44 years as an educator prepared Wylie Sirk for just about every learning experience imaginable, but after retiring as the superintendent of North Adams Community Schools, Sirk has found himself to be more inquisitive student than know-it-all teacher in his two terms on the Decatur City Council.
“I’ve found true enjoyment and fulfillment in volunteering and working and serving our community,” says Sirk, who has traded being in front of a classroom or a school board for being a city councilman. While he enjoys his work in his elected office, what he enjoys most is the occasion to serve his community as a man behind the scenes.
“I am seeking office because I enjoy working collaboratively with community members to focus on growth for the city,” says Sirk.
For a man with countless degrees, including a Ph.D. from Purdue University, sometimes the biggest smile on Sirk’s face is seen behind a table wearing a t-shirt for one of many downtown Decatur events that have popped up during his two terms on the council.
A past president of the Decatur Rotary and Decatur Main Street, Sirk has served his church as finance committee chair and his nation as a reserve in the US Navy. He still serves as a professor at Purdue Fort Wayne.
“We have a small-town atmosphere that matches our emerging downtown, which supports local and regional businesses,” says Sirk. “A strong school system provides high school graduates with skills for the 21st century in Decatur.”
If elected to a third term, Sirk hopes to continue to work with the Adams County Economic Development and county officials to continue to increase job opportunities and growth for the city. He also wants to focus his attention on increasing availability of affordable housing in the city and the county.
Along with current councilmen Dyer and Coshow, Sirk also wants to focus on the development of the riverfront area along First Street and the city’s trails system.
Sirk is seeking re-election to the City Council for District One in November as a republican. He faces challenger Gina Melcher in the republican primary on Tuesday, May 2nd.
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