With the beginning of a new year also came a transition for some of those representing our residents in local government.

At the county level, Hancock County said goodbye to Jeff Davis as he took part in his final county commission meeting after 24 years.

Also a local business owner, Davis’ political career spans almost three decades, first being elected as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, where he spent four years representing the county, before being voted into a position closer to home.

In Weirton, Harold “Bubba” Miller departed the mayor’s office after a little over nine years, having first stepped in in July 2015. Add to that his time as a member of Weirton Council representing the city’s Second Ward, and it represents a lengthy political career.

Of the latest Weirton Council, longtime member George Ash, Fred Marsh, and Terry Weigel all opted not to seek re-election. Enzo Fracasso lost his bid for another term representing Ward 6, while Flora Perrone was not selected in her campaign for mayor.

That is a lot of knowledge and experience departing the halls of the Weirton Municipal Building.

We wish them all well in their next chapters, while also encouraging them to find other ways to serve their community.

While they are departing, we take time to welcome a new group of public servants.

Taking over for Davis at the county level is Tommy Ogden. Ogden, also, is a local businessman, and has been active with the local Republican Executive Committee for many years. This will be his first time holding an elected office.

Weirton has Dean Harris returning to the mayor’s office after 21 years away from politics. Harris previously served two terms as Weirton’s mayor, missing out on a third, consecutive term in the 2003 election. Prior to that, he represented Ward 5 on city council.

Joining Harris, along with returning members of city council Tim Connell and Chris Jonczak, are new members Ralph Cunningham, Jesse Keeder, Rick Stead, Brittany Holloway, and Anthony Rocchio. This will be the first time these five new councilmembers will hold such an office.

We wish them well, also, as they step into these new roles and responsibilities. There will be much to learn, and the years of service ahead will not always be easy.

Holding political office is never to be taken lightly. It is always appreciated when individuals have a willingness to take such a charge for the right reasons.