A mayor is the elected head of a city, town, or other municipality that is administered by a city manager. A person who decides to run for this position must be motivated by the right reasons. He or she must want to make positive changes in their community and be a visionary who sees things not as they are, but as they could be… an idealist who strives to create a better environment not only for themselves and their families, but for all people. Our current Mayor, Rich Wiaterowski, a Nanticoke graduate, became involved in local politics to make a difference. The GNA Insider sat down with our Mayor to ask him a few questions:

Q: What was your favorite subject and who was your favorite teacher at GNA?

A: “While I was a student at GNA, my favorite subject was history. I cannot say I had a favorite teacher, but I would say that I had many teachers who influenced me in positive ways.”

Q: What was your fondest memory while attending GNA?

A: “My fondest memory at GNA was attending all the various sporting events and being a part of the student body cheering section, which is referred to as “the jungle.”

Q: How did GNA help you become successful?

A: “GNA helped me become successful by giving me a strong foundation to build on and prepare me for my future.”

Q: What piece of advice would you give a current GNA student?

A: “If I could give a piece of advice to a current GNA student, it would be if you have a dream or passion, follow it. Your dream may not be easy to attain, but with hard work and determination, anything is possible.”

Q: What inspired you to get involved in politics?

A: “I was inspired to get involved in politics by friends and mentors who encouraged me and by having a desire to make a positive difference in my home town.”

Q: What does your job as the mayor entail?

A: “The job as the mayor entails overseeing all the day to day operations of the city, which includes budgeting, contract negotiations, hiring, disciplinary actions, authorizing payments, and signing all official documents. I also oversee the police department, fire department, street department, and clerical employees.”

Q: What are some of the difficulties the city faces?

A: “The city of Nanticoke faces many of the same difficulties and challenges that other cities face, such as financial difficulties and shortfalls in a sluggish economy. Furthermore, it can be difficult to make hard decisions, such as raising taxes in order to be fiscally responsible while keeping the taxpayers best interest first.”

Q: What is the best and worst part of being the mayor?

A: “The best part of being the mayor is having the opportunity to be a part of the process that helps make Nanticoke a better place to live. The worst part is not being able to do more or accomplish all the goals I set due to budget contracts and other reasons that are out of my control.”

Q: Why should students care about local politics?

A: “Students should become involved in local politics because they are our future and the issues that are being decided and voted on currently will affect and shape their future.”

Q: How can students get involved with the community?

A: “A few ways in which students can get involved with their community is by volunteering at local charities, food banks, church, city events, and clean ups.”