CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Clarksburg has plenty of competition when it comes to applying for a state program that gives cities more say in how they govern.
More than 20 municipalities applied for 16 additional slots in the expanded home rule program by Sunday’s deadline.
“Hopefully, we’re leader of the pack,” Clarksburg Mayor Cathy Goings said.
Twenty-three municipalities from across the state submitted applications to the West Virginia Municipal Home Rule Board, said Patsy Trecost, the panel’s chairman.
Besides Clarksburg, Shinnston, Buckhannon, Fairmont and Morgantown are among the other applicants from North Central West Virginia.
The remaining applicants are Bath, Bluefield, Charles Town, Dunbar, Lewisburg, Martinsburg, Milton, Moundsville, Nitro, Oak Hill, Parkersburg, Princeton, Ranson, South Charleston, Spencer, St. Albans, Vienna and Weirton.
The Home Rule Board will meet June 13 by conference call to decide the next step, said Trecost, who is also a Clarksburg councilman.
The board must consider whether to interview officials from the 23 municipalities at meetings in their regions or at one meeting in a central location, Trecost said.
“I think we are looking at regional meetings to break it down since there are so many cities,” he said…