My View – October 2022

Having covered City Council races since 2008, I’m familiar with what makes a good candidate and ultimately an effective councilor. This time around, I encourage you to vote for Ken Gregg, Andy Hellenthal and Ryan Hess. Please read their Candidate Statements on pages 12-14 and Mayor Donna Bowen’s monthly column on page 10 for more on this matter.

In my tenure as publisher, I’ve attended hundreds of City Council, committee and commission meetings and have a keen sense of what makes for a good councilor. In this leadership role, experience counts. Having a working knowledge of how our tiny town operates is a must…especially given our budgetary constraints and the need to make every tax dollar count. Next to Mayor, serving as a Councilor is the highest office in town.

Candidates with experience serving on committees and commissions bring a deeper understanding of how the city operates. They possess context for how decisions are reached…they understand the intricacies… and they’ve formed relationships with other civic leaders. Although I commend candidates Pendzick, Kimball and Reed for their willingness to serve, they should first serve at this level and get their feet wet. Frankly, the citizenry would be best served by candidates who regularly attend city meetings and not just show up after filing to run for office.

This year, candidates Ken Gregg, Andy Hellenthal and Ryan Hess have a leg up on the competition because of their current service. By sitting on council and on commissions, each has dealt with complex issues requiring hours of research, deliberation and group participation…they deserve our vote.

Therefore, I am pleased to endorse incumbent City Councilor Ken Gregg, who has demonstrated his ability to lead and listen during his eight years serving on the City Council. Ken’s contributions to making our town a better place to live are numerous and it’s an honor to support him.

In early September, the City Council appointed Andy Hellenthal to fill the vacancy left after Councilor Jim Lewis unexpectedly passed away. Noting Andy’s service as Vice Chair of HARC and his interest to fill the remainder of Jim’s term, he was unanimously elected to fill very big shoes. This appointment speaks volumes as to the respect Andy has garnered and his qualifications to serve a new, 4-year term on Council.

Ryan Hess has served on the Budget Committee for 1 1/2 years, where he’s studied and learned the complexities of the city budget. He brings a fresh set of eyes to the city and is well-liked and respected by members of the Budget Committee and City Council. His professional background makes him an ideal choice.

Thanks for joining me in supporting Ken Gregg, Andy Hellenthal and Ryan Hess for City Council in our Small Town with Big Atmosphere.