BENWOOD - Two of Marshall County's top law enforcement officials are affiliated with a new video gambling establishment at the Benwood Plaza.
McMechen Police Chief David McLaughlin has teamed up with Lori Longwell, wife of Benwood Police Chief Frank Longwell, to form M&L Partners LLC. The partnership owns and operates the new Munchies establishment, which is located in the former Radio Shack site.
"We were trying to get that plaza developed because it was empty, so Dave McLaughlin and my wife decided to try to jumpstart that plaza by actually participating in one of the storefronts," said Frank Longwell. "Me being chief and related to the owner should not be a problem - it should be a plus a police officer (McLaughlin) does own it.
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Photo by Bethany A. Romanek
Munchies employees, from left, include Cyndi Taylor, Sarah Criswell and Misty Tweedlie. The snack shop serves a variety of hot dogs.
"It's a safe place to eat and to play the lottery games. I would feel very secure if I were a patron because it's the last place problems would probably develop," he added. "It's actually a plus for the business, I believe."
According to Lew Brewer, executive director of the West Virginia Ethics Commission, it is as ethical for a law enforcement officer to own a video gambling establishment as it would be for them to own a car lot or any other legal business.
"There is nothing unethical or no ethical concerns that I can think of for a police chief to own a business," Brewer said. "There are no specific limitations for a police officer or his wife to own a business. There is nothing in the ethics law that says a police chief cannot own a business."
When asked if the public may consider it unethical for a police chief or their spouse to own a gambling establishment, Brewer said he can't get into the minds of other people.
"I can't say what they think," he said.
Aside from offering state-sanctioned limited video gambling machines, Munchies serves a variety of hotdogs such as Chicago, Georgia, Texas and barbecue delight.
Other menu options include pizza and kielbasa sandwiches.
Being both a member of local law enforcement and part owner, McLaughlin said he looks forward to doing business with the public.
"Basically, as part owner in the establishment, we are happy to be located here in Benwood," McLaughlin said. "We believe that our establishment will be just fine with the customer base in the area, and we look forward seeing everyone stop by."
Benwood Mayor Ed Kuca said the new addition to the city has created some jobs and will raise revenues in the general fund. He also said the property is in a prime spot, complete with an Ohio Valley Regional Transportation Authority bus run, plenty of parking and access to the walking trail. He foresees more businesses opening at the plaza down the road.
There is a tenant actively negotiating a lease on the former Ames building, he said.
Munchies is open from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. Sundays. For more information, call 304-905-0593.