Governor Fills Expired Terms For WV Racing Commission Seats 

The governor appointed Greg McDermott of Wheeling, Joe Smith of Charleston and Jack Rossi of Charleston to serve until each term expires in April 2012.

“I am confident that each of these members will serve the commission honorably and that they will make responsible decisions to ensure that live racing remains a viable industry and an enjoyable pastime in West Virginia.”

The three-member commission regulates the greyhound and thoroughbred racing industries at the four racetracks in West Virginia. Manchin said that while the existing commission members’ terms had expired, because of anticipated changes in the structure of the commission, replacements or reappointments were withheld until the Legislature was able to determine whether it would make proposed changes to the state racing commission’s organization.

“For the last year, we worked on legislation that would have reorganized the Racing Commission and placed it within the Lottery Commission,” Manchin said. “That issue was debated during this past Regular Session, and the Legislature decided to maintain the Racing Commission structure as it currently exists. It would not have been fair to the commission members or the racing industry to make appointments to a commission that could be changed in the near future.”

The outgoing commissioners are Chairman Fred "Sonny" Peddicord from Kingwood, Brian Mitchell from Martinsburg and George Sidiropolis from Wheeling.

The governor thanked each member for his service and dedication for the last few years.  “Our outgoing commission members were kind enough to continue to serve beyond their term expiration while we waited for direction on a new regulatory framework,” the governor said.  “I want to thank each of them for their service to the state and the racing industry during the last several years.”

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