WILMOT – Christina Hysong is a self-motivated individual who wears a variety of hats: business owner, volunteer firefighter / emergency medical technician, wife, mother and grandmother.
You can add another role to the list: mayor. Hysong, 48, was sworn in this summer.
Following: Bobby Pulley resigned as mayor of Wilmot on August 27 for medical reasons
Following: Village council members also approve annexation request at Monday meeting
Hysong is serving the remaining term of former mayor Bobby Pulley, who died in September after a short battle with cancer. Officially, she took the reins as interim mayor on August 30.
“It was a mixture of heartbreak and shock and sadness,” Hysong said, recalling a difficult conversation she had last summer with Pulley about her decision to quit and moving into. the seat of the mayor.
“It was difficult to get on that chair,” she said.
Mayor of Wilmot: ‘Whirlwind’ replaces former Mayor Pulley
Pulley spent about half a dozen years as mayor and 24 years as a member of Wilmot Village Council.
Replacing the former mayor was difficult but also rewarding, according to Hysong, who had spent six years on the council.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” she said Thursday. “You’re trying to honor his (Pulley’s) memory without letting things (village business) fall behind.”
One idea being considered by the village council is to pay homage to Pulley by putting up signs bearing his name on the main highways – national roads 62 and 250 – leading to the village. Further discussions are planned.
Following: Beach City Council plans to sell village amenities
Hysong will run for her first election in November 2022 and she plans to run for office.
The mayor of Wilmot earns a monthly salary of $ 115, while council members receive $ 24 per meeting.
Lots of help, advice at the start of labor
Hysong thanked Village Clerk / Treasurer Naomi Yeakley and Lawyer Tara Wright-Timberlake for helping her familiarize herself with being mayor.
“They have been stable for me and have been of great help,” Hysong said.
Following: Mayor of Massillon: the City will be looking for a full-time engineer, a new firm from January
The mayor also benefited from her husband, Jim, who is also Wilmot’s street commissioner.
Jim Hysong said his wife has adapted well to her role.
“She’s doing a good job. She’s a good boss,” he said with a smile.
Many challenges in 2022 for Wilmot
Several key issues are on the table for Wilmot officials to consider in 2022, Hysong noted. The population of the village is just under 300. It crosses mainly Stark County, but some portions sprinkle Holmes.
Some main topics include initiating repairs and upgrades to the water utility system, raising funds for repaving streets, increasing tax revenue, and examining opportunities for annexation and population growth.
“I would like to help grow our footprint and our population,” Hysong said. “I also want us to build on our mutual respect with neighboring towns.”
Other online opportunities for the village may be of a more recreational nature. The mayor said she would like to host a summer block party in the neighborhood that features live music, food vendors and local artists.
Following: Brewster to take over historic Welty cemetery in southwest Stark
Another idea is to amplify the village’s annual Halloween party by adding a children’s costume contest and food trucks.
“I just want us to all have fun together and work cooperatively,” she said.
Contact Steven at [email protected]
On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE
About Christina Hysong
Age: 48
Public service: Acting mayor of Wilmot since August 30. Member of the village council for six years.
Job: Co-owner of Hysong Hideaway RV fleet and Rock Steady Builders construction company. EMT volunteer for Wilmot Fire & Rescue agency.
Family: Married to Jim Hysong since 2013. Mother of three grown children and a 16 year old teenager.
Education: Graduated from Cloverleaf High School in 1992
This article originally appeared on The Independent: Wilmot Mayor Christina Hysong discusses key issues in the village.
