MORGANTOWN – As it does the first meeting each year, the Monongalia County Commission on Wednesday selected a president from among its ranks.
As it has multiple times during his 13 years in office, the body tapped Western District representative Tom Bloom to spend the next 12 months in the middle chair.
And as Bloom is wont to do, he opened 2026 with candid remarks about what he would like to see in the next year – particularly in regard to the city of Morgantown.
Bloom said he’s looking forward to continuing work with the West Virginia Division of Highways on major transportation projects like I-79’s Exit 155 and Harmony Grove interchange upgrades, and signaled his intentions to schedule a meeting between the commission and WVU leadership to further that “exceptional working relationship.”
“And finally,” he continued, “I look forward to working with all seven city council members. I will say that again. I look forward to working with all seven city council members, because I think it’s really important that they all have input in the East End project and the airport facility.”
Later asked to elaborate, Bloom, who spent 14 years on Morgantown City Council (1987-2001), said he has major concerns about what he views as a fractured legislative body leading the city.
“My opinion is that some people are left out. I believe the only way to be successful on a council is when all seven people – though they may not agree on issues – they work together. It’s becoming clear to everyone that is not the direction that it’s been going,” Bloom said. “I have a great relationship with the city manager and the assistant city manager. Unfortunately, when issues are brought up and I talk with council members, some are completely unaware of what’s going on and decisions that are happening.”
In the end, Bloom said, a thriving and successful city is critical to a thriving and successful county. Specifically, he pointed to the city’s East End Village development and the ongoing expansion and development at the Morgantown Municipal Airport as crucial local priorities for the coming year.
“I look forward to working with the city on economic issues. I think the city keeps getting bogged down on social issues and misses what this community really needs. And as much as social issues are important, they shouldn’t be running the number one priority of the city of Morgantown,” he said. “That is my own personal opinion, but as a former city council member, it’s becoming evident that economic development needs to be our number one priority, and I think all members of council, not three or four, need to be included.”
Commissioner Sean Sikora will serve as the commission’s president pro tempore for the upcoming year.
Bloom takes over the gavel from Jeff Arnett, who intends to seek a second six-year term in November.
“I’m very honored to continue the progress of the leadership that Jeff Arnett and Sean Sikora have exhibited the past several years. I believe that we have the finest county commission in the state of West Virginia because we believe that actions speak louder than words,” Bloom said, later adding, “I think this is going to be a tremendous year for Monongalia County.”
