STAR CITY, W.Va. – Elected officials in Star City have selected fellow councilor Patricia Doyle to serve as mayor as Herman Reid battles health issues. Reid has been mayor since 2015, but resigned as municipal judge and removed his name from the ballot last week when he began a leave of absence.
On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Star City recorder Steve Blinco said they are managing the city as Reid focuses on his health struggle.
“We hope he gets some good news and we’re trying as a council to do all we can to help him at this time as he is trying recoup and recover,” Blinco said.
In order to elevate Doyle to mayor, councilors had to agree to change to the city charter. The city recorder is designated to serve in the event the elected mayor cannot, however Blinco said after filling in for about two weeks it was apparent he could not effectively meet the demands of all the roles he was asked to fill.
“I don’t have the time and that wouldn’t be fair to our citizens,” Blinco said. “The teaching, coaching, trying to be a dad, serving on all the committees I do for Star City- the MMMPO (Morgantown Metropolitan Planning Organization), MAP (Morgantown Area Partnership), CVB (Visit Mountaineer Country Convention and Visitor’s Bureau) it just wasn’t right for me to do that.”
Reid’s current term as mayor ends on July 1 and the Star City municipal election will be held June 7.
“Sharon Doyle will run unopposed, so this is a dress rehearsal for her for 95 days,” Blinco said. ” Then she’ll be on the ballot to run for mayor.”
Blinco said they are contact and continuing to monitor Reid and hope for his recovery and possible return to Star City Hall.
“We’re going to be monitoring how Herman is doing and if he’s able to return to his job duties as mayor we’ll entertain that at that time,” Blinco said. “It’s just a wait and see pattern here.”
Doyle has lived in Star City for nearly 40 years and has served as a member of the city council for about three decades.
“She has decades of experience and she’s recently retired, so she really has the time to commit to Star City and all of our citizens,” Blinco said.
The next Star City regular meeting will be held April 4, Doyle will be sworn-in as mayor and Ponch Reyes will be sworn-in as Municipal Judge.