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WILLIAMSTOWN – Two longtime members of Williamstown city government are vying for the office of mayor.
The term lasts two years, and the winner will take office July 1.
Mayor Paul Jordan, the incumbent, is seeking a third term and says he is just getting started since his first term was during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also served eight years on Williamstown City Council.
Jordan said one item he is proud of during his tenure is utilizing communication tools to spread information to the public.
"There's a lot more options at my fingertips than other mayors have had. We've used social media and updated our website. We've been able to tell residents when something is happening, and they can plan for it," he said.
"We're also planning an information day in May where all of the departments come together to let people know what's available in town."
Jordan also said he's worked with the Wood County 911 Center to set up alerts during emergencies.
He wants to see the old Williamstown Elementary project to fruition.
"It's not as easy as just going in and tearing a building down," Jordan said. "We've had to take steps"
Jordan said asbestos needed to be removed from the building along with relocating electricity in certain areas. The demolition is planned for the week of June 1.
Along with serving as mayor, Jordan works as regional vice president for Atlantic Emergency Solutions, a firm that designs and sells fire trucks. Jordan said he works from home often, so he is available in case of an emergency.
"The mayor position in Williamstown is structured as a part-time position," he said. "We're not big enough to pay full-time like Parkersburg or Vienna. I do this because I enjoy working in the community, not because of the money."
Challenger Jim Stage has been on council for eight years. He said the main reason he decided to run for mayor is he would be able to devote more time to the city as a retiree.
"I have nothing against Jordan. I want to be there full-time," he said.
Stage's responsibility on council is the water and sewer department.
He said he goes there every morning to work with Alan Gates, public works director.
"We go over what projects need done and what's scheduled for that day," he said.
Stage said the department's current project is to get the water infrastructure compliant with an amended Environment Protection Agency standard of allowed parts per trillion for per- and polyfluroalkyl substances, or PFAS.
The chemical was used in firefighting foams, as well as the Teflon-manufacturing process at the Washington Works facility in Wood County. Council had voted in September 2023 to participate in water contamination litigation against 3M, one of the producers of PFAS.
Stage said the city's water lines are from the 1930's. He, Gates, and public works employees are often on scene to fix or replace a broken line.
Stage worked for Fenton Art Glass for 18 years and BFGoodrich for 29 years and has held various supervisory positions in his career. He said that experience would be valuable as a mayor.
"I work good with people. They look toward me when I'm a supervisor. I'm willing to get my hands dirty. Although with my age, the water and sewer guys watch me more," he said.
Stage said he knows if he were to lose the election, he would be out of the government effective July 1. However, he is willing to take the risk. He recalled a conversation he had with former Mayor Jean Ford before she died Jan 12.
"Jean Ford told me I should run as mayor before she died," he said. "I'm 77 years old. My health is good now, but you never know what it's going to be when you're 80."