City Council - WKTV Journal

Rob Arnoys takes the oath of office from City Clerk Kelli Vandenberg. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

And now the council is up to its full seven last night as Rob Arnoys took the oath of office and joined the council.

Arnoys was one of two candidates elected by City of Wyoming residents to fill two council member-at-large seats on the city council. The other candidate was Renee Hill who along with Mayor Kent Vanderwood and First Ward Councilor Sheldon DeKryger were sworn into office on Dec. 5. Arnoys was unable to attend the Dec. 5 meeting due to a work conflict.

However, the council will shortly be down to six again as current council member-at-large John Fitzgerald will be stepping down at the end of the year to assume his roll as the 83rd District state house representative in January.

The council will appointment a Wyoming resident to fill the vacant seat. The term ends in 2024 when the seat is up for election. Applicants for Fitzgerald’s council seat must have lived in the city for two years. Those interested in applying to fill the seat may pick up an application from the clerk’s office, which is located at city hall, 1155 28th St. SW. Applications for filling the seat will be accepted through Dec. 21. Council will review all applications and interview candidates before making an appointment in January.

Fitzgerald along with State Representative Tommy Brann, who is terming out of his seat this year, were recognized for their service to the city and its residents. It was also noted that Brann was recently named House Representative of the Year by the Michigan Information and Resource, Inc. (MIRS)

Wyoming Council member John Fitzgerald (right)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

This fall, the residents of the City of Wyoming will decide who will fill two open spots on the Wyoming City Council.

Current Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt announced he would not seek re-election to his at-large council seat. Current Council Member-at-Large Kent Vanderwood was elected mayor during the August primaries as he received more than 50 percent of the overall vote.

Three candidates, Robert Arnoys, Renee Hill and Robert Kilgo, are seeking to fill those seats. Also, Sheldon DeKryger is running unopposed for his First Ward seat.

Robert Arnoys

Occupation: A life-long resident of the City of Wyoming, Arnoys is the vice president of treasury management for Lake Michigan Credit Union. Along with having more than 30 years of banking experience, Arnoys has served on a number of community boards and is currently on the City of Wyoming Planning Commission.

Tell us a couple of issues you want to focus on if elected: If elected, Arnoys will focus on public safety, working with officers in providing them the resources needed to keep Wyoming safe. Because of his background in finances, Arnoys plans to help keep Wyoming fiscally responsible. He also will focus on planned development, ensuring the city has a strong master plan that will put the right uses in the right places as well as supporting an environment for small businesses to prosper.

Website: https://www.electrobarnoys.com

Renee Hill

Occupation: Hill has lived in the City of Wyoming for more than 27 years. She is a doctor of physical therapy. She does home care. She also served on the city’s Enrichment Commission.

Tell us a couple of issues you want to focus on if elected: Hill’s main concern is the wise use of citizen’s tax money and is dedicated to making sure every dollar honors the trust of the citizens. She also supports prudent property management and keeping Wyoming residents safe.

Website: There is no website for this candidate.

Robert Kilgo

Occupation: Kilgo moved to the City of Wyoming when he decided to attend Grace Christian University. He now is the assistant to the president of Grace Christian University. He also has served as a mentor to at-risk students in Wyoming.

Tell us a couple of issues you want to focus on if elected: Kilgo believes that the city is in a good position financially and he wants to continue that for the future. He also recognizes the need for a well-funded public safety initiative and safe neighborhoods and is looking to help add to the public safety department and reduce the city’s dependence on its neighbors especially for fire services. He also wants to work on addressing the housing shortage, expand access to city services and focus on maintaining the city’s parks.

Website: https://www.robkilgo.com