Sylvan Lake

Cassar seated on Sylvan Lake City Council

By Eric Czarnik
C & G Staff Writer

SYLVAN LAKE — Sylvan Lake resident Eucharist Cassar may be the newest member of the Sylvan Lake City Council, but his involvement in the community is nothing new.

Cassar was sworn into office during the Dec. 12 council meeting. The seat was formerly filled by Sharon Maurina, who decided not to run in November.

During the meeting, Cassar said he hopes to serve in the best way possible and make sure that every decision he oversees will benefit all of the residents.

“I’m looking forward to not only working with you, but learning from you,” he said.

Cassar and incumbent Russell Meskin were the only candidates on the ballot in the Nov. 6 election, though two write-in candidates also ran. Cassar earned 42.8 percent of the vote, while Meskin earned 41.1 percent and write-in candidates got 16.2 percent.

Cassar, 53, said his family has long-established roots in the community. He said his father first came to Sylvan Lake in 1944, and Cassar bought his own home in the city in 1984.

In 1977, Cassar started a business in real estate management, which he said gave him skills helpful in preside over city government.

“Running a business in real estate management or operating and maintaining property is very similar to maintaining and managing city structures, the grounds, facilities,” he said.

After the meeting, Cassar told the Beacon that he has attended many City Council meetings in the past. He said he looks forward to his time on the council, adding that he has also developed a good, understanding relationship with City Manager John Martin.

Cassar thanked Maurina for contributing her time on the council and also thanked former Mayor Aron Lorenz — who remains a councilman — for his service.

When it comes to his platform, Cassar said he wants to make sure that the taxpayers’ money is spent wisely and efficiently. He also listed several key issues on which he hopes to offer his input: police protection, seawalls, overall grounds maintenance and making sure that contracts with the city get the most bang for their buck.

Although Cassar was the only new face on the council in December, some of its other members swapped positions. Council members agreed to make Mike Zubrzycki the mayor and Brian Etter mayor pro tem.

Zubrzycki said he is happy to be chosen for the position and truly honored to see the council put its faith in him.  “If I don’t look nervous, trust me, I am on the inside. But I’m happy to be here,” he said.

Learn more about Sylvan Lake at www.sylvanlake.org or by calling (248) 682-1440.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Eric Czarnik at eczarnik@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1058.