A decision by Parkersburg City Council President Mike Reynolds to remove Councilwoman Wendy Tuck from two committee assignments has stirred controversy and highlighted growing tensions within the council.
During the April 8 council meeting, a communication from Reynolds—who was not present—was read aloud, announcing that Tuck would be replaced by Councilman Chris Rexroad on the Finance Committee. Additionally, Councilwoman Sharon Kuhl was appointed chair of the Personnel Committee, and Councilman Dave McCrady was named its vice chair. Reynolds later confirmed that Tuck had been removed entirely from the Personnel Committee.
In a statement issued days later, Reynolds said the changes were driven by Tuck’s repeated criticism of other council members and the administration. “It is a shame that we have a councilwoman who throws the administration and most other council people under the bus in an attempt to look better,” he said.
Reynolds accused Tuck of making “slanderous” remarks and social media posts, including sharing information about recalling council members who voted to restrict public comment to agenda items only. He also pointed to a post inviting the public to meet her at a restaurant during “office hours,” where she noted that people were being limited in what they could discuss during council meetings.
“That happened,” Tuck said, referencing a recent meeting where two speakers were removed from the podium for straying from agenda topics. One was warned by a police officer that he could face trespassing charges if he didn’t comply.
Tuck said she was shocked by the committee changes and had not been informed about the reasons behind them. She said she once supported Reynolds as council president because he conducted meetings with professionalism and respect—until he supported limiting public comment.
Tuck, one of only three members to vote against that change, said she is not afraid to speak out against policy decisions she disagrees with. “But I’m pretty careful not to criticize people,” she added. “I think people are probably doing the best they can.”
Responding to the accusation of sharing recall information, Tuck said, “If I gave information, it was information, and I would like to see it.” She emphasized that providing facts about recall procedures does not constitute criticism, and maintained that a vote by council members could easily reopen the public forum to all topics.
Reynolds also criticized Tuck’s participation in the city’s budget process, claiming she frequently reached out to colleagues for help and didn’t know how to submit budget amendments. “She surely should know by now how to navigate her way through the budget,” he said.
Tuck, now in her second four-year term, said she’s not above seeking guidance. “I’m a human being. I do the best I can. It’s a $34 million budget,” she said. “If people think I’m not doing a good job, just don’t elect me.”
The council president further claimed Tuck had never introduced legislation and doubted she would find support for any proposals. Tuck acknowledged Reynolds has the right to assign and reassign committee roles but criticized how the situation was handled.
“As council president, he should have discussed his concerns with me before having it announced at a council meeting where he was not present,” she said. “He is the leader of the team. He wants to be treated with respect. We all do. This was a serious failure of leadership.”
The Parkersburg City Council is scheduled to meet again at 7:30 p.m. tonight.
