Submitted Photo Left to Right: Sheridan Town Judge Jonathan Szumigala was recently sworn in, alongside re-elected Town Council member Colleen Yerico, Town Supervisor Tom Wik and newly elected Town Council member Joe White, at the Sheridan Town Courthouse.
SHERIDAN — The new Sheridan City Council has now been officially confirmed. The council recently made things official when Supervisor Tom Wik, City Council members Colleen Yerico and Joe White and Municipal Judge Jonathan Szumigala were officially sworn in.
Following the death of former Town Supervisor John H. Walker II, the Sheridan Town Council was in flux for the remainder of the year. First, Richard Feinen took over the meetings after Walker's death. Then, Wik, a city council member since 2017, expressed interest in becoming the next city supervisor. Wik was appointed to the position by the rest of the city council in August, with Election Day occurring less than two months later.
“I had the honor of being appointed supervisor” Wik said.
Wik, an engineer, previously lived in Amherst before moving to Sheridan seven years ago. He has more than 30 years of experience in local government.
“Fundamentally what I'm interested in is good government and running the city as efficiently as possible while keeping taxes low. » Wik said after his appointment.
Upon taking over as town supervisor, Wik's seat as town councilman was opened. The City Council appointed Joe White, a U.S. Army veteran who has held several positions and served on various committees during his military service for more than 28 years. White expressed interest in the city council seat due to limited interest in the community at large.
“It didn't seem like many people were going to come forward, so I figured I was retired from the military… I live in town, I'm going to do my part to help,” » said White.
White ran in the November election for one of two City Council seats, alongside two other candidates, incumbent Colleen Yerico and Sue Bigler, a Democrat. Yerico was re-elected to her seat with 471 votes, the most among the three candidates. White was elected with 388 votes. Bigler received 254 votes.
Wik ran unopposed for town supervisor and received 535 votes. Municipal Judge Jonathan Szumigala also ran unopposed for the municipal judge seat, with 532 votes in his favor.
After his initial appointment as supervisor, Wik said of the new city council: “I think we will work very well together.”
The Sheridan City Council meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Sheridan City Hall.