Matheny Sees Friendship with New Clarksburg Mayor Worth Enhancing Already Solid Inter-City Relationship

The mayors of Bridgeport and Clarksburg working with another is not unusual. The mayor being friends is also not unusual.

However, Bridgeport Mayor Robert Matheny’s relationship and work relationship with new Clarksburg Mayor Wayne Worth is a bit different.

Matheny and Worth are very close friends and have many ties prior to Worth’s election that saw him sworn into his new office July 1. Worth is also Clarksburg’s first elected mayor since what is believed to be the 1950s. Since then, and before Worth, Clarksburg’s mayor was appointed by the elected Council.

At the July 1 event inside of Clarksburg City Council chambers, Matheny was on hand to support Worth. He said he was there on a personal and professional basis.

“Our friendship goes back many years and is deep rooted. We’ve always shared a love for West Virginia the community, specifically here in North Central West Virginia,” said Matheny. “I’ve worked with him through the Lions Club, on community projects, and a lot when I was (Harrison County) Sheriff and when he was at community corrections. We’re friends, and our wives are friends.”

Matheny said despite what some perceive as a “sibling rivalry”, Bridgeport and Clarksburg have long had a solid working relationship. He said many parts of it are easily observed.

“The governments have long had a good relationship. I don’t know if the public is aware how much we rely on one another,” said Matheny. “The big one is emergency services with our police and fire and the mutual aid agreements. You’ll see both of our first responders on the same scenes because of mutual aid, because of jurisdictions that overlap, and because it’s in the best interest of the public.”

Matheny said there is another part people do not see.

“Both cities have strong relationships between departments such as public works and finance. They get advice and help one another, and people don’t see that,” Matheny continued. “Our public works departments help with parts and equipment, and we work regularly with the Clarksburg Water Board, so we have long had a good relationship. I’m not sure how much Wayne and I can improve that, but I don’t think it will hurt with us having a personal relationship.”

Matheny said he is looking forward to working with Worth over the next few years. He also said he was proud of his friend’s recent success and long-time work in the community.

Editor’s Note: Top photo shows Wayne Worth, left, with Robert Matheny shortly after Worth was sworn in as Clarksburg’s Mayor July 1 at Clarksburg City Hall. Bottom photo shows Worth taking the oath of office from City Clerk Annette Wright.