CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A former Charleston City Councilman was sworn in Monday to fill a vacant council seat following the recommendation of a councilwoman at-large.
Pat Jones served on city council for Ward 1 from 1999 to 2011. He lost his seat after redistricting put him against former Councilman Bobby Haas. After the new district was reversed, he ran for the Ward 1 seat against Bernard Slater in 2015 primary election, losing by two votes.
Slater resigned from the council on April 3 after multiple legal issues. He later told WSAZ-TV he was also dealing with addiction.
Jones said while he is happy to be back on the council, the reasons behind his appointment make the situation bittersweet.
“I hate what happened with Mr. Slater, but we needed representation in our area,” he said. “I was asked to take the job, and I accepted it.”
Councilwoman At-Large Mary Jean Davis recommended Jones to the post, which the council unanimously approved. She said residents would often call Jones about problems they were having in the community.
“They haven’t had representation for some time,” she said. “Pat has been the go-to guy for the residents in Ward 1.”
Jones, who lives in north Charleston, says he is ready to address the issues he has heard the most about from residents.
“Crime is a big issue in our area, and drugs,” he said. “The older people are scared to voice their opinion, so I guess I’ll be the voice for them. That’s fine.”
Jones said he will serve the remainder of Slaters’ term.