All three communities in the Benton County; Lincoln, Cole Camp and Warsaw have candidates seeking seats on their respective city councils.
In Lincoln, incumbents Phil Fisher and Barbara Hammond have re-filed, running for another term. Fisher is running unopposed for his west ward seat but Barbara Hammond is being challenged for her east ward seat by Trey Brown.
Each candidate in all three communities was asked why they wished to run for office. The first question posed to each was, "What motivates you to want to serve on the City Council?"
Fisher, a man of few words, replied, “I appreciate the quality of life that can be had in Lincoln and wish to continue to serve the community through this service.”
Hammond said, “I am running for the east side seat on the council because I was asked to fill out a term which I was not sure what that would entail. The other aldermen and Mayor Nelson helped me to understand what we need. Lincoln has been my family’s home for 45 years, so the future of Lincoln is important to me.”
Newcomer Trey Brown explained, “I would say what motivates me is my family. After you get married and have kids, your eyes start to open about what’s going on in the community. Other family and friends start having kids too and you want to look after them also.”
Question number two was, "What do you see as the council’s role and responsibility?"
Fisher responded with, “Making good decisions to better our community and making it thrive in the future.”
Hammond stated, “The council’s role is to choose and implement policies that are best for our town. We need to use taxpayer money in a wise and responsible manner.”
Brown said, “I feel like the importance of making decisions and progressing the community based off feedback and concerns you hear. Your role on the council is to be a voice for those who come to you with issues and to address those. It’s important to consider carefully those big decisions that are voted on every month.”
In Cole Camp, the races are both contested. In the west ward, the incumbent, David Locke is being challenged by former Mayor Bob Meuschke.
Locke stated, “I have always believed in bringing hard work and common sense to government. When we work together and get the job done, that’s a good day for Cole Camp. Right now, we have essential infrastructure that must continue to be prioritized, from streets and sidewalks to sewers. I bring a construction background and knowledge of our codes and ordinances to the council. At the end of the day, I am asking for your vote to keep those projects moving.”
Locke’s challenger, Meuschke said, “As a member of the city council, I would have the privilege of directly shaping decisions that impact the everyday lives of residents. I can advocate for meaningful improvements, develop policies that benefit the community, and address the unique needs of my city. Serving on the council is my way of giving back and making a tangible difference."
He added, "Being part of the council means taking an active role in the governance of my city and contributing to its growth and progress. For me, it’s a way to ensure that our local government truly reflects the values and needs of the community.”
Question two, again was, "What do you see as the council’s role and responsibilities?"
Locke responded, “Just about everyday, except Sunday, you’ll find me checking on my projects underway and following up on citizen concerns. I think it’s important we thoughtfully review every request and make sure city tax dollars are spent wisely and within budget. Recently a draft comprehensive plan was proposed that didn’t fit our hometown values. I am committed to ensuring your rights as a homeowner or a landowner are not infringed. We will work together, putting in the time it takes to build the best plan to keep Cole Camp beautiful and a safe place to live.”
Meuschke said, “Council is responsible for drafting and passing ordinances that govern the city. They approve the budget and allocate funds to various departments. They set policies that guide the city’s operations. Council holds the Mayor and city managers accountable by monitoring the performance of city departments. Additionally, council reviews contracts, including construction projects that benefits the community. They engage in community outreach to keep residents informed. Council members should be advocating for their respective constituents and making decisions for the betterment of the whole community now and in the future.”
The east ward seat of Steve Knox is currently being contested by two opponents, Kevin Calhoun and Sandy Schlesselman.
When asked his motivation for wanting to serve on the council, incumbent Steve Knox responded, “Serving has always been important to me. I first served the country in the U.S. Army right after high school. For nearly fifteen years, I’ve served local school districts as a high school official and most recently on the city council. Cole Camp is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. I want to preserve this small town life by keeping Cole Camp an affordable place to live where property rights are protected.”
Knox sees the council’s role and responsibilities as "whatever needs to be done".
"The council makes a city budget and keeps spending in check, keep sewers and water running and plan street repairs. I’ve gotten on equipment and pushed snow because it needed to be done. I believe in working constructively with my fellow council members and the mayor to get things done,” Knox said.
Kevin Calhoun, a contender for the seat shared he is motivated to run for city council.
“I served my country for over twenty years on active duty and I want to give back to my present day community,” he said.
Mr. Calhoun stated that he sees the role and responsibility of being on the council as, “To represent the constituents that elected them and ensure the city is well maintained.”
Sandy Schlesselman stated that she is motivated to serve on the city council because, “I want to bring my voice to the table. My experiences as a business owner, a retired teacher and a pastor has contributed to my perspectives on problem solving and consensus building. Therefore, I will ensure that all voices are heard, that due process is observed, and that all business owners are given the respect that is due them. I would be honored to serve the Cole Camp community as East Alderman.”
Schlesselman sees the council's role and responsibilities as, “Using the tax payer’s money wisely. Maintaining a fair and responsible environment for our city employees. Making out streets and downtown sidewalks safe. Provide safety through an effective police department and supporting our volunteer fire department as well as those who serve the health needs through our local clinic and ambulance. Provide safe water and maintain the city sewer. Help promote small businesses and future business opportunities.”
In Warsaw there is only one contested race. Kimberly Pearcy and Francis Gatlin are both vying for the vacant seat in Ward one.
Pearcy told the Benton County Enterprise that her motivation for seeking the Ward one seat is, “As a former teacher in the district, current Chamber board member, and small business owner, I’ve had a first-hand account of what truly amazing things our community has to offer. By serving on the city council, I can help continue to grow and transform Warsaw into an even better place for everyone.”
Pearcy described her idea of the council's role and responsibilities as, “The council's role includes building strong relationships with residents, keeping communication open, and ensuring citizens are informed about the city’s progress and advocate for its people.”
Gatlin shared her feelings when she said, “I have a strong love for Warsaw. I’m retired from construction four years, so I have the time to attend the meetings and help where I can.”
Gatlin concluded that her role on the council would be, “To be the voice of the people of Ward one and to see our tax dollars are spent wisely.”
Ward two candidate, Jennifer Flores is running unopposed.
Flores explained that her bid for election is driven by, "My passion for Warsaw and continuing to make positive and lasting impacts on our community.”
She went on to say, “It gives me the opportunity to address local challenges, advocate for a sustainable growth, improve quality of life for residents, and ensure that diverse voices are heard in decision making, as well as the chance to contribute to a city where everyone feels valued and included, and where we create solutions that reflect the collective needs of our community.”
Flores feels the council’s role is “to be the voice of the people and continue to make Warsaw a great place to live and visit. Help shape the future by making choices on budgets, local projects and services that impact both residents and visitors. And with being a tourism driven economy, continuing to help make improvements aiding tourism while ensuring that the needs and voices of our residents are always heard.”
Ward three incumbent Eric Flores is also running unopposed. He was unable to be reached for comment.
All municipal elections, as well as those for local school boards and other issues will take place next Tuesday, April 8. Complete results will be available in next week's issue of the Benton County Enterprise.
