-1-3k. Authority to Lease, Rent or Permit the Use of County Property
§7-1-3kk. Authority to Provide for the Elimination of Hazards to Public Health and Safety; Penalty
§7-1-3m. Authority to Employ, Fix Compensation for and Discharge Personnel
§7-1-3mm. Transfer of Development Rights in Growth Counties
§7-1-3n. Authority of Certain Counties as to Building and Housing Codes; State Building Code
§7-1-3oo. Authority to Enter Into Energy-Savings Contracts
§7-1-3p. Authority to Require Permits for Mobile Homes or House Trailers; Penalty
§7-1-3pp. Additional Powers and Duties of Commission; Areas of Special or Unique Interest
§7-1-3rr. Accessible County Records; Required Information
§7-1-3s. Authority to Govern Traffic and Parking; Rules and Regulations; Penalties
§7-1-3tt. Restriction on the Regulation of Trades, Occupations, and Professions
§7-1-3u. Authority of Counties and Municipalities to Treat Streams to Prevent Floods
§7-1-3x. County Information Referral Service
§7-1-3y. Authority to Grant Funds to Nutrition Programs
§7-1-3z. Authority of Counties to Govern Business of Massage
§7-1-5. Duties of County Commissioners; Payment for Services Other Than Services in Court
§7-1-5a. Excusal of Commissioner From Voting Where Conflict of Interest Involved
§7-1-6. Power to Punish for Contempts
§7-1-8. Continuance of Matters at End of Session
§7-1-9. Creation of Special Funds
§7-1-10. Special Account for Federal and State Grants-in-Aid Authorized
§7-1-11. Purchasing in Open Market or Competitive Bids; Debarment
§7-1-12. Authority for Establishing County Curfews; Jurisdiction for Violations
§7-1-13. Regulation of Amateur Radio Antennas
§7-1-15. Challenge of Candidate for County Commission; Residency