As he nears the end of his final term, Mayor Gerry Messmer is calling on Odessa residents to step up and run for mayor or village board positions. With new opportunities like Odessa Community Day, event planning, and volunteer needs for the new hiking trail, Messmer emphasized the importance of fresh energy. “We need folks who want to get involved,” he said, encouraging community members to take initiative.
During his seven-year tenure, Messmer oversaw over $21 million in infrastructure improvements, including an overhaul of the village’s aging water system and new sidewalks. He highlighted progress on the Cotton Hanlon Bridge replacement and ongoing restoration work following major street and sewer upgrades. Though construction has caused disruptions, Messmer assured residents that by 2025, the village will see much-needed relief.
As Odessa looks to the future, Messmer hopes the community will continue the momentum. “There are so many possibilities,” he said, urging residents to make a difference.
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