A CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP — After administering the oath of office to newly elected Bethany Mayor Thom Furbee, former mayor Shirley Kemp welcomed the former councilman to his new position. Furbee has invited residents to share ideas or suggestions at a town hall meeting to be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the social hall of Bethany Memorial Church. -- Contributed

BETHANY — The new mayor of Bethany said he’s excited about his new role in the town’s operations and wants to hear ideas and suggestions from the public.

That’s why he will be leading a town hall meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the social hall of Bethany Memorial Church.

“I’m not going to sit up there and say everything. I want to hear from them (citizens),” said Thom Furbee, who on June 10 was elected as the unopposed candidate for mayor.

Joining him as the city’s leaders are Patrick Sutherland and Jay Eisenhauer, both former mayors now serving as council members; re-elected council members Kevin Clancy and Jan Forsty and newly elected councilwoman Jennifer Knisley.

After serving on council for many years, Helen Moren stepped down from that office to serve as town recorder.

All were administered oaths of office by outgoing mayor Shirley Kemp, who chose not to seek re-election following many years of public service that included stints also as councilwoman and treasurer.

“I think we have a great group of people running the town. I’m excited and ready to get to work,” said Furbee.

A native of Washington, Pa., he is a graduate of Alderson Broaddus University, where he earned a degree in psychology.

Furbee said he began playing in rock bands at age 14 and continues to perform as an individual, half of a duo and in larger groups.

He said his interest in music and experience working with recording systems led to a broader knowledge of computers and ultimately, a 19-year career in information technology at Bethany College, from which he retired in 2019.

After being appointed to the town’s sanitation commission, he went on to serve on council for about 10 years.

Furbee said of managing a smaller town such as Bethany, “The scale is smaller, but the problems are the same. and the solutions are the same. It takes money to do things.”

He noted more than a dozen years ago, about $4.5 million was invested to upgrade the wastewater treatment system serving Bethany, addressing odor that once emanated from it.

“Now, even standing next to it, you can’t smell it,” said Furbee.

He said looking ahead, he expects the town’s part-time police department to be a topic of interest.

Furbee said while some have questioned whether it’s needed, he feels it helps to ensure the public’s safety.

“I see it as money well spent,” he said, adding, “I don’t look at the police department as a revenue stream and never will.”

He noted the presence of Bethany College has a bearing on Bethany Police’s operations, and he wants to maintain communication between the school and council.

Furbee noted as a councilman, he asked Bethany Police Chief Sara Dent to submit weekly reports of the department’s activities to council, and she has done so.

He added he has found Dent to be conscientious and accessible to the public.

Furbee said some have questioned the purchase of a second police cruiser, but he said there are times when Bethany police will need a second vehicle, and one can serve as a backup when the other requires repairs.

He said the new cruiser, a used vehicle with low mileage, replaced an older one with many miles on it that the town donated to a Kentucky community that had lost all of its police vehicles in a flood.

Furbee said while on council, he learned many of the town’s ordinances have been amended or superseded by state law.

He said working with Bethany Solicitor Mark Panepinto, the town’s legal counsel, he wants to see them updated, with amendments linked directly to the original language, and made accessible to the public.

“It’s a daunting task, but I want to look at each ordinance in detail,” said Furbee.

Furbee said he understands the importance of transparency for public officials.

“If government operates in the dark, even if they’re doing the right thing, people can get the wrong idea,” he said.

Furbee said there’s been interest in establishing bed and breakfasts in Bethany and public response has varied.

He said he’ll welcome all opinions on various subjects.

“I want everyone to feel they’re being heard,” said Furbee.

He said while he’s learned much as a council member, there will be more to learn as mayor.

“I’m not perfect and I will make mistakes. But I only have the best interests of the town at heart. I want to see the town and the college succeed,” said Furbee.