By Joe Bachman
Multimedia Editor

STEVENS POINT — Time flies when you’re the longest serving mayor in Stevens Point history.

Gary Wescott served as mayor from 1995-2007, as well as a stint as interim Mayor after Andrew Halverson stepped down from the position in late 2014. The Gazette asked Wescott to reflect on 20 years of Stevens Point, and according to the former mayor, the city has grown into an even stronger and more vibrant community over the past two decades.

He sees a community that is ultimately united ever more so than divided.

“We are united in strength for our love for this community,” said Wescott. “We may have our rigorous debates and healthy discussions, but that only makes the outcome even better.”

Biggest Story in 20 Years?

Police and Fire Commissioner Robert Ostrowski (left); President Gary Wescott; Commissioner Ron Carlson. (City Times photo)

It can understandably be hard for the former mayor to narrow down some of the biggest stories that the Gazette has reported on over the past 20 years, but a few stand out. Wescott cites the growing relationship of the paramedic program between the city and county as one of the most prominent — and life saving — stories over the last 20 years.

“It really brought the highest level of life-sustaining life support to every person, not only to the city, but in the county,” said Wescott. “The creation of paramedics in that period of time had to have the greatest impact on saving lives and reducing pain and suffering, not only in Stevens Point, but Portage County.”

Wescott cites the growth of the transit system, the evolution of UW-Stevens Point, and heading work associated with the local implementation of the 2000 Wisconsin Smart Growth Law in the city and county. Wescott chaired the committee for the city and county’s comprehensive strategic plan.

Wescott also mentioned the expansion of over 400 acres of the city’s park system.

“The dramatic expansion of the park program during that period of time really speaks to the quality of life,” he said. “A lively, healthy parks system speaks to the vitality and the quality of life of the community.” he said.

Wescott currently serves as the Presisdent of the city’s Police and Fire Commission and notes the evolution of law enforcement in the community. This includes special training for mental health issues, the creation of a Veterans Service Officer, new K9 units, and the implementation of body cameras as noteworthy and imperative stories.

He points out that now more than ever, officers are great listeners and great counselors to the public.

“There has been a myriad of technological improvements that have made for a better law enforcement,” said Wescott. “This community has always been safe, but it has become an even safer community.”

What’s in store for the next 20 years?

Wescott points out that the future is always in transition, and more often than not, a project started under one administration will be finished under another. He cites an example of Country Club Drive overpass as examples of projects started under one administration and finished in the next. In that example, the exploration started under Wescott, then to Halverson, only to see completion under Wiza.

“Governing is more than a moment in time.” said Wescott. “The community will continue to evolve, but that evolution doesn’t just stop when a certain individual leaves office.”

Undoubtedly, it is the will of the people to make the Stevens Point community better, is what Wescott believes will continue to progress.

“So many people are willing to step forward and serve this community in a collaborative effort when they recognize these greater goals.”