WHEELING - They govern some of the largest cities in West Virginia, and the state's mayors agree they face many of the same problems and challenges in their roles.

A meeting of West Virginia's mayors took place Friday at Oglebay Park's Wilson Lodge.

"The concept was to gather the mayors from the state's major cities together to discuss the problems they have that are alike," said Wheeling Mayor Andy McKenzie. "Together we can talk about issues and move forward to resolve them."

He believes the meeting, closed to the public, was the first of its kind among West Virginia's mayors. McKenzie hopes it becomes an annual event.

Concepts pertaining to economic development and revenue bonds were among the issues discussed, according to the mayors.

In addition to Wheeling, some of the cities represented at the meeting were Weirton, Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown and St. Albans.

"It's nice to know of the problems in other cities," said Weirton Mayor Mark Harris. "And it's nice to know we have the same problems. When we get together, we can talk freely about issues."

Charleston Mayor Danny Jones said the meeting served as a networking opportunity for West Virginia's mayors.

"We can exchange ideas and strategies," Jones said. "What's worked in another city might just work in ours."