Photo by Eric Ayres Members of the new Wheeling City Council took the oath of office on Monday in the Capitol Theatre Ballroom. From left are council members Tony Assaro, Ben Seidler, Connie Cain, Denny Magruder, Jerry Sklavounakis, Ty Thorngate and Dave Palmer.

WHEELING — A new chapter in the city of Wheeling’s history was opened Monday when members of the new city council took the oath of office.

Family members, friends and supporters gathered Monday afternoon at the Capitol Theatre Ballroom for a swearing-in ceremony for the new council. Circuit Court Judge David Sims administered the oath of office to each of the new council members individually, swearing in new Mayor Denny Magruder first. Magruder then introduced each council member by ward to follow suit.

The 2024-28 Wheeling City Council includes Ward 1 Councilman Tony Assaro, Ward 2 Councilman Ben Seidler, Ward 3 Councilwoman Connie Cain, Ward 4 Councilman Jerry Sklavounakis, Ward 5 Councilman Ty Thorngate and Ward 6 Councilman Dave Palmer.

“I’m deeply honored and humbled to be your mayor, and I know my fellow council members are as equally humbled and honored,” Magruder said. “There couldn’t be a better time to become mayor of Wheeling.”

Magruder took note of all of the construction taking place downtown with the $35 million Streetscape project making progress and all of the other public and private investments underway. All of the progress seen around town started with the help of efforts from past mayors and council members who worked as a team to get great things accomplished.

“It’s all about building relationships,” Magruder said, noting that through his career — first in finance and for decades as executive director of WesBanco Arena and the Capitol Theatre — he was always blessed to be surrounded by a good team. Moving forward, the mayor said he is confident that will continue with this new council — one that he says brings a wealth of “knowledge, experience, diversity, dedication and passion” for the city and their neighborhoods.

“We’re going to work diligently as a council to rebuild very strong relationships with all of the agencies — state legislators, federal legislators, county commission,” Magruder said, noting that all local entities and citizens need to join together for the common effort of making Wheeling the best it can be. “It’s amazing all that we can achieve when we work together.”

Returning to city council are incumbent members Seidler and Sklavounakis, who will be serving their second four-year terms, and Thorngate and Palmer, who will be serving their third four-year terms. New to council are Magruder, Assaro and Cain.

“I’m looking forward to helping improve the lives of people in the neighborhoods,” Assaro said. “Everyone I’ve talked to on the council that we have here has a neighborhood focus. We’re looking at the quality of life here in Wheeling, and we’re all going to be heading in the same direction. I think we’re going to do some good things here.”

Cain said they are also eager to serve the city as a whole.

“I’m actually looking forward to serving all of Wheeling,” she said. “We have our wards, but in order for Wheeling to be united, we have to serve the whole area. Our residents — I’ve been talking to them for the last year, finding out what’s going on, how they feel and what they think would improve the city — and it’s a lot of little stuff — a pothole here, an alley paved there … But they just want to be heard and to feel like they’re part of the city.”

Cain broke a glass ceiling in the city’s history on Monday when she became the first Black woman to serve on Wheeling City Council.

“Yes, history was made today,” Cain said, noting that in fact, there had not been a Black representative on council since the early 1970s.

She said she was proud and happy to provide a voice for people of color, adding that she was hopeful that more leaders from the next generations in Wheeling’s Black community will take on roles in city government in years to come.

“It’s been a long time. I’m 55, and I’m ready to go out and do it. Hopefully in the future we’ll have some young ones come on board, too.”

City Manager Robert Herron and City Clerk Jessica Zalenski welcomed the audience to the ceremony, one in which family members joined each council member while the judge administered the oath of office.

Looking forward, the new Wheeling mayor said he hopes to continue solidifying relationships with council members, people in the community and others. Magruder noted that he and Herron recently met with Gov. Jim Justice, and he said he was hopeful that strong relationships continue to grow on the state level and beyond.

“We pledge to continue working on development efforts — not just downtown, but all around town,” Magruder said, noting that new housing and economic development should reach all areas of the city.

Magruder added that he hopes to establish a new city-wide beautification program that can help re-instill pride among residents.

“This group wants to make sure that the taxpayers know we’re going to be very diligent with how we handle your money,” Magruder said, noting that the federal pandemic relief funds are not going to be available as they have in this past council — which by default calls for a more conservative economic approach.

The mayor touted Wheeling’s many assets, including the city’s police and fire departments, Oglebay and Oglebay Institute, Artworks Around Town, the many recreational facilities, WesBanco Arena and the Capitol Theatre, the school systems, local churches, Wheeling’s rich history and more.

“But with all of those assets, I honestly believe that the single the most important asset is our people,” Magruder said, adding that he “salutes” those ready to invest in the city’s future and to roll up their sleeves and help become part of a winning team to usher in a new chapter in Wheeling’s history. “I’m so proud to be your mayor.”

The new Wheeling City Council will hold its first regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. today at the City-County Building downtown.