Mayor connects with seniors

Last Thursday, a gathering of Green River's senior residents were seated at Golden Hour Senior Center's dining hall to hear from the city's new mayor.

Mayor Pete Rust spoke to residents about his background and a few of his early ideas. A major point he brought with him to the senior center is the benefits of volunteers bring to the city, saying volunteerism will accomplish goals without spending a lot of money.

"One of the greatest assets of this, or any, community is its people," Rust said.

Carmen Tune, one of the residents attending the mayor's presentation, said she believes the monthly coffee with the mayor discussions helps improve transparency into the city's government.

"I think it's great," she said.

Rust didn't talk too much about his goals for the city, opting to introduce himself and eat lunch while learning what Green River's seniors find important. Rust said his biggest goal coming into the center is to get people involved with the community and to help establish a relationship between potential volunteers and the city.

"You have to establish that relationship." Rust said. "The way you have to do that is come and talk with them."

He said a couple of concerns came up during his chats at the senior center, including safety issues and concerns, raised by former Councilman Tom McCullough, about potential rate increases for city water.

Rust emphasized the word potential, because he believes it might be possible to avert rate increases.

Beyond talk of rate increases and safety concerns, Rust wanted to light a fire amongst the people at the GHSC.

He wants to see community pride re-energized amongst Green River's residents.