By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Following the Great Bend City Council meeting Jan. 8, 2018, Joe Andrasek told Eagle Radio that there was more excitement than nerves serving as Great Bend Mayor at his first meeting. Fast forward nearly two years later, and Andrasek says there is excitement to stay involved with the city government but in different ways.
Andrasekās two-year term is coming to a close in early January. The mayor enjoyed his time with the city staff and encourages everyone to get involved with city government.
"I feel like I formed some good friendships," Andrasek said. "I would definitely like to see more people get involved in city government. Especially those that complain, those are the people that need to get in here and see how hard it is to get things moving forward. I think it would be an eyeopener for them."
Andrasek picked up 466 more votes than the next leading candidate in the 2017 General Election to become mayor. He replaced Dr. Mike Allison after Allison served in the position for 18 years.
When asked what he was most proud of during his two years as mayor, Andrasek said a sense of calmness was needed during a period where there was tension within the city.
"I feel like everything has been calm the last two years," said Andrasek. "I feel like I have been transparent with the people attending meetings. I felt like I brought a sense of calmness to the city."
Andrasek will serve as mayor until the Jan. 6, 2020 meeting
when Cody Schmidt will be sworn into office.
"I treat everybody with respect," Andrasek added. "I treat everyone the way I want to be treated."