Incumbents return to office in Bluefield city election
bluefield — There were no surprises in Bluefield's municipal election.
The incumbents ran unopposed and were re-elected, according to unofficial returns.
Voter turnout in the city was light, according to City Clerk Anthony Heltzel. The election was held Tuesday with voters casting ballots in three different districts.
The results will be canvassed on June 9 at 9 a.m.
In District 1, Treyvon Simmons was re-elected with 38 votes.
In District 2, Mayor Ron Martin was re-elected with 46 votes.
In District 3, Daniel Wells was re-elected with 29 votes.
Simmons, Martin and Wells will serve another four-year term on the Bluefield Board of Directors.
'I'm deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve a third term on the Bluefield City Council,' Ron Martin, the city's current mayor, said. 'Though uncontested, I don't take this lightly — continued trust of Bluefield's citizens means everything. I'm committed to working hard every day to move Bluefield forward and make our city the best it can be for all who call it home.'
Heltzel said the remaining incumbents on the city board won't be up for re-election until 2027. They include at-large board members Matt Knowles and Peter Taylor.
But a new law passed earlier this year by the West Virginia Legislature could impact that election.
Senate Bill 50 was signed into law by Gov. Patrick Morrisey earlier this year. It will require all towns and cities in West Virginia to hold their elections on the same day that statewide general or primary elections are held.
'Now the city of Bluefield will have to do that, but we aren't for sure when that will be implemented yet,' Heltzel said. 'So it may effect when the next election is.'
Heltzel said the city can't extend term limits of elected board members. He said the city hopes to receive more information and guidance with regards to the new law in the future.
Contact Charles Owens at
cowens@bdtonline.com
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