Outgoing mayor proud of accomplishments
By Bruce Rolfe
As the newly elected mayor of the City of Galesburg looks forward to guiding the City Council in building on the positive direction the city is already heading, the outgoing mayor reflects with satisfaction and gratefulness the opportunity to work alongside city staff and council members to bring continued progress and improvements to the community.
Unofficially, Ryan Harnden defeated current council member Glen Hawes for a two-year term as mayor by a 315-222 margin in the November 3 General Election. There were six write-in votes.
Harnden is eager to work with the Galesburg City Council to keep the positive momentum moving forward.
He said he is honored and humbled for the opportunity to serve as mayor of Galesburg.
“My goal is to move Galesburg forward through responsible growth, improved roads and infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and maintaining safe neighborhoods. I look forward to working with the City Council and residents to make decisions that are in the best interest of our community,” said Harnden, who said he appreciates the confidence residents placed in him.
“I believe Galesburg has a bright future, and I am excited to be part of it,” continues the elected Galesburg mayor, who has served on the Galesburg City Council since 2022.
Hawes, who has served on the City Council four years, will continue as a City Council trustee. His term expires 12/31/2028.
Judy Finnie, the lone trustee candidate on the ballot, received 421 votes for one of three four-year council seats.
Alejandro Gonzalez and Guillermina Harnden were adjudicated write-in candidates for two trustee four-year seats. Galesburg City Clerk Lisa McNees said the number of write-in votes the two candidates received will not become official until the County Board of Canvassers completes its canvass and certifies the election.
The terms of Stanley Chovanec and Carol Wortinger expire 12/31/2026.
Kalamazoo County Chief Deputy Clerk and Register of Deeds John Curran said the Kalamazoo County Board of Canvassers began the process to certify the election November 5. He said the process typically takes several days, depending on what issues need to be addressed. State law requires the Board to complete its canvass by November 17, although Curran said the Board of Canvassers hopes to finish sooner.
Mayor Linda Marble, who did not seek re-election, has been on the City Council for 7 years, one year as vice-mayor and 4 years as mayor. She feels there are a number of accomplishments that have taken place the last four years the new mayor and City Council can build on.
Marble said the top five accomplishments under her leadership she is most proud of are:
• The MI-Hope grant she wrote and won from the State of Michigan for $200,000 to help homes in the city to become more energy efficient (new roof, furnaces, air conditioners, hot water heaters, insulation, windows). In addition the County of Kalamazoo matched that grant for an additional $200,000 to work with the MI-HOPE grant.
• The City Council updated the City’s Master Plan that was out of date and was required by the State to be kept current.
• The city and Charleston Township approved a Joint Fire Board Agreement to keep the Galesburg-Charleston Fire Department going.
• The city paved Beckwith Street and East Michigan Avenue, and through a DWSRF loan/grant installed new infrastructure on New Street and East Battle Creek Street. The city was also able to complete the water loop from the 35th Street nursing home to the water tower which has been a concern for years.
• The city approved a development in the city to build 52 new housing units.
Marble emphasized the positive activity was accomplished through the hard work of many.
“I want to thank the phenomenal staff at the City of Galesburg. All of them have gone way above and beyond their job descriptions to move this ity forward. Also we could not have moved forward without the council we have had during my four years as mayor,” said Marble.
“I know the upcoming new council and mayor will continue to move this city forward to make it a better place to want to live with our families,” continued the departing mayor.
As the newly elected mayor of the City of Galesburg looks forward to guiding the City Council in building on the positive direction the city is already heading, the outgoing mayor reflects with satisfaction and gratefulness the opportunity to work alongside city staff and council members to bring continued progress and improvements to the community.
Unofficially, Ryan Harnden defeated current council member Glen Hawes for a two-year term as mayor by a 315-222 margin in the November 3 General Election. There were six write-in votes.
Harnden is eager to work with the Galesburg City Council to keep the positive momentum moving forward.
He said he is honored and humbled for the opportunity to serve as mayor of Galesburg.
“My goal is to move Galesburg forward through responsible growth, improved roads and infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and maintaining safe neighborhoods. I look forward to working with the City Council and residents to make decisions that are in the best interest of our community,” said Harnden, who said he appreciates the confidence residents placed in him.
“I believe Galesburg has a bright future, and I am excited to be part of it,” continues the elected Galesburg mayor, who has served on the Galesburg City Council since 2022.
Hawes, who has served on the City Council four years, will continue as a City Council trustee. His term expires 12/31/2028.
Judy Finnie, the lone trustee candidate on the ballot, received 421 votes for one of three four-year council seats.
Alejandro Gonzalez and Guillermina Harnden were adjudicated write-in candidates for two trustee four-year seats. Galesburg City Clerk Lisa McNees said the number of write-in votes the two candidates received will not become official until the County Board of Canvassers completes its canvass and certifies the election.
The terms of Stanley Chovanec and Carol Wortinger expire 12/31/2026.
Kalamazoo County Chief Deputy Clerk and Register of Deeds John Curran said the Kalamazoo County Board of Canvassers began the process to certify the election November 5. He said the process typically takes several days, depending on what issues need to be addressed. State law requires the Board to complete its canvass by November 17, although Curran said the Board of Canvassers hopes to finish sooner.
Mayor Linda Marble, who did not seek re-election, has been on the City Council for 7 years, one year as vice-mayor and 4 years as mayor. She feels there are a number of accomplishments that have taken place the last four years the new mayor and City Council can build on.
Marble said the top five accomplishments under her leadership she is most proud of are:
• The MI-Hope grant she wrote and won from the State of Michigan for $200,000 to help homes in the city to become more energy efficient (new roof, furnaces, air conditioners, hot water heaters, insulation, windows). In addition the County of Kalamazoo matched that grant for an additional $200,000 to work with the MI-HOPE grant.
• The City Council updated the City’s Master Plan that was out of date and was required by the State to be kept current.
• The city and Charleston Township approved a Joint Fire Board Agreement to keep the Galesburg-Charleston Fire Department going.
• The city paved Beckwith Street and East Michigan Avenue, and through a DWSRF loan/grant installed new infrastructure on New Street and East Battle Creek Street. The city was also able to complete the water loop from the 35th Street nursing home to the water tower which has been a concern for years.
• The city approved a development in the city to build 52 new housing units.
Marble emphasized the positive activity was accomplished through the hard work of many.
“I want to thank the phenomenal staff at the City of Galesburg. All of them have gone way above and beyond their job descriptions to move this ity forward. Also we could not have moved forward without the council we have had during my four years as mayor,” said Marble.
“I know the upcoming new council and mayor will continue to move this city forward to make it a better place to want to live with our families,” continued the departing mayor.
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