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WILLIAMSTOWN -- Two longtime members of Williamstown city government are vying to be the town's next mayor.
The term lasts two years and the winner will take office starting 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 COVID-19. 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," he 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 the chemical polyfluoroalkyl or PFAS. The chemical was used in fire-fighting foams. Council had voted in September 2023 to participate in a water contamination litigation against 3M, one of the producers of PFAS.
Stage said the 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 BF Goodrich 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."
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Paul Jordan
* Age: 57
* Address: 23 Painters Crossing, Williamstown
* Occupation: Regional Vice President, Atlantic Emergency Solutions
* Past offices: Mayor for four years, City Council for eight years
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Jim Stage
* Age: 77
* Address: 106 Sherwood Drive, Williamstown
* Occupation: Retired, previously worked for Fenton Art Glass and BF Goodrich
* Past offices: City Council member for eight years