Thurston Mayor Gina Matos aims to bring positive changes to village

Mayor Gina Matos, who won as a write-in two years ago, is pursuing zoning, property maintenance and community events to manage growth and strengthen local life.

Mayor Gina Matos is leading efforts to make Thurston a destination with a rural, family feel. She took office two years ago after winning as a write-in candidate, succeeding Mary Boring. Village officials have begun preparing for expected growth and addressing long-standing property maintenance issues. They have also reviewed staffing and the budget to capture more value from growth. Key facts: - Gina Matos won a write-in mayoral race two years ago and succeeded Mary Boring, who served 20 years. - Thurston adopted the county commission's model zoning code and a property maintenance code to guide growth and address dilapidated properties. - Officials cited expected growth linked to a data center in Millersport and recent farm sales near the village. - The village hired a service manager and a water secretary, and officials reported saving over $10,000 in one year after shifting some contracted work in-house. - Elm Street Park now includes an NBA-sized basketball court; plans include a shelter house, a museum relocation, and expanded community events such as movie nights and seasonal activities. Summary: Matos's office has put in place zoning and a property maintenance code to guide controlled growth and address eyesore properties. The village has made staffing and budget changes that officials say produced savings and freed staff time. Planned steps include park improvements, moving the museum upstairs, a series of community events, and continued coordination with county officials.