By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
In a short meeting on Thursday, the newly elected Hays city commissioners were sworn into office and the governing body reorganized.
Jamie Breit, city clerk, issued the oath of office to incumbents Shaun Musil and Sandy Jacobs, and newcomer David Vilaysing. The entire commission then voted to elect Mason Ruder to a second term as mayor and Alaina Cunningham as vice-mayor.
Jacobs, the previous mayor, was thanked for her service after she highlighted some of the major accomplishments of her mayoral term.
"As a body, this commission has made huge strides with our R9 project, housing, economic growth, commitment to our police with a new facility, parks, and our airport," Jacobs said.
"Leadership, to me, has never been about position or title but about listening, bringing people together and keeping our community at the center of every decision."
Vilaysing, the new commissioner who will serve a two-year term, said he has been meeting with department heads the past couple of months and touring the city's facilities.
"During those tours," he said. "I saw countless examples of department leaders finding ways to be resourceful, to preserve our resources and embracing innovation.
"Along with the educators, health care professionals, civic groups, the chamber of commerce, they're all out there being the backbone of the city," Vilaysing said.
Ruder, a sixth-generation Ellis County resident, said 2026 will also be filled with celebration for the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Volga-German settlers in Ellis County, and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.