By Brian Billings

Special to Mason County Extra Edition

Picture it. 1975. Point Pleasant High School.

“I will be mayor someday in this city.”

Those were the words of a 17-year-old senior in high school telling friends and classmates that I wanted to serve the residents of this city as mayor. As I quote the great Paul Harvey (a program I ran on the air at WMPO Radio), “Now you know the rest of the story.”

But allow me to step back to June of 2009, when then Mayor Leonard “Buster” Riffle”, a true gentleman and person I have truly respected and have for many years, advised me my time was now to lead as mayor. With the council’s approval, I was sworn in on June 11th of that year.

Three elected terms later (2012, 2016 and 2020), my dream of being mayor began. Over those many years we and I say we (council members) have accomplished many things that proved our city to be a vital community nestled along the great banks of the Kanawha and Ohio rivers.

Sure, many stressful days, but many more positive that led to exciting and new things for all of us. I began a program in 2010 that we would pave local streets three times each year (spring, mid-summer and early fall). This we have done with the council’s blessing each year since that time and are doing that today. There were areas, in my opinion, that were neglected over the years. Some were Krodel Park, Bellemead and the Kingtown area. Yes, there is still more to take care of. We enacted a collective effort to streamline our budget and control spending, which led to a general fund that allowed us to stay positive and take care of our employees, equipment, and other day-to-day operations. I will say, since COVID, it has been a struggle at times to keep employees and find people who are willing to work. Currently, we are working on upgrading our sewer and water plants. A committee has been formed and an engineering firm hired so that we can make Harmon Park a state-of-the-art baseball complex.

Look back over the past ten years at Krodel Park. Wow, what a change in that 44-acre park. In fact, I call it one of West Virginia’s hidden secrets. So many people, which include council members, businesses, organizations, and individuals, have given countless hours of their time and funding to see a major change since those who worked so hard many years ago to develop that area. Now a playground, splashpad, kayaking, pedal boats, shelters upgraded and a paved walking trail around the lake, and a revamped campground that so many come to from across this great country. Of course, that area has all been paved (like many of you, you may remember the totally graveled dirt road). Yes, more to do and I am sure the council will see that the remaining projects will be completed.

One of the highlights I am proud of is the Christmas tree lighting ceremony that we started following our annual Christmas parade. It’s a wonderful event as we kick off the Christmas season in our city. It brings our community together and young and old enjoy this time.

Liberty Fest has now grown from a one-day event to three days. We begin with Praise Along the River which is held the Sunday before the Fourth of July — a thought I had and brought to council which they unanimously agreed to do. This began after our COVID-19 dedication at Gunn Park in remembrance of those individuals we lost in Mason County. There are many other projects that we as a governmental body have accomplished.

If memory serves me correctly, I have had the honor to work with over 40 different council members from all walks of life. Dedicated elected officials whose sole desire was to work diligently to move our historic city forward. I truly believe this was accomplished by each of them. I have served with two city clerks and three mayors over my time. I began my career on July 1, 2003, being elected to the council at large seat. On July 1, 2006, I was appointed to city clerk/treasurer, elected to that position in 2007. June 11, 2009, appointed mayor, and then blessed to be elected three times in 2012, 2016 and 2020. I am proud to say I am the longest serving mayor in our city’s history. Perhaps that did not need to be said but I am truly honored. The only city office I have not served in is council person, but, who knows, maybe someday.

To the individual who will soon be occupying my former office with the new chair that was purchased a couple of months ago, I sincerely wish you the best. There will be times when you may feel uncomfortable, stressed, and wonder what you are doing. Please know I have been there.

From radio to newspaper to city government, it has been an unbelievable ride for this 66-year-old guy. Oh, wait! I am not going to sit back and do nothing. My wife Shirley has many things at home for me to do and I will accomplish those things for her. I will say, I will spend more time with our two boys who I am very proud of, Josh and Jared, and yes, those grandchildren. Great things are on the horizon for this city council and future members, and let me say to each of you, that this soon-to-be-retired public servant (Friday, Aug. 11, 2023), will be rooting for each of you. I still have another chapter to begin, and I will see you out and about as we all move forward to make this historic city that we call home the best in the Mountain State!

It has been my honor!

Brian Billings, Mayor, City of Point Pleasant