Bridgeport mayor issues statement on city manager's possible removal
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WBOY) — Bridgeport Mayor Andy Lang has issued a statement on Thursday's special council meeting to discuss the potential removal of City Manager Patrick Ford.
In a statement emailed to 12 News on Wednesday morning, Lang wrote 'Thursday's Special Meeting was called by me in accordance with the City's procedural requirements.'
City officials have not commented publicly on the reason they're considering Ford's removal.
'The City Council and I are elected to serve the residents of the City of Bridgeport, and we took an oath to serve and always work in the best interests of the City,' Lang wrote. 'Many times, we must discuss and act on tough issues and make decisions to keep the City moving forward.'
Bridgeport city manager intends to fight for his job
Ford, who was hired in October of 2024, has claimed his possible termination is an effort by city leaders to hide the results of an internal investigation initiated in February of 2025.
In a letter to City Council obtained by 12 News, Ford wrote 'on February 10th, 2025, you (city council) unanimously voted to initiate an internal investigation — the initial results of which you are collectively now attempting to hide through my termination.'
In that same letter, Ford invoked West Virginia State Code, which he said gives him the statutory right to have an open meeting concerning his employment status.
In an email sent to local media outlets Tuesday, Ford said there was a 'wealth of misinformation' circulating about his reputation and character and that he intends to 'fight for what is right — and my job.'
The Thursday special meeting has one item on the agenda: discussion and possible action on Ford's removal from office.
'Thursday's Special Meeting was called by me in accordance with the City's procedural requirements,' wrote Lang in his Wednesday statement. 'As an elected official who takes my responsibilities seriously, I will not deviate from the processes that we are obligated to follow. Rest assured, regardless of any information posted on social media or elsewhere, accurate information will be provided when appropriate. We must follow State Law and the Charter of the City of Bridgeport.'
The special meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 5 p.m. 12 News will be at the meeting and will bring you the latest.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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