Scott was sworn into office just before Monday evening’s council meeting, the last one in more than two decades over which David Blazer had presided. Scott was elected mayor in May with nearly 70% of the vote, the sole contested local election in Marshall County. Blazer had been mayor for 24 years.

Scott, who is also the first woman to be elected mayor of Glen Dale, was in high spirits Monday evening, ready to hit the ground running when she takes office next month.

“I’m very proud to be representing my town. I’ve lived here all my life, and I hope to do a good job, and not let any citizens down,” Scott said. “… I hope to set an example that will involve all citizens – younger people, older people, women – there’s nothing like a woman involved with a list, and I have a list.”

Scott’s list of priorities is focused on infrastructure, specifically paving of streets and alleys, more utilization of Dumpsters and increased transparency in Glen Dale’s government.

photo by: Alan Olson

Janet Scott is sworn in as the new mayor of Glen Dale by city recorder Jerry Trembush.

“I think our citizens need to be aware of what’s going on in our town so we can all work together to get stuff accomplished,” she said. “(The roads) are in a state of disrepair and need a lot of work, and we need to address that right out of the gate.”

Scott said she works two days a week at WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital in radiology, and plans to make herself a fixture of Glen Dale’s municipal offices.

“I plan to be a part of this building for quite a few hours until I get into a routine, and then I think it’ll be smooth sailing.”

Blazer said he had been hoping to retire from his day jobs this year before circumstances forced him to stay in, though he still hopes to realize his retirement plans in short order. Looking back, Blazer said the years of stability for Glen Dale with him in the mayor’s chair was a source of pride, if without any particular standout moments.

“Well, no one shot me!” he joked of his lengthy term of office. “… Everyone said they love here because our street department’s great. … I had good employees that made it real nice.”

Blazer did add that he was happy to have seen the revitalization of the city’s two parks, including the addition of a swingset accessible to those with special needs to the playground.