Stroech

SHEPHERDSTOWN — The Town Recorder for the Corporation of Shepherdstown resigned from office on Jan. 30, after serving seven months in the role and, prior to that, four years on the Town Council.

Chris Stroech, who has practiced law in the Eastern Panhandle for 20 years and is the owner of Panhandle Legal, said his decision to resign was made after much deliberation.

“I hereby tender my resignation as Town Recorder and from all committees, effective immediately,” Stroech said in his resignation letter to Mayor James Gatz. “As the recorder, I am charged with leading in your absence. Despite my best efforts, you have failed to keep me informed of town business.

“I have offered my knowledge of town affairs and governance in general, but you have been unwilling to discuss and make the attempt to work together,” Stroech said. “I have made efforts to move forward with town initiatives and address urgent matters, but emails remain unanswered.”

Stroech expressed his frustration with this treatment, as well as concern over the mayor giving preferential treatment to select persons and groups in the town.

“You seem to listen to those working in the shadows, rather than engage with us elected to do the work. Your inability to make decisions has delayed progress, and yet, you do not reach out for assistance or the readily-available institutional knowledge. Instead of uniting us after the election, you continue to divide us by favoring the new over the old guard,” Stroech said. “All considered, you have neutralized my ability to competently perform my job in an informed manner, and stepping aside at this time seems best for Shepherdstown.”

Stroech said he has not noticed similar behavior from his fellow Town Council members.

“My fellow council members — it has been a pleasure working with you. Both new and old, you are making efforts to do what is best for the town,” Stroech said. “Please remember, however, that we do not represent the aged, wealthy owners and tourists. We represent all of Shepherdstown, including the students, those less fortunate, tenants and service industry workers. We are stewards of the town’s resources and must be cautious in giving away our tax-derived savings to private organizations and properties without uniform standards, equal access and accountability. Housing options must be both offered and protected for those of all income levels.”

He also cautioned the people of Shepherdstown to not simply trust that their elected officials will have their best interests at heart.

“Shepherdstown, thank you for trusting in me to represent you over the last four-and-a-half years,” Stroech said. “Please stay alert, as matters come before this council. Perhaps one day, with your blessing, I will be able to support you again.”

Gatz responded to the news of Stroech’s resignation on Friday.

“Chris has been a valuable member of our town government,” Gatz said. “I have appreciated his counsel and advice, and I wish him all the best.”

He then addressed Stroech’s reasons for resigning.

“Transitions between administrations are always difficult – it’s no longer the status quo and management styles differ. Nevertheless, change and new approaches are important ingredients for our town’s future,” Gatz said. “Since last July, we have been using new strategies and updated procedures so that our town government is more responsive to the needs of our residents. I have hired a financial consultant for a much-needed review of the town’s financial reporting system. I have launched a new town website for clearer and more timely communications to residents. I have and will continue to take input from everyone, including our local, small businesses, on how to better support them.”

According to Gatz, Stroech’s replacement will be selected by the Town Council and appointed at a later date.