Nov. 4 letters to the editor

State needs to expedite
covering pothole damage
Just this morning there was news that the potholes on our roads have been seriously neglected all year.
But we also have a process whereby owners of vehicles damaged by these potholes will be compensated (refunded) by the state’s Legislative Claims Commission for their costs. Some residents may have been compensated, but some have not, including me.
There was a recent hearing by this commission to hear claims, at a hotel in Sabraton, for anyone whose vehicle was damaged.
I was on my way to church on a rainy evening in March when I hit a pothole covered by water. I was scared but worked hard to back out and in time did get my vehicle back on the road, but the condition of my car made it hard to get home, but I did.
The repair shop came and got my vehicle but I heard nothing from the Division of Highways until much later at this hearing.
I had to pay $1,600-plus to repair my car so I was anxious for my state refund.
I even took the mechanic that did the work with me to the hearing to prove what happened. The front end damage was caused by my car dropping into the pothole and its bumper catching on the hole’s edge causing it to bend upward and damaging it further.
Everyone at the hearing was told they would be notified later of the decision. As I write this, it has been eight-plus months since my vehicle was damaged and I paid for those damages. Meanwhile, we build sidewalks, upgrade parks and widen the Mileground to five lanes.
I guess the state thinks if we wait long enough we will give up or purchase another car. Well mine is at the shop as I write this to prepare for another winter, including winter tires. All at my expense
Of course, the state roads in and around WVU’s housing and other buildings have sidewalks. And Morgantown has the means to add warnings about bike lanes with pictures of bikes on both lanes of many streets. Do bicyclists carry insurance for using those streets?
These promises of compensation for pothole damage have gone to the non-deserving areas and wishes of elected officials. What a shame for the taxpayers.
Ruth Allen
Morgantown