In a group that includes a mechanic, an IT specialist, an office manager, an attorney, a lifelong public servant, and a long-time general manager of Wesbanco Arena, Ty Thorngate is the marketing specialist who helps sell the city of Wheeling both as a city councilor and as the director of media for Wheelhouse Creative.
Each of the council members bring to the council chambers their personal perspectives based on living their lives in the Friendly City, and the same can be said about Thorngate because the Ward 5 representative employs a number of different mindsets while weighing his votes on issues involving everything from funding slip repairs and paving roadways to establishing private outdoor designated areas for the consumption of legal beverages.
No matter if he presses the “yea” or “nay” button, Thorngate votes in favor of his hometown every time.
And that’s because he knows how it feels to have a father as a firefighter and a brother as a police officer, and he’s a self-proclaimed “tech geek” who utilizes the World Wide Web to attract tourism dollars to destinations like Wheeling Island Casino and Oglebay Park Resort. Plus, Thorngate and his bride, Jess, are raising their son in the same Dimmeydale neighborhood where he was raised as a child.
Those are measuring sticks, and thankfully for the people of Wheeling, he uses them very, very well.
What are the most difficult parts involved with representing the residents of Wheeling’s Fifth Ward?
Representing the Fifth Ward comes with unique challenges because it’s such a diverse and dynamic part of Wheeling. You’ve got everything from homeowners who’ve been here for two or three generations to younger families just getting started. Trying to balance tradition and progress isn’t always easy. On any given day, I could be juggling concerns about blighted properties and stormwater issues to building out better access to our parks and trail systems.
Another difficult part is making sure every voice is heard, especially in today’s world when residents are busier than ever or just tuning out politics in general.
My job is to listen, to show up, and to be reliable. The Fifth Ward deserves someone who isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and fight for what’s right. It’s tough sometimes, but it’s also the kind of work I love. I love this city, and I see every challenge as a chance to bring people together and make things better for all of us.
What is the best dinner you prepare for your wife and son?
Alright, let’s be honest—I’m not exactly Gordon Ramsay. Give me meat, fire, and a couple Summer Shandy’s and I’ll be able to get two smiling faces!
What is different about raising a child in Wheeling now than when you were a kid running the streets of Dimmeydale?
Raising a kid in Wheeling today feels a little different from when I was running around Dimmeydale. Don’t get me wrong, you still know every neighbor by name, and you can trust the neighborhood to keep an eye on your kids. But my childhood had this freedom to it, and kids today just don’t have that. That’s not to say Wheeling isn’t still a great place to raise a family. It absolutely is! But the world has changed. Technology has changed.
Kids today have different interests and distractions, more structured schedules, and sadly, more safety concerns. As a father, I’m more involved in ways my parents didn’t have to be. I’m trying to give my son the same curiosities I had growing up. A love of the woods and the creek, loving your neighbors, and taking pride in where you’re from.
How has the fact that your father was a Wheeling firefighter and your brother was a Wheeling police officer helped you with decisions involving the city’s first responders?
Having a father who was a Wheeling firefighter and a brother who served as a Wheeling police officer truly shaped my understanding of our city in ways most people don’t get to experience. I grew up with the long shifts and missed events. I’ve seen firsthand the emotional and physical toll it can take. When I make decisions that impact our first responders, I always think about how those decisions would have affected my family.
I don’t just see numbers on a spreadsheet—I see people. Whether it’s supporting better healthcare, better facilities, or higher pay, I try to lead with common sense. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.
How do you explain Wheeling to people who have never been here?
I usually say Wheeling is a city with a small-town feel and a big heart and soul. It’s a place where history and progress intertwine. It’s a city that’s been knocked down, but always gets back up, stronger and more determined to fight on. It’s a place where you can go from a hockey game to a symphony show within two blocks.
Where people still smile and wave when they pass you on the street. Where tradition matters, but so does progress. We’re authentic! It’s not just a place, it’s a vibe. And once you get it, it never really leaves you.
