Meet Bill Romaniuk: Andrew’s New Mayor

 Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Bill Romaniuk is no stranger to public service, volunteering with a variety of different organizations in the Village of Andrew for more than 40 years. He is also no stranger to elected office, having served three terms on council between 1984 to 1992. During one of those terms of office, he served as Mayor.

On Oct. 20, Romaniuk was elected Mayor of the Village of Andrew. “This is the first time we’ve had an elected mayor in Andrew,” said Romaniuk, smiling broadly. Previously, the position of Mayor was selected by members of council during its annual organizational meeting.

As to why he ran for Mayor, Romaniuk said, “Being retired, I was probably looking for something to challenge myself. He thought, I have 11 years’ experience as councillor, and education to lead, so decided try mayor. Fortunately, it worked out.”

Romaniuk said he likes to see succession on village council and is happy with the blend of experienced and new councillors that will serve a four-year term of office.

Romaniuk spent three weeks campaigning, and estimates that he covered 85 percent of the residences in the village, leaving business cards at the places where no one was home. Romaniuk said going door to door was a great opportunity to meet folks face to face and hear from them directly.   

Snow removal was a common concern among residents, especially senior citizens. “We have a lot of seniors in town who are concerned about getting out.” Roads, infrastructure, maintenance, equipment and manpower were discussed as well as beautification. “I’m glad I did that, (campaigning door to door) because it opened my eyes to what this village could use.”

Romaniuk said he’d like to have a cost analysis before the budgeting process begins, IE costs of water, sewer and facilities. Municipalities are not allowed to run deficits, and must pass an interim budget by Dec. 31 and final budget in early spring.

In the short-term, Romaniuk would like to keep tax increases “minimal” and in the long-term to increase the village’s tax base. He believes the village has a lot of potential in terms of development. “We need the population to grow.” With the school reopening this September, Romaniuk can already see positives in terms of people purchasing and renting homes in the community.

Another positive development is the opening of the Mini Mallards Daycare that is housed in the school/administration building. Ironically, Romaniuk was in office when the facility was constructed. His wife Joan worked at the school for 30 years before retiring, and their daughters Tanya and Claudette graduated from Andrew School.

He believes that opening of the charter school this year gave people in the community hope. The school has a good board. It’s a new transfusion.” Certainly, the infusion of something new is having a beneficial effect on the community, a community Romaniuk has grown to love over the past four decades. Now, he’s ready to take on this new challenge and advocate for the residents of Andrew.