The successor agency to the former Madera Redevelopment Agency has honored Gary Svanda and Jack Perialas at its December meeting.
According to Mayor Robert Poythress, Svanda helped guide the RDA through a decade of significant growth during his tenure, and as a member of the oversight board he has been involved in the dissolution of the agency. Poythress also noted that Svanda was a moving force behind the creation of the Neighborhood Revitalization and Graffiti Abatement programs.
Perialas was primarily recognized for his longtime efforts as a graffiti removal volunteer. However, Poythress noted that Jack and his wife Paula have been actively involved in the community since the early 1970s.
Poythress said Wednesday, “When Jack and Paula volunteer, you get workers and leaders.”