Why Bridgeport? A Definitive Answer to Question of Seeking the 2025 Open Seat for Position of Mayor
By Jon Griffith on June 08, 2024 from Why Bridgeport?
If you don’t know by now, please understand, that I love Bridgeport. Living, working, worshipping, and serving here have been an unqualified blessing in many ways throughout my life. I have publicly and proudly adopted this city as my hometown. There is no place I would rather live. There is no better place to raise a family.
The opportunities provided by this community and the support its residents have shown me and so many others across our city are amazing. Every community is flawed, even Bridgeport. However, Bridgeport is as close to perfect as I have seen. Our success and quality of life are the envy of towns and cities throughout the state and well beyond.
Thirty-plus years of coaching and teaching in Bridgeport have given me tremendous insight into our town. Much to my surprise, my time on 
the City Council has magnified that view a hundredfold. Serving on the Bridgeport City Council has been an intense educational experience.
the City Council has magnified that view a hundredfold. Serving on the Bridgeport City Council has been an intense educational experience.
The breadth, depth, and volume of activity throughout Bridgeport is astonishing. I will readily admit, that even after three years, I am still learning. It is a huge undertaking to completely understand and comprehend the inner workings and interconnectedness of our residents, businesses, organizations, professionals, and city government. That complexity only increases as you look at how we interact with Harrison County, surrounding counties, and the State of West Virginia. I am not there yet, but I continue to work toward that level of understanding.
My goal as a councilman has been to do the best possible job for Bridgeport’s residents, businesses, professionals, organizations, and city employees. To do that, I have worked to learn as much as I can, listen to everyone I can (the loud and the quiet), and try to approach every decision logically and fairly to everyone. Over the past year, numerous people have encouraged me to run for mayor after my current council term. Andy Lang has served in that role admirably for two terms and approaching eight years. By charter, he cannot seek another term. While certainly flattering to be asked, running for the office of mayor is something I would only undertake after great thought and consideration.
Which is exactly what I have been engaged in for the past six months. After much intense soul-searching and deliberation, I have decided about a potential run for mayor. I am choosing not to run.
That may surprise and disappoint some of you. Others may be happy with my choice. Either way, understand that it was not an easy decision to make. After all, I love this town.
Ultimately my decision was based on something other than whether I thought I could win. I would do well if I ran. I might not be a shoo-in, but I would be a strong favorite to finish well.
It wasn’t my confidence in being able to perform the duties of the office. History has shown that I will show up, be involved, and work hard to accomplish what needs to be done. The decision came down to love and time. As much as I love this city and those within it, I love my family more. My family has grown and changed with the addition of my first grandson. With two more grandchildren on the way, I know it will continue to grow and change. I can never repay my family for the time they have allowed me to serve this amazing community. I want to thank them for their understanding and patience throughout my career. I know it hasn’t always been easy.
As a coach, teacher, and councilman, I have given of myself and my time to the people of Bridgeport for 35 years. I have willingly made sacrifices that have impacted my family in ways you may not appreciate or understand. That was my choice. For that, I place no blame on 
anyone but myself. I am proud of what has been accomplished by my athletes and students. I am proud of what has been achieved by the city of Bridgeport. I am also proud of my contributions to those successes, however small they may be. Please know that I care about each of you. Like my athletes and students, I view you as part of my extended family. My singular and unending desire for each of you is continued happiness, health, and success.
anyone but myself. I am proud of what has been accomplished by my athletes and students. I am proud of what has been achieved by the city of Bridgeport. I am also proud of my contributions to those successes, however small they may be. Please know that I care about each of you. Like my athletes and students, I view you as part of my extended family. My singular and unending desire for each of you is continued happiness, health, and success.
My hope is the city continues on its successful journey as well. When Bridgeport wins, we all win. Like all residents, the city’s fortunes impact my family and me. Considering the number of outstanding individuals in our community, I am certain the city will be in good hands well into the future.
The timing of this announcement is not random. Bridgeport needs to continue its tradition of strong leadership. We need an intelligent, ethical, fiscally responsible, fair, disciplined, and forward-thinking mayor. Many in our community fit that description. I hope my early announcement will allow at least one of them the time they need to consider running for that office. Thank you to everyone who has been there for me along the way. Those who have helped and supported me, I appreciate you greatly. Most of all, thank you for accepting me and allowing me to adopt Bridgeport as my hometown.
Editor's Note: Top photo, with his grandson Ryan, and bottom photo with the family, show the key reasons Jon Grffith will not seek the post of mayor next year. In the second photo, Griffith is shown asking a question at a Bridgeport Council meeting
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