Beech Tree News Network

By a 3-2 vote, Bryan Locke has been appointed to the Morgantown City Council.  The decision was made at Thursday night’s (Jan. 14) council meeting.  Locke replaces former council member Sterling White, who resigned effective December 31, 2020. 

Council members Sharon Johnson, Russell Givens and Dionne Merritt voted in favor of Locke, while Dustin “Hog” Embry and Jason Gaskey were opposed.

Embry and Gaskey, earlier in the meeting, nominated and voted in favor of the appointment of Roger Keown to the position; Johnson, Givens and Merritt were opposed.

“I am honored to be nominated to serve on the Morgantown City Council. These are tough times and I look forward to working with and learning from every department of our city in the coming days, weeks, and months,” said Locke.  “I am so proud to be from Morgantown.  We have the most genuine and wise people anywhere.  I hope to follow those who have served our town and community and continue to do the work set before us with the utmost care.”

Morgantown Mayor Billy Phelps spoke highly of the council’s newest member.

“Bryan will make an outstanding council member for the city of Morgantown,” said Mayor Phelps.  “He has many years of experience on the Planning and Zoning Board and will be a major asset to the council and to the future of Morgantown.”  

Other individuals nominated but declining due to other civic obligations included Danny Cardwell, Rich Ellis, and Pam Staples.