WILMINGTON — Jerry Runk, a 26-year veteran of city services, was appointed Monday as Wilmington’s superintendent of the streets department, the City of Wilmington announced.

The Maintenance and Repair Department, as it is formally known, is primarily tasked with maintaining city streets and right of ways.

“I’m looking forward to getting out here and getting things done that I think need to get done,” Runk told the News Journal.

Runk said he and other officials are “still figuring some things out”, but he said he definitely wants to see more street work done.

“Streets are in pretty bad shape,” he said. “I think that should be our priority at this point.”

Runk’s appointment to superintendent was made by Service and Safety Director Brian Shidaker following a lengthy interview process, according to Marian Miller, executive assistant to Mayor John Stanforth.

Stanforth recused himself from the selection of Runk because the two are related by marriage. Prior to his selection, the city sought both a legal opinion from the city law director and guidance from the Ohio Ethics Commission. Both found the appointment to have no legal or ethical conflict.

“Our city is blessed by a hard-working and dedicated staff,” said Stanforth. “While I removed myself from the decision about Jerry’s selection, the decision to promote from within the current ranks of employees illustrates the great talent we have ready and able to serve Wilmington residents.”

Runk has been with the city for more than two decades, working both in the M&R department for 15 years and most recently, the waste water treatment plant. Superintendent Harry McVey of the Waste Water/Sewer Department said that Runk’s appointment is “well deserved.”

“Jerry is an excellent employee and can operate every piece of equipment in the city,” said McVey according to the statement. “He would have been my choice too.”

“I was looking forward to come back and get back into the streets department and try to make it a better place to be and help the employees that are there,” Runk told the News Journal.

Runk said the department will review things that have been neglected, and he wants to hear citizens’ suggestions and complaints.

“We want to be open and see things get done,” Runk said.

Reach Nathan Kraatz at 937-382-2574, ext. 2510 or on Twitter @NathanKraatz.