EPWORTH, Iowa -- Garry Gansen is glad he's not the only resident interested in a four-year term on the Epworth City Council.
At the encouragement of Epworth Mayor Jacob Reuter, three write-in candidates will join Gansen in the race for four council seats in the Nov. 3 municipal election.
Incumbent Judy Callahan faces challenger Dana Nadermann for a two-year seat in the other council race.
Gansen said it's a "good thing" that he has competition for the vacant council positions.
"It takes a group of people to run a city," Gansen said. "The write-ins are qualified candidates."
Reuter sent out a notice to Epworth residents last week in search of opponents for Gansen, receiving favorable results.
Incumbent Todd M. Kluesner, Lee Hoerner and Tom Gassman are the write-in candidates.
Gansen wants to promote Epworth as a "family-oriented" city and encourage more housing developments and light commercial development.
"I want to help Epworth continue strong down the road," Gansen
2-year City Council term (elect one) |
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JUDY CALLAHAN (i) Age: 56 Occupation: Teacher, Cascade High School Family: Husband, Jim; three children and three stepchildren DANA NADERMANN Age: 36 Occupation: Para-professional, Peosta Elementary School, and self-employed cosmetologist Family: Husband, Jeff; three children 4-year City Council term (elect three) GARRY GANSEN Age: 50 Occupation: Correctional officer Family: Wife, Suzanne; two children LEE HOERNER Age: 41 Occupation: Senior vice president of sales and service, DuTrac Community Credit Union Family: Wife, Joan; two children TODD M. KLUESNER (i) Age: 37 Occupation: Supervisor, John Deere Dubuque Works Family: Wife, Shawn; one child TOM GASSMAN (Declined comment.) |
Kluesner, who has served on the Epworth City Council for four years, explained why he didn't file his candidate papers before the mid-October deadline.
"It was a deliberation process," Kluesner said. "I didn't come up with a decision fast enough to get (the papers) in on time."
On the topic of new business, Kluesner wants residents to assist the city in the recruitment process.
"I'm not expecting them to give the city property, but I'm asking people to fairly value their property," Kluesner said.
Hoerner, a member of the Epworth Athletic Club board of directors for five years, said he is not a "one-issue candidate" and has business and family on his mind.
"I want Epworth to be a destination for families to raise their kids," Hoerner said. "For me, that means recreational activities and safety.
"As for business opportunities, I want to make things convenient for people in Epworth."
Gassman declined comment.
Callahan was appointed to the council in March 2009 after Reuter vacated his position to become Epworth mayor.
After only a few months on the job, Callahan has enjoyed being a conduit for the community.
"It's been really interesting. It's nice to be involved," Callahan said. "I want to be a voice for the people if they have concerns or are afraid to let their views be known."
Making her first run at political office, Nadermann is gearing her candidacy toward expanding opportunities for youth.
"I want more things for our kids to do," Nadermann said.
"It seems like if anybody wants to do anything, they have to leave Epworth to do it.
"I want to make Epworth bigger and better."
(Efforts by the TH to obtain a photo of Nadermann were unsuccessful.)
Reuter is running unopposed for his mayoral seat.
