T-L Photos/ROBERT A. DEFRANK ABOVE: Kathryn Thalman takes her oath of office as Mayor of St. Clairsville Thursday from Belmont County Common Pleas Judge Frank Fregiato.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Kathryn Thalman marked her swearing-in as the new mayor of St. Clairsville with exuberance and enthusiasm Thursday, when she took her oath of office at the J.B. Martin Recreation Center.

A sizable crowd of friends, family, city employees, council members and police officers, local business owners and residents turned out to congratulate her. Thalman decisively defeated incumbent mayor Terry Pugh in a three-way race on Election Day, Nov. 5. A major issue of contention was the future of water and wastewater service in the city, with Pugh’s administration advocating for privatizating the systems and selling them to a state-regulated entity that would make repairs and meet costly mandates from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Thalman’s platform included exploring options to maintain local control of those systems.

The attendees applauded after she was sworn in.

“I am just blown away. I am so blessed,” she said after taking her oath.

She thanked all in attendance and her campaign supporters for their work during the election.

“To everybody here who voted for me, and even if you didn’t, you prayed for me and it’s appreciated,” she said. “I’m eager to work with our wonderful council. … I’m so excited to have the opportunity to work with them. We are going to have so much excitement, and we are going to do some wonderful things for the city.”

The future of water service will be on the coming agenda.

“First and foremost, we’ll be looking at the water issues … ,” she said, adding that the future is bright. “There’s going to be a lot of opportunities coming to St. Clairsville. A new day has indeed dawned. This new administration will bring open eyes and open hearts, as well as enthusiasm and energy to move St. Clairsville forward. We will view St. Clairsville with 2020 vision. We’ll be pointing toward the future and respecting our past.

“We will prepare for the future and the economic opportunities as well as address the safety of our city,” she said. “Options will be explored through creativity and applying good, solid business principles.”

Among Thalman’s initiatives is to begin walking tours through the city on Wednesdays.

“We’ll have a chance to talk and engage with our residents and hear what concerns you have about our city,” she said.

Thalman also pledged there would be transparency in her administration. She added that while the campaign had been marked by anger and insults from some, particularly on social media, this did not reflect attitude of the majority of city residents.

She said, “99.999 percent of the people in this town are absolutely wonderful, and I am humbled to be representing you,” she said.

Thalman added that she is St. Clairsville’s first female mayor.

“That is a huge milestone for the city, and one that I embrace and will take very seriously.”

Thalman’s upcoming duties include naming her administrative staff, department heads, a city safety and service director and a police chief. The prior police chief, Jeff Henry, retired in mid-December. Lt. Mike Troullos was appointed interim chief until Thalman took office. Thalman did not comment on who would be named to the chief’s position or the staff.

Another ongoing issue is the proposed disciplining of a police officer, T.J. Stewart, for three reported infractions in 2019. Pugh deferred the matter to Thalman’s administration and released a letter to the public outlining the case.

Guests included Ohio Sen. Frank Hoagland, R-Mingo Junction, who congratulated Thalman and took the opportunity to speak to her about the 2020-21 capital budget and its impact on Belmont County.

“Belmont County is forward-thinking, and we’re looking at how we can expand not only what Belmont County has to offer, but also what assets Belmont County needs to create and build,” he said, adding that road and internet access improvements are some of the chief local issues. “I was able to bend the mayor’s ear real quick. … It looks like everybody’s ready to go to work.”

Wendy Anderson, director of the St. Clairsville Area Chamber of Commerce, said the business community was represented.

“We are ready for a new day, and it seems like everybody’s excited about her being the first woman and the energy that she’s going to bring to St. Clairsville,” she said.

Anderson said the mayor’s walking tour plans sound promising.

“It’s important to get out there and talk to the businesses, find out what they are feeling. Find out what the vibe’s going on in town so they can identify it and work with it. … It’s all about business. How you talk to your businesses,” Anderson said.

Several council members were also present and shared in the optimism.

“I’m here to support the new administration, just like I tried to support the former administration. I wish the new mayor all the best and will do whatever I can as a councilperson to help,” Councilwoman Beth Oprisch said.

“We have a great future in this city, fresh ideas, and we’re going to take one thing at a time and fix it,” Councilman Perry Basile said.

Council President Jim Velas said he looks forward to city leaders working together to address common problems.

“We’re behind her. You have to support your local people,” Joyce Paglialunga, owner of From Past to Present, said. “I hope she can do a great job for us.”

The next council meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday at the city building, 100 N. Market St.