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FREDONIA -- Outgoing village Mayor Douglas Essek looked back on four years in office during his final Board of Trustees meeting report Tuesday.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the residents of this village of Fredonia these last four years. I have tried my best to be part of the team that is part of the solution and not part of the problem," said Essek, who did not run for re-election. Michael Ferguson won the November election and takes over the mayor's office Jan. 1.
Essek thanked the trustees, department heads and other village employees for their service. "I have been surrounded by the best fellow employees," he said.
"I came in as mayor with four goals: creating economic development, municipal cooperation, infrastructure improvements and (SUNY Fredonia) and community cooperation," Essek continued. A former village trustee, Essek defeated incumbent Athanasia Landis in 2019 for the mayor's seat.
"Most, if not all, of the storefronts are occupied and there is currently a large private-public development project with the White Inn," he said. "We have worked to build a positive relationship with the city of Dunkirk and surrounding municipalities along with the county and the state. We have also been currently working to address the decades-long water issues. I can say we, as a village, have a solid relationship with (SUNY) Fredonia.
"My vision was after four years to leave this office in hopes of leaving this great village better than when I started. I believe I've accomplished that goal. I came into being mayor with a good work ethic. I persevered through some tough times in Fredonia, the world, and myself. I did the best I could to make Fredonia a better place to live in with all matters I could decide on.
"I'm going out with grit and the knowledge that I did the best that I could," Essek concluded. "Thank you everyone and God bless Fredonia." A round of applause followed.