Bernard carries optimistic outlook for Parkersburg into 2018

If anyone is qualified to teach a class on overcoming adversity and leading the way through it as a local government official, it’s Perry Bernard.

The third term mayor of Parkersburg took over his post in 2010, less than two years after an EF-5 tornado ravaged the community and left six people dead and just six months after the tragic murder of Falcon icon Ed Thomas. But the city has rebounded and then some, growing its population and paving the way for a host of new economic development in the process.

“The best part of it is just knowing that I’m a part of how Parkersburg has grown and come back since the tornado,” Bernard said.

Heading into 2018, Bernard’s agenda isn’t overly ambitious, but several key priorities remain: namely, upgrading the sanitary sewer system, improving the railroad and applying for major grants. Another goal is to expand the city limits slightly in hopes of encouraging more construction.

Read the full story in the January 3 edition.