Augusta County Supervisors pick 2009 chairman

VERONA — Three-term Augusta County Supervisor Larry Howdyshell was chosen board chairman for 2009 without opposition Wednesday.

Howdyshell, who serves the North District, was the lone nominee for chairman and received a 6-0 vote.

Middle River Supervisor Gerald Garber, who was absent with the flu, was selected vice chairman for 2009.

Howdyshell said the depressed economy is the board’s biggest concern during the new year. He said it will be important to prioritize the county’s needs during the upcoming budget planning for 2009-10.

“We haven’t quite hit bottom,’’ said Howdyshell. “We don’t want to put more stress on our citizens. We will have to look at the budget and see what is necessary. We’ve got to look out for the citizens of Augusta County.”

The Mount Solon cattle farmer said many constituents in his district are still looking for jobs they lost as a result of plant closings in neighboring Rockingham County in the past couple years.

While the economy is down, Howdyshell said it does offer an opportunity for government to streamline and look for savings.

The outgoing board chairman, David Beyeler of the South River District, thanked fellow supervisors and said he would not rehash the year. Beyeler received a gavel from Howdyshell in honor of his services as chairman.