WALBRIDGE – Playgrounds, streets and downtown revitalization are on the agenda for Mayor Ed Kolanko during his next four years in office.
On Wednesday, Kolanko was sworn in to the mayor’s post for the third time.
“I live here, I’m raising a family here and there’s no better place to help the community than serving on council or as a mayor,” he said.
“It’s not easy every day but it’s a way I think I can give back,” he said.
Kolanko wants to see the village parks cleaned up and new equipment put in, replace some roads using grant money, and revitalize the downtown.
“We have some empty buildings down there I would love to try to bring some business in. It’s been challenging since COVID …” he said
Kolanko joined the village council in 2006 and was appointed mayor in January 2013. He replaced Dan Wilczynski.
The 1991 Lake High School graduate is a Walbridge native.
State Representative Elgin Rogers Jr. swore in Kolanko and council members Karen Baron, who is starting her second term; and Thomas Urbina, who was appointed late last year and won election in November.
“When you sign up for public service, it’s a huge task,” Rogers said.
Council was down one member Tuesday with the resignation of Larry Boday at the last meeting.
Charles Mayer, who has lived in the village for 3.5 years, attended the meeting and expressed interest in the seat.
Kolanko said there were three or four additional people interested. Interviews will be scheduled in the near future.
“It’s nice to see there are people interested,” he said.
Also at the meeting, Ron Liwo was elected council president and village committees were selected.
Kolanko said communication is important and encouraged the new committees to set goals for the year and share them with him.
“I want to see this council be a good, strong working council,” he said.
