Spring Valley mayor-elect’s No. 1 goal is to unite community

SPRING VALLEY — Spring Valley’s Mayor-elect Melanie Malooley-Thompson soon will succeed Walt Marini at the head of Spring Valley’s City Council. She talked with the NewsTribune and Bureau County Republican to share her thoughts on what’s next for the city.

What is your number one goal for Spring Valley?

“My number one goal is to unite the community by showing them we will listen, and care about the future of Spring Valley.”

What are the first three things you hope to accomplish?

“My priorities while in office will be improving our infrastructure, developing a budget and formulating an aggressive plan for economic development.”

What is the significance, to you, of being the first female mayor of Spring Valley?

“It is an honor and privilege to make history as the first female mayor of Spring Valley. My family have been business owners in Spring Valley for over 115 years and I am very proud to be carrying on the tradition as a business owner and now a leader of this wonderful place so many call home. I hope that my success inspires other women to become involved in local government. As mayor, I plan to support all individuals with an entrepreneurial desire to become successful business owners. "

Has Walt (Marini, the outgoing mayor) reached out or given you any advice or words of wisdom?

“Walt has extended his congratulations to me and has indicated that he will be available for any support I may need. I appreciate his willingness to assist during the transition, and am grateful for his hard work and dedication to Spring Valley for the last eight years.”

What kind of relationship do you hope to foster with the council?

“I look forward to working together with the council in a collaborative effort to serve the residents and improve our town. I want be very transparent to the community with our efforts. I feel that if we are open and honest, and keep the residents informed, it will foster a greater feeling of community.”

What will your working style be?

“My management style is inspirational as I have excellent people skills, a big heart, and an honest desire to help everyone develop in their roles as employees and managers of the city.

Thank you to the community for being so complimentary, and I appreciate the voters that believed in me. I am very excited to serve my hometown and look forward to helping Spring Valley grow and prosper.”

“The community has been so complimentary, and I really appreciate everyone believing in me. I am so excited to serve my hometown and look forward to helping our Spring Valley grow and prosper.”

—  Melanie Malooley-Thompson, mayor-elect of Spring Valley