CLARKSBURG, W. Va.–Tuesday was municipal Election Day in Clarksburg. Eleven candidates sought four city council seats. The winners are Wayne Worth, Jim Malfregeot , Jerry Riffle and Will Hyman. Melfregot was the only council member seeking reelection this time around.
Five amendments to the city’s charter were also on the ballot. Including direct election of the mayor. Which is now chosen by council. Current mayor Ryan Kennedy did not seek another term from council.
Term limits were approved for council members as a change to Clarksburg’s City Charter. That amendment passed. Kennedy supported term limits. “Once you’ve been on council or any other office for that matter, past two terms you really start to become an entrenched career politician. And that’s generally not a good thing for being responsive to the voters,” said Kennedy.
Albert Cox and Paul Howe retained their seats on the Water Board.
Albert Cox – 758 votes ***
Paul Howe III – 695 votes ***
Ashley Marinaro – 554 votes
Also on Tuesday’s ballot were the voting results of the five referendums to the Clarksburg City Charter, which all passed:
An issue to limit council members to serving no more than two consecutive terms, or more than four lifetime terms.
Yes – Amend the Charter– 1210 votes
No – Do not amend the Charter – 258 votes
An issue to allow citizens to initiate ordinances, hold referendums on ordinances and recall council members through a petition.
Yes – Amend the Charter – 1129 votes
No – Do not amend the Charter – 333 votes
Change the date of municipal elections to align with the West Virginia Primary election Day, which is currently the second Tuesday in May in even-numbered years.
Yes – Amend the Charter – 980 votes
No – Do not amend the Charter – 474 votes.