photo by: Robert A. DeFrank

St. Clairsville Mayor Kathryn Thalman, center, is joined by sister Colleen McConaghy, left, and niece Annmarie McConaghy as she celebrates her re-election victory Tuesday night.

St. Clairsville Mayor Kathryn Thalman will begin her second term in 2024, having been reelected during Tuesday’s vote.

Thalman won with 926 votes over challenger Councilwoman Linda Jordan’s 615 and challenger Bill Brooks’ 273, according to unofficial tallies. A total of 1,866 of the city’s 3,824 registered voters cast a ballot, or 48.80%.

Thalman arrived at the board of elections office after the final precincts were counted. She expressed gratitude to the voters for their confidence in her leadership and the chance to lead the city for another four years.

“I am so appreciative and God bless you all. Thank you,” she said.

Thalman said the future is bright, with numerous projects she intends to “see through,” including refurbishing the long-unused former Junior Fair building as a recreation facility, shifting from reservoir use to purchasing water from Belmont County, and other new developments.

“We are going to have very responsible growth in our town,” she said.

She said there is a lot on the horizon.

“Once we are not getting our water from the reservoir, we want to make it a recreation facility and maybe kayaking and we want an (Americans with Disabilities Act compliant) dock down there so people can fish. That will be grant funded — we’re looking for grants at the state and federal right now that might help us satisfy those needs. We’re going to see the roads get paved as soon as the water project is done. We’ve got lots of exciting stuff. And more parades– lots more parades.”

She said she has gained valuable experience in her first term that she intends to put to use.

“I’ve certainly learned a lot about dealing with government that I didn’t know, but bringing business experience to the table really was a help to me. I did learn that things in government move slowly. I didn’t realize how slowly, but there are a lot of agencies that need to be gone through. I’ve also learned how important it is to have an intelligent, professional, articulate voice at the state level, at the federal level. We’ve made a lot of good connections and friends,” she said.

Thalman said she will continue to be seen at city events with her dog, Sammy.

“I’ve learned how important and how wonderful the people of our town are. I’ve met so many wonderful people. Truly it’s been a blessing,” she said. “I love our town.”