FUTURE PLANS — Brooke County Commissioner A.J. Thomas announced Tuesday he plans to step down from office, effective March 1, citing a desire to focus more on his family. -- Craig Howell

WELLSBURG — Noting a desire to focus on his family and a feeling he has left the county in a better place than when he first took office, Brooke County Commissioner A.J. Thomas announced Tuesday his plans to step down from the post March 1.

“When I first ran for this office, I had no children. In fact, my daughter was born just days after I was elected. Today, I have two young children, and as much as I love this work, I know my most important job is being present for them while they are still young, and being the best father, husband and son that I can be,” Thomas said at the beginning of Tuesday’s commission meeting. “That is what ultimately makes this decision the right one for me and my family.”

Thomas was first elected as a county commissioner in 2019, winning a second term in 2024.

He pointed to several accomplishments by the county during his time representing the people of Brooke County, including balancing the county’s budget while reducing the property tax rate.

He also noted the opening of the Wellsburg Bridge and assisting in securing $87.5 million toward the replacement of the Market Street Bridge, the construction of a new judicial annex next to the Brooke County Courthouse and completion of a centralized ambulance station in Wellsburg.

“We modernized our 911 center, equipped every first responder in Brooke County with state-of-the-art radios, and invested millions into water and sewer infrastructure for our public service districts and the residents they serve,” he said. “These investments will continue to pay dividends for years to come.”

In the areas of economic development, Thomas was involved in lobbying the West Virginia Legislature and other state officials to provide funding to Form Energy for the development of Form Factory 1 in Weirton, as well as efforts to bring Fanti USA, Premium Guard Inc. and other companies to Brooke County.

“Not every effort was a lasting success, but I believe strongly that progress requires risk, and that every attempt moves us closer to the opportunities our people deserve,” Thomas said, noting, after he steps away from elected office next year he would still like to find a way to be involved in local economic development.

Thomas represents the county on the board of the Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle, and said he would like to remain, if possible.

“Economic development has always been my greatest passion, and I want to continue helping bring new opportunities and new jobs to our community,” he said.

Thomas is a graduate of Brooke High School and West Virginia University, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science and a doctorate in law. He has served as chairman of the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission, as well as being active on the boards for the county’s senior center, libraries and other organizations.

“It has been the honor of my life to serve the people of Brooke County. I will always be grateful for the trust you placed in me, and I will never stop working to make this county the best it can be,” he said.

Commissioner Stacey Wise took a moment Tuesday to express her appreciation for Thomas and his work in the county, saying he always gave 120 percent.

“It has been an honor to work with you,” she said. “You’ve done a really great job for the people of Brooke County.”

Commissioner Thomas Diserio, meanwhile, said he would like to save his comments for March.

Under state code, Wise and Diserio will be tasked with appointing someone to fill Thomas’ seat within 30 days of his resignation. To be considered, an individual must be of the same political party, in this case Republican, and live in the same magisterial district.