Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of three stories to be published this week profiling the candidates for mayor of St. Clairsville. The race will be decided in the Nov. 7 general election, when polls will be open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Early, in-person voting is underway at the Belmont County Board of Elections office.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Bill Brooks said a love of the residents and community motivated him to seek election in the mayor’s race to be decided on the Nov. 7 ballot.

Brooks previously campaigned for the mayor’s seat in 2019 and for a council seat in 2021. He said his background is one of leadership and responsibility.

“I was in the United States Marine Corps for four years,” he said. “I was a non-commissioned officer. I was an E-4. I was a platoon leader.”

He worked at the Ormet Corp. for 33 years and was a United Steelworkers representative. He was also a United Food and Commercial Worker union representative.

“These were all voted in positions,” he said. “I fought for other people for over 50 years of my life. Sixty years of my life I’ve been fighting for people.”

Brooks said he has been active in city politics for 30 years. In recent years, he spearheaded voter opposition to a levy proposed by the St. Clairsville-Richland City School District that many residents saw as excessive. It was defeated.

“Because I care about the citizens more than I do the city, I would rather our streets get paved and our sidewalks get repaired than extend the walking trail,” he said. “I’m a fighter for what I believe in, and I’m very vocal. I’m transparent. I don’t believe in holding anything I know back.”

If elected, Brooks said his priority would be stabilizing utility rates and cutting the budget.

“Including salaries, so we can use that money for the people, to do things for the citizens,” Brooks said of planned cuts.

Some potential projects he mentioned included bringing city buildings into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act or holding council meetings and conducting city business in more accessible locations. Council meetings are held on the second floor of the city building, accessible only by stairs.

Brooks said one significant challenge the city is facing is increasing utility rates as it begins purchasing water from Belmont County.

“This water is going to be a big, big issue. I think we should have took out bonds and fixed our own reservoir,” he said. “Water’s going to be a super issue. Electric’s going to be a super issue.”

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency ordered the city to find a new water source to replace its surface reservoir and aging water treatment plant. A debate over whether to privatize the system dominated the last mayoral race, with officials ultimately deciding to make arrangements to purchase water from the county.

If elected, Brooks said he will explore hiring a grant writer to seek additional funding sources.

“We could get a grant writer that could find us a way to fix the reservoir maybe, but I want to be financially accountable to the citizens,” he said. “My leadership style is: ‘Full speed ahead, but you still have to listen to your troops. Know what the objective is and go for it, but still you’ve got to listen to your people.”

Brooks said he is dissatisfied with current and prior administration and what he sees as inaction for the residents. He said he brings a perspective outside of government compared to the other candidates: incumbent Mayor Kathryn Thalman and Councilwoman Linda Jordan, who has been on council for eight years.

“I’m the one who brings up things I feel is wrong,” he said.

Brooks’ criticisms have included insufficient road paving by the administration, as well as excessive spending. He has also been critical of the difficulties Frosty’s Frozen Frenzy ice cream stand has had in trying to transition to serving coffee during the winter months. The problem hinges on a lack of clarity in the city code about what constitutes a “temporary” business.

If elected, Brooks has said he intends to create a committee of past city leaders and the present council members to review the needs of residents. He said he would explore ways to stop flooding in the Bell View area, as well as working with the recreation director to create outdoor activities for adults and children.

Brooks has been a grand lodge officer for the Elks and has also helped run the Ohio Valley Rib and Chicken Cook Off in Wheeling for 15 years.

He is married to Joyce Brooks and they have one daughter, Keisha.