Silhan takes office with eye on problem solving

Priorities include water and sewer addressing before city beautification

Drew Lawson, The Times | Last updated Jan 07, 2022 11:16am0

Drew Lawson | The Times

Jess Silhan

HARRINGTON-Jess Silhan is only in his fourth year living in the city, but the new mayor already has his eyes set on improving local issues. Silhan, a former West Side and Tri-Cities resident, moved here in 2018 with his wife, Cynthia and now takes office after running for mayor unopposed in the 2020 election.

Silhan said addressing issues with the city's wastewater treatment facility is his first priority upon assuming office, which he did Dec. 29.

"I have to make sure I understand that situation, then we need to get a backup person there," Silhan said. "We need a couple warm bodies so we don't end up right back where we started."

Silhan then wants to address the city's water system and plan ways to upgrade sewer infrastructure.

"We have to take care of these before they become a real problem," he said. "I want to fix the real issues right off the bat, then start working on beautification of the town...but we need to keep the ship afloat for the first 60 days. You have to fix the holes in the ship first."

Silhan said the city will have to embark on some capital expenditures to replace city equipment and improve snow removal. He is also prioritizing hiring new public works employees, as the city currently doesn't have any.

"We also have to be ready to help anyone who wants to move here and start a business," Silhan said. "That way, people will want to move into town."

The city is also facing an audit from the state. Silhan said he looks forward to the state's exit review and hopes for a list of recommendations for how the city can address the 26 complaints filed in the auditor's office against Harrington.

"My goal is to get people to work together," Silhan said. "You can solve a lot of problems if you're willing to do that."