Gail Taylor appointed to Morgantown City Council vacancy

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – “This area has so many great leaders.”

That’s what Gail Taylor, the newest member of Morgantown’s City Council, said moments before being sworn in. Taylor was appointed to fill the seat recently vacated by the resignation of former Ward 7 representative, Brian Butcher. 

“I just felt like the timing was right and I would love to contribute,” Taylor said. “I would love to be part of a collaborative, deliberative body. I’d love to be able to tackle questions that relate to economics and economic growth, culture and the arts.”

Taylor, who has lived all across the United States, relocated to Morgantown when she was in elementary school. Taylor holds graduate-level degrees in both English and Cultural Studies. Regarding the agenda for her council membership, Taylor said she plans to put a focus on the city’s support of historical preservation, and programs intended to assist those in need. 

Burcher’s resignation took effect on Aug. 31, and Taylor’s membership took effect on Sept. 25, although Taylor has not committed to seeking a full four-year term at the end of Butcher’s unexpired term. 

“My goal is bringing consensus,” Taylor said. “Trying to bring consensus is so important. And when you have a town like Morgantown, where you’ve got a lot of moving parts, I think it helps to have seven people who can get on the same  page.”