MANSFIELD – – Anthony Koroknay once again walked the halls of the building he saw constructed in 1976 on Friday.
The 10-year Mansfield city councilman revisited a plaque listing the names of council members and city employees who helped bring about the construction of the municipal building on North Diamond Street.
Richard Porter was the city’s mayor from 1972 to 1979. His administration saw the Miss Ohio Pageant come to Mansfield and the growth of the Reid Industrial Park, and welcomed the $7 million nine-story municipal building in 1976.
Koroknay, 96, said opening the municipal building involved the collaboration of the mayor, council members, steering committee and many others.
“I have to give credit to our city engineer then, George Cunitz,” Koroknay said. “He went through hell in the Bataan March in World War II, and was a great guy. Everyone I worked with was great.”
Koroknay was elected to Mansfield’s 1st Ward seat in 1966 and served as 2nd Ward city councilman after Census redistricting. He was on council for five two-year terms.
Second Ward Councilwoman Cheryl Meier said she and Koroknay have similar attitudes on what it means to serve on City Council.
“We talked about how people just want someone who will listen to their concerns,” Meier said. “That’s exactly what I find here, is people want to be listened to and help if you can.
“We have so few World War II veterans left, and it’s such an honor to meet Tony and to have him in my ward.”
The Army veteran worked at his older brother’s company, Koroknay Brothers Home Builders, after returning from the war. He still practices woodworking and stays engaged with city news.
“It’s really something that Cheryl’s in my old seat,” Koroknay said. “She’s a good councilwoman, I’m in a good territory.”
While the Mansfield Municipal Building has seen additional investment and some changes since it opened in 1976, Koroknay said revisiting the council chambers felt nostalgic.
“Someday, I’d like to take my grandkids here,” he said. “Everything looks a little different, but I remember being here listening to constituents almost 50 years ago.”
