Robert DeSana (left) is sworn in May 10 as the new mayor of Wyandotte by recently re-elected City Clerk Lawrence Stec, as newly elected City Councilwoman Kaylyn Crayne and re-elected City Councilman Chris Calvin watch.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
WYANDOTTE – The city held its inauguration May 10 at Yack Arena, with 27th District Court Judge Elizabeth DiSanto swearing in City Clerk Lawrence Stec, who then swore in the other elected officials.
Outgoing Councilwoman Megan Maiani, who did not run for re-election, thanked the residents, her fellow council members, the department heads and all of the city employees for an “amazing” four-year opportunity.
“I have not only grown as a person, but as a professional, as well,” she said. “I would like to wish all of the new council members good luck. It’s an awesome opportunity, and you will learn and grow in so many aspects of your life.”
Outgoing City Councilman Leonard Sabuda, who has served the city in different capacities for many years, said it felt strange not putting up election signs this year.
“It has been a wonderful career to serve our city as an employee and as a commissioner,” he said. “All things come to an end, and everyone here will see that eventually.”
Sabuda predicted that the new city council will bring new ideas and a new direction to the city.
“I am so thankful for the support I have received all these years,” he said. “It was an honor serving you, and a privilege that I will never forget.”
Following a standing ovation, Sabuda thanked those present, quipping “35 years is a long time.”
DeSana spoke on behalf of absent outgoing Councilman Don Schultz, whom he said is completing therapy following his recent hospitalization, and thanked him for his eight years of service to the city council.
He said prior to serving on the council, Schultz was vice chairman of the planning commission, president of the historical commission and a member of the downtown design review committee.
After adjourning the outgoing council, DeSana was then sworn in by Stec.
Stec then swore in the new city council members, including his daughter, Kelly Stec, and Robert Alderman, Chris Calvin, Kaylyn Crayne, Todd Hanna and Rosemary Shuryan.
Kelly Stec, who was the highest city council vote getter, was appointed by the other council members to serve as the mayor pro tempore.
The city clerk also swore in City Assessor Theodore Galeski and City Treasurer Todd Browning, who both ran unopposed.
DeSana said he is looking forward to working with the new city council.
“We have a lot of projects in the hopper that I hope will develop,” he said. “We may have our differences, but we have to work together for the best for the city of Wyandotte.”
Kelly Stec thanked the residents for the faith and trust they showed in her by electing her to the city council.
“I have had the opportunity to learn public service from the very best,” she said, looking at her father. “He taught me something deeply important, which is ‘don’t make long speeches when people are still waiting to eat dinner,’ so, thank you all so much, and I am looking forward to the next four years.”
In keeping with the theme of brevity, Hanna thanked his supporters, congratulated his fellow council members, and expressed appreciation to the attendees.
Shuryan also thanked her family and supporters, and congratulated the other elected officials.
“It takes a lot of courage to run,” she said.
Crayne thanked the voters for letting their voices be heard.
“I am very excited to get to work, learn lots of new things, get all of our ideas going and do the best for the city that we can do,” she said.
Calvin thanked the voters for re-electing him, and said he is happy to get back to work.
Alderman also said he was grateful to be re-elected.
“What makes a team is the diversity, the different opinions and the different minds,” he said. “But they all come together, and get the solution, and get it done.”
Galeski said he started his journey as assessor in 1988, and he has always tried to do what is right.
“That is a prerequisite to being an assessor,” he said. “We have to be fair and equitable.”
Browning thanked the outgoing officials, and warned the family and friends of the incoming council members to be prepared to have meetings occupy the new council members every other Monday night.
“This is a great city to live in, it’s a great city to work in, and it is even a greater city to play in,” he said. “We have a lot of assets in this city to be proud of, and I am proud to be a part of the team.”
Lawrence Stec thanked the residents for trusting him to continue as the city clerk, and he thanked Beth Lekity, deputy city clerk, whom he said, “helps keep the train on the tracks.”
Browning closed the inaugural meeting with a heartfelt benediction.
The next regularly scheduled city council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 24 in the third-floor council chamber at city hall, 3200 Biddle Ave.