Bridgeport mayor plans legal response to former city manager
Editor's note: This story has been updated with a statement from City Councilor Clayton Rice.
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WBOY) — Bridgeport Mayor Andy Lang says he's pursuing his own legal action after former city manager Patrick Ford filed a civil suit against the city late last week.
Ford's civil complaint, filed Friday, claimed 'malicious, oppressive, secretive, corrupt and retaliatory actions' against him. It also claimed that Lang specifically asked Ford to purchase property on behalf of the city that belonged to Lang.
Bridgeport City Council voted 5-1 to fire Ford in a special meeting on April 3.
In addition to compensation from the city, Ford's lawsuit also calls for Mayor Lang to be removed.
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In a written statement issued to 12 News Monday afternoon, Lang said:
As a lifelong resident and business owner in Bridgeport, I pride myself on being a fair and honest individual. I raised my family here, and I have given back to my community, including serving as mayor for the past eight years. My reputation is important to me, and I cannot sit idly by while others attempt to tarnish the goodwill and respect I have hopefully built within my community.
The recent lawsuit filed by the Past City Manager of the City of Bridgeport has insinuated, that I have acted in vengeful and inappropriate ways in the handling of City business, most of all in pursuit of personal gain. I will not stand for this. While the City follows their own standards of protocol, I fully intend to pursue legal action by me to set the record straight and restore my reputation. I am dedicated to showing my community that I am the trustworthy official, neighbor, and friend you voted into office eight years ago.
Mayor Andy Lang
City Councilor Clayton Rice's lawyer also released a statement to 12 News on his behalf, which said in part:
Though I'm disappointed that Mr. Ford chose to file what I believe to be a frivolous lawsuit against the City of Bridgeport, I can't say that I'm totally surprised. It is not uncommon for terminated employees to lash out and retaliate against those who were responsible for terminating their employment. Hurting and angry people try to hurt other people, and it's clear that's what is going on here…
Mr. Ford's allegations don't reveal corruption; they reveal his attempt at retaliation. I have nothing to hide and welcome any investigation into the truth. Though I've now had to retain an attorney at my own expense, I remain focused on the integrity of our city government and the future of Bridgeport. The residents of Bridgeport deserve leadership rooted in facts, not fiction.
We owe it to our community to stand firm in the face of falsehoods. I remain committed to accountability and service to the people of Bridgeport who elected me. This is my hometown. We are a special community, and our city deserves better than this.
Clayton Rice
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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