Ash inducted into Municipal League Hall of Fame

WEIRTON -- A member of Weirton Council has been recognized for his years of service with induction into a statewide hall of fame.

Each year, the West Virginia Municipal League honors individuals with 20 or more years of service as an elected municipal official through induction into the Municipal Officials Hall of Fame.

This year, Ward 4 Councilman George Ash Sr. was among the class of six inductees announced during the League's annual conference Aug. 4.

"From this point forward, we'll have to put 'HOF' after George's name," City Manager Mike Adams joked during Monday's city council meeting.

Municipal League Executive Director Travis Blosser, recalling his own time in Weirton when he served as city manager, noted Ash's consistent engagement with, and on behalf of, his constituents.

"You were constantly that voice in the background for me," Blosser said.

In all, Ash has served on Weirton Council for 28 years, representing Ward 4 from 1991 to 2003 and again from 2007 to the present.

During Monday's recognition, Ash thanked the Municipal League, but gave particular appreciation to the residents of Ward 4 for their support over the years.

"I hope I did justice by them," he said.

Adams pointed to Ash's work within the community, in addition to his role as an elected official, including two tours of duty with the U.S. Army in Vietnam, his time on municipal boards such as the Weirton Area Water Board and the Building Enforcement Agency, and his volunteer and civic contributions through the Hancock County Sheltered Workshop Board, Hancock County Savings Bannk Charitable Foundation, Brooke-Hancock County Veterans Memorial Park, PG Independent Order of Odd Fellows Wheeling Lodge No. 9 and Masonic Lodge No. 22.

"George has dedicated a large part of his life to public service," Adams said.