Q&A with Ossian council candidates

By Zakary Kriener

zkriener@fayettepublishing.com

With the upcoming City/School Election set for Tuesday, Nov. 2, The Ossian Bee interviewed each of the three City Council candidates. The three candidates will vie for two vacant seats.

Patrick A. Boe

Q: Family:

A: Wife, Sherry; kids Domenic, Mahogani, and Kaelan.

Q: How long have you lived in the community?

A: I have lived in Ossian for 21 years and have lived in northeast Iowa since 1992.

Q: In what capacities are you involved within the community? 

A: Primarily at this time, I am a managing member of the South Winn Veterinary Clinic.

Q: Why are you running for council?

A: Primarily because I want to.   I'm not doing it because I feel obligated to do something.  I think I will enjoy working with the council and Mayor to make Ossian function better.

Q: What are some of the main issues that you see facing the town in the future?

A: I think the major issue facing all small towns is at minimum maintaining population.   Businesses, homeowners and the city must continue to make their town attractive to existing families and future influx.   We are in an interesting time with major companies facilitating "work from home" careers.   Small towns are safe and attractive to raising families, but they need to understand what lures the next generations to make Ossian home.

Q: Have you held a spot on a council or other local government before? If so, what and when?

A: Yes, city council in Strawberry Point.   This was around 1998.

Q: Why should people vote for you?

A: I'm not originally from Ossian.   That gives me a different perspective on what can be done in Ossian.   I also believe that one of my strengths is seeing all sides of a situation and finding a practical solution to the problem.

Q: Anything else that you would like constituents to know about you: 

R: N/A.

Mitchell Holthaus

Q: Family:

A: Wife, Jenny; kids Alyssa (8th grade), Jadyn (5th grade), and Ella (1st grade).

Q: How long have you lived in the community?

A: Grew up in area.

Q: In what capacities are you involved within the community? 

A: I have been on the Ossian Fire Department for 20 years and the Ossian Ambulance for two years now.

Q: Why are you running for council?

A: I decided to run again because I care so much about our city’s future and want to be involved in the change and growth of our community.

Q: What are some of the main issues that you see facing the town in the future?

A: I would like to continue working on the Highway 52 project and park projects.

Q: Have you held a spot on a council or other local government before? If so, what and when?

A: Yes, I have served as an Ossian Council member for two terms.

Q: Why should people vote for you?

A: I have a passion for my community and love to be an instrument of our town growth and success.

Q: Anything else that you would like constituents to know about you: 

R: N/A.

David Knutson

Q: Family:

A: N/A.

Q: How long have you lived in the community?

A: All my life.

Q: In what capacities are you involved within the community? 

A: I am currently an Ossian City Council member and own two businesses in town.

Q: Why are you running for council?

A: To improve the community with additions of services to the community.

Q: What are some of the main issues that you see facing the town in the future?

A: 1. Tax increase, 2. School bond issue, 3. Sewer update, 4. To promote new businesses to bring to Ossian.

Q: Have you held a spot on a council or other local government before? If so, what and when?

A: Yes, I am a voting member of the council.

Q: Why should people vote for you?

A: I am organized, a business owner, and I promote future development plans.

Q: Anything else that you would like constituents to know about you: 

R: I am interested in the personal growth of our community. I care and I have an opinion on improving our community to increase prosperity.