Clayton Rice Bridgeport City Councilman

12/25/2025

From the Rice family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We wish you health and happiness in the coming year!

11/17/2025

I am pleased to report that the pickup truck in question was returned by the Belington FD to the City of Bridgeport. I appreciate the quick work of Interim City Manager Joe Shuttleworth to remedy this situation before it escalated. I am sure the event that took place will be discussed at our next Council meeting and we will make sure measures are in place to assure this could never occur again. I appreciate the calls and messages from concerned residents.

11/16/2025

Late last week I received several phone calls and messages from residents concerned over a post on Facebook where it said the City sold a pickup truck valued at $30k+, which was recently used by retired Fire Chief Phil Hart, to the City of Belington for $100. I was also told Mr Hart is also the Fire Chief at Belington.

Here are the facts as I can confirm:

Somehow the City did sign over the Title to this pickup truck and equipment attached, which was assigned to the Bridgeport Fire Department , to the City of Belington for $100.

NO one on City Council was aware of this transaction, and we found all about it, by the Facebook post and calls from concerned residents

Many of us on City Council are upset and dismayed this occurred and are asking the Mayor for a full report.

These are the facts as I know them today.

I will stress again that this event occurred without the knowledge or consent of City Council.

As the facts are determined I will update my followers. Rest assured several of us on City Council are committed to the truth and as many tout “transparency “.

10/28/2025

It has been a few months since I have posted. The Mayor and new Council began 7/1/25. I am looking forward to the time when the new Council can focus on new projects and moving the City forward

Tonight was another split vote where an agenda item proposed by the Mayor to release an investigation report was defeated 4-3. I want to say a few things.

Voting against releasing the Report were Rice/Murray/Burton/Rominger.

Our Legal Counsel advised us to NOT release a sensitive investigation report in the midst of two active lawsuits. Being a businessman and wanting to protect the City from further litigation and liability, I voted to NOT release the report to the public at this time.

I want everyone to know that when the legal suits are settled and we are able to release information, I am in favor of releasing everything we can. Transparency is fine when it does not put the City at risk while a lawsuit is taking place.

As long as I am serving on Council, I will always make the decision to protect the City against litigation and liability whenever possible. I will never cave to a few public radicals wanting to stir problems and try to influence the City to make the wrong decisions.

07/01/2025

My wife and I are proud of these Bridgeport High School Theatre students! I am glad we were able to help sponsor their trip! Giving back to the school and community that contributed in a big way to our children’s success in life is a core value of the Rice family!

Thank you again to our sponsors and supporters who put us on this stage at the International Thespian Festival!

These were our local sponsors:
Fusion Technology LLC
Medbrook Children’s Charity
Members of the Bridgeport City Council: Andy Lang, Jason Campbell, Hank M. Murray, Don Burton, Clayton Rice, John Wilson, and Jeff Smell
Bridgeport Junior Women’s Club
The Harrison County Commission
BHS Academic Boosters
Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
Clayton and Jill Rice
Jaclyn Rominger
Shinnston Contractor Supply
Whiskey Biscuits

And all of these people helped us raise money:
Kellee and Joe Shuttleworth
David Byard
Tim and Suzy Cotter
Patsy Trecost
Jaclyn Rominger
Jason Young
The Cultural Foundation of Harrison County

06/24/2025

I am proud to say I served with these two fine men. Every decision, conversation and action was done with professionalism, thought, dignity and with always putting the residents and the City of Bridgeport WV first. I’m looking forward to this next chapter serving with the new members of City Council Jaclyn Rominger, Robert Matheny and Chris Kinney.

After eight years as mayor for Andy Lang and 16 years as a City Councilman for John Wilson, the duo took part in their final Council meeting on Monday. https://bit.ly/4lhsxOv

06/11/2025

This election didn’t turn out the way we hoped, but I’m proud of the campaign we ran and thankful for the people who stood with us. I want to thank the many friends, family members, and neighbors who gave their time, energy, and heart — walking neighborhoods, having honest conversations, and showing how much they care about the future of our city.

I have enjoyed walking neighborhoods and talking with our residents. Those conversations meant everything to me, and they reaffirmed just how strong and invested our community is.

I ran because I believe in this city and the people who call it home. That hasn’t changed. I’ll continue to serve and give back as I always have and will keep working to move us forward together.

I do regret the division this campaign may have caused and we sincerely hope it does not leave a lasting mark on this community we all cherish — one that has been marked by kindness, connection, and care for one another. What we have here is special. Let’s protect it.

06/09/2025

I recall when Medbrook Children’s Charity was created 25 years ago. We have been strong supporters of its mission for all these years and always believed that investing in our children and taking the opportunity to help change the trajectory of children’s lives is the most important thing we can do if we are able. Thank you to Medbrook Children's Charity for the difference you’ve made in the lives of children and in our community. The Rices are proud to support your important work.
Jill Cranston Rice

We are so grateful to Clayton and Jill Rice for their incredible $25,000 donation to the Children’s Champion Legacy Fund as part of our 25 for 25 campaign.

Launched in celebration of our 25th anniversary, 25 for 25 is a call to action—an opportunity for generous individuals and families to help create lasting change for the children in our community.

The Rice family’s gift will directly support impactful programs like the Challenger League, All-Inclusive Playground, Children’s Apparel Program, and more—programs that bring dignity, joy, and support to kids who need it most.

Their generosity is a testament to what’s possible when community comes together—and a reminder that every gift has the power to change a life.

All donors will be recognized at our Summer Ending Extravaganza!

06/08/2025

Let's work together to keep Bridgeport Strong. I would be honored to serve as your mayor and for the opportunity to continue the momentum with the necessary experience and leadership that work for Bridgeport.