BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — The city of Bridgeport will begin the Robert Matheny era of leadership when he is sworn in Monday as mayor of one of the economic drivers of the state.
After two terms as Harrison County Sheriff, Matheny will be the top executive for the city with one of the largest, busiest airports in the state, a robust technology sector, and the master-planned mixed-use development Charles Pointe, valued at an estimated $1.7 billion.
“I’m so excited and very thankful; I’m a lifer here in Bridgeport,” Matheny said. “I’ve served this county for the last eight years as sheriff, and I can’t think of a better thank you from the people than allowing me to be the mayor.”
Bridgeport has been under a city manager form of government since the 1990s, and until the 2020s, the city had three to hold the position. Current interim city manager Joe Shuttleworth is now the third city manager since 2022, following the most recent contested termination of Pat Ford. Ford has filed a lawsuit against the city alleging he was terminated in an attempt by the city to “hide acts of wrongdoing and waste from public disclosure.”
“I want to see a lot more transparency,” Matheny said. “When I say that, I’m not being negative to our former mayor or government; it’s just a direction we can always improve in.”
Matheny had high praise for interim city manager Shuttleworth, who has more than 20 years of experience with the city leading the high-profile park and recreation department. Finding a resolution to the issue will be a top priority in order to establish stability in city leadership.
“We certainly need to understand where we’re at in the city manager situation.” Matheny said. “Is the court going to order the former city manager back, or are we finished with that, and do we need to move on to a new city manager?”
Charles Pointe, developed by Genesis Partners and Jamie Corton, has become a diverse, growing mixed-use development. With about 500 homes currently, with plans to build 100 homes a year, the Bridge Athletic Complex, major retail, dining, lodging, education, industry, and a new small-format hospital under construction by Mon Health, the planned community continues to grow.
“The potential is much more than we have now,” Matheny said. “So, it’s really important that county and state government get on board with this and maximize what we have here, and I’m excited to do that as mayor.”
Outside Charles Pointe, the city also has the North Central West Virginia Airport and AeroTech Business Park. Those come with a combined economic impact of well over $1 billion and additional robust retail at the Meadowbrook Mall.
“Charles Pointe is not the only growth or only great jewel we have in our city, but it’s one of many,” Matheny said. “That’s what’s important—that we don’t hang our hat on one hook, and I see nothing but great things for Bridgeport.”