MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Democrat Tom Bloom won a third term on the Monongalia County Commission over Republican challenger Maryann Folz.
Bloom received 21,477 votes compared to 18,128 for Folz.
“I’m really pleased to be honored that I was elected for a third six-year term because it is very difficult to do,” Bloom said. “I’m thrilled the citizens believe in my approach, which is hands-on.”
Bloom has been a lightning rod for issues like relations with the state Department of Highways, homeless policies, and specifically the Vehicle and Pedestrian Safety Ordinance preventing pedestrians in right-of-way areas that have resulted in close calls and traffic accidents.
“And I think the citizens saw through what was some rhetoric that was clearly made up by some small outside groups,” Bloom said. “Fortunately, they wanted to make a decision on letting them vote, and they didn’t let people come from the outside and tell us how to vote.”
Bloom said the vote is also about maintaining continuity and momentum in economic development efforts. Working on utility expansion to the west, the I-79 exit 155 Chaplin Hill Gateway project, and the proposed Harmony Grove interchange to serve the Morgantown Industrial Park and Mountaintop Beverage are some of the economic development efforts he’ll continue working on.
“This election was also for the two other county commissioners,” Bloom said. “The three of us working together have really made us the economic engine and the key flag for the state.”