Clarksburg swears in mayor and council; mayor outlines priorities

Wayne Worthart was sworn in as mayor of Clarksburg on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, taking the oath to support the U.S. and West Virginia constitutions and the city charter.

In his inaugural remarks, Worthart thanked voters and said the office carried responsibilities that required difficult decisions. He said the council must represent “every neighborhood, every business, every family” and emphasized priorities including stronger neighborhoods, responsible development, safer streets, support for small businesses, investments in parks and recreation and modernizing the council’s rules of procedure.

Worthart recalled advice from a friend—“Everything that light touches is your kingdom”—as a guiding image for representing the whole city. He also thanked former members for their service and urged defeated candidates to remain engaged in civic life.

Other newly sworn council members offered short remarks after the oath, thanking family and supporters and pledging to work for constituents. Rocky Romano, nominated and elected vice mayor during the meeting, thanked family and volunteers and cited the challenge of campaigning with young children.

The ceremonial meeting proceeded without substantive policy votes beyond the day’s organizational motions. The council adjourned after the remarks.