Category: Politics

On September 28th, 2025 the Westridge Hills Owners Association Semi-Annual Fall Meeting was held at the Blue Ridge Mountain Fire Hall, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

Unfortunately, several owners, and in some cases their children, repeatedly interrupted the agenda, creating a hostile and non-productive atmosphere. 

The main purpose of the meeting was to elect our officers.  A ballot had been mailed to all members in good standing.  However, blatant fraud occurred when a group of owners printed their own ballots, brought the ballots with them, and put them in envelopes and then handed them to Fire Chief Earl Cogle without inspection by any Board member.

Board member Luke Jenners had asked that we have the Fire Chief Cogle and another fire hall staff member count the ballots.  Other Board members had no issue with this, as we expected to check if each member handing in a ballot was in good standing.  However, shockingly, Chief Cogle refused to let the Board see the ballots, nor verify if the owners where in good standing, or even if they were owners at all.  He posted a person at the door to keep us out, and then refused to return the fraudulently printed ballots, as well as the legitimate ones.

He announced that Eugene Weatherholt was the unanimous choice for President, with 70 votes.  Just at least four problems:

1) Eugene is not current in payment for all lots, including an unsatisfied lien from 2018.  See attached.

2) Eugene was not on the WHOA ballot.

3)  I know as a fact that there were votes for Richard Urban, as I saw ballots that were mailed in as well as handed in by Board Members.

4) No one verified if the (fraudulent) ballots, or any official ballots, were cast by owners in good standing, having paid their dues by March 1 (March 15 allowance for mailing)

And Chief Cogle announced Andrew Tsui, an owner since September 22, 2025 as the Recording Secretary

Just at least four problems

1) Andrew Tsui was not on the ballot.

2)  I know as a fact that there were votes for Michael Franken, as I saw ballots that were mailed in as well as handed in by Board Members.

3) Andrew Tsui did not declare his candidacy by August 14th, and cannot be added to the ballot, which was mailed out on September 8th, per the WHOA bylaws.

4) No one verified if the (fraudulent) ballots, or any official ballots, were cast by owners in good standing, having paid their dues by March 1 (March 15 allowance for mailing)

Nathan Spinks was announced by Chief Cogle as Head Trustee.  Just at least five problems:

1) Head Trustee is a position appointed by the President, not an elected position, per the WHOA bylaws

2) Nathan Spinks was not on the ballot

3) Nathan Spinks paid his dues after the March 1st/March15th deadline

4) No one verified if the (fraudulent) ballots, or any official ballots, were cast by owners in good standing, having paid their dues by March 1 (March 15 allowance for mailing)

I, Richard Urban, will not be accepting the results of this fraudulent election.  A court of law can review these fraudulent, illegal activities.

A group of renegade owners, has attempted by creating a hostile environment, and with the collusion of Fire Chief Cogle, to hostilely take over the WHOA Board.  They cannot be recognized as Board officers, as stated above. They are free to make their case to any court of law.  

I especially encourage all owners to take heart and speak out as good, decent and honest WHOA members against this blatant fraud.  Your voices will be heard.

I will not be stepping down as WHOA Treasurer, as there has not been a valid election for Board officers.

I will fight, fight, fight for you.

Richard Urban,

WHOA Treasurer

Candidate for WHOA President