MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Morgantown City Council celebrated the final meeting with Third Ward Councilor Ixya Vega. Vega did not run for reelection in 2023 because she is moving back to her hometown of Melrose Park, Illinois, due to family concerns.
Vega was elected to council as a write-in candidate for the Third Ward in 2021, where she became the youngest resident to ever be elected to council. She served on the Morgantown Sister Cities Commission and advocated for child-friendly programs and women’s rights as a field organizer for Planned Parenthood at the state capital during her tenure. Vega’s seat will be taken over by newly elected Third Ward Councilor Louise “Weezie” Michael, who ran unopposed in the 2023 Morgantown Municipal election.
“It’s not very common that you come to college and then help make decisions for the college town you’re in,” Vega said. “So, I really appreciate it and really appreciate the staff for answering the questions I had.”
Mayor Jenny Selin presented Vega with a mounted proclamation and read it in full during the public meeting.
“She is the youngest councilor to be elected, she’s the first Latina to be elected, and she’s the second write-in candidate to be elected,” Selin said.
Seventh Ward Councilor Brian Butcher was elected for the first time with Vega in 2021, and the two have learned the job together. Butcher cited his time serving with her and called her one of the “fiercest people” he’s ever met.
“I’m not really sure I could have done this job without you being here,” Butcher said. “But I also know I wouldn’t be able to continue to do this job if I hadn’t had you here.”
City Clerk Christine Wade said Vega was a great addition to the council and did her best for the people she served.
“I appreciate your genuine love for people and the youth,” Wade said. “Some of the things you brought up in the past were new to me and educational.”
City Attorney Ryan Simonton also had words of encouragement as Vega left her final meeting as the representative from the Third Ward in Morgantown.
“I would also like to say thank you for your service, and I wish you the best,” Simonton said.