MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — The Martinsburg City Council on Wednesday appointed Councilmember Kevin Knowles as the next mayor.
Knowles, who previously represented the city’s Ward 2, succeeds Harriet Johnson following her July 8 death. Knowles told the council it’s not the way he would have wanted to get the job.
“It’s sad in a way that we’re doing this because we had to replace a mayor who passed away. Harriet Johnson was a friend of mine. Her and I collaborated on a lot of things,” he said. “It’s my mission to carry on her vision for the next couple years that I’m here filling her term.”
Knowles will serve an unexpired term for three years.
Knowles and nine other people submitted letters of interest for the position. The council approved the appointment in a 6-1 vote.