Search
City Council Biography
Walmer Schmidtke
Ward 1 Councilmember
Walmer Schmidtke was born in 1935, and has been a lifelong resident of Granite City. After graduating from Granite City High School, Walmer went on to serve in the U.S. Navy for a four year tour. He then went on to become a firefighter for the Granite City Fire Department, attending college intermittently throughout his career. He is now retired from the GCFD. When time allows, Councilman Schmidtke enjoys spending his time fishing and boating, or down at the AMVETS and Venice Social Club. Even more so, he enjoys spending time with his family, whether it is his wife of 51 years, Norma Jean, one of his two children or his three grandchildren.
Councilman Schmidtke was appointed as Ward 1 Alderman by Mayor Hagnauer in January 2007 following the resignation of Kristen Novacich, who went on to serve on the County Board of Madison County. Mr. Schmidtke then ran in the April 2007 election and won. He has since been appointed as a member of the Street & Alley, Fire, Water & Ambulance, and Sanitation & Inspection Committees.
Among the many dilemmas facing this Administration, Councilman Schmidtke feels that the following are the most important:
1. Commercial and Industrial Development
2. Infrastructural Improvements (Streets, Sewers, etc.)
3. Rental Property Control
Councilman Schmidtke faces re-election in 2011.