Goessel city council candidates share goals, priorities
The Hillsboro Star-Journal sent questionnaires to Goessel City Council candidates who are running for office. The general election is April 3. Following are their responses.
Duane Duerksen
1) Why do you want to be re-elected to the Goessel City Council?
Duerksen: "I have really enjoyed being a part of the city council during the past eight years. Being a part of this governing body and helping to make decisions for what is best for the citizens of Goessel is a rewarding experience. I feel the responsibility of spending taxpayers' money must be balanced between keeping taxes down yet being progressive and recognizing what must be done to ensure a bright future for Goessel.
"Goessel is at a pivotal point in its existence. We have experienced a steady decline in our school enrollment with people having smaller families and as a result there have been cuts in the school budget, number of teachers, and classes that are offered. To exist as a city that thrives, we must have a strong school system. Our current school system has much to offer and ranks in some of the highest categories in academics, music, and athletics. I want to see that trend continue and I would like to see our enrollment increase so we can continue to have one of the finest school districts around.
"I feel our town must grow to meet some of these challenges. During the past number of years the council and mayor have worked on the infrastructure of the city with the addition of a new water tower, new lagoon pond, and regular maintenance of the sewer system. Now that the infrastructure is in place, we can support the development of new housing which is taking place with the addition of Harvest Meadows development. I feel we must be progressive or we may watch our town slowly suffocate. I think the future is bright for Goessel as we have many people in Goessel who care about the community and support local businesses.
"In the future I would like see what we can do to lure in more businesses and 'outside' money. Sometimes with a limited city budget, you have to prioritize your 'wish list' but it is always good to 'check out Goessel', as a community like ours can offer much support and friendship, and it is a great place to life. A little involvement can go a long way and our community is strong because many people get involved and donate time and effort for the betterment of the community.
"When I first joined the council I wasn't really sure what I was getting myself into. I have come to really enjoy the teamwork that takes place at council meetings and enjoy the challenges we face together as a team."
2) If elected, what would be your three top priorities or goals for the City of Goessel?
Duerksen: "#1. Support the people of Goessel's best interests, and support city employees who work so hard to make Goessel the best place to live today. #2. Promote Goessel and the Harvest Meadow development. #3. Work with the council to do our best to operate without raising taxes.
3) Are you satisfied/dissatisfied with the current council?
Duerksen: "Definitely satisfied. We have a great bunch of people working together for the betterment of Goessel. We have various opinions on various subjects which is a positive formula to have as it leads to discussion about what is best for Goessel. Much of the time we agree unanimously on the decisions we make. The group we have has been a dedicated one that has many years of 'history' with City of Goessel."
4) What is your background and/or qualifications for councilman?
Duerksen: "I have served on the Goessel City Council for the past eight years. I have a passion for small town living and feel we could easily double our size and maintain our 'small town, big heart' feel. I welcome the community to bring issues to me to convey to the council."
5) Personal information. (Spouse, profession, residency, etc.).
Duerksen: "I live at 107 N. Wheat Street and have been a registered nurse at Prairie View Hospital for the past 14 years. My wife, Janna, and I moved to Goessel in 1995. We have two children, Dawson and Adriana.
Anton Epp
1) Why do you want to be elected to the Goessel City Council?
Epp: "To bring to the town council a clear headed right from wrong thinking based on Biblical principles."
2) If elected, what would be your three top priorities or goals for the City of Goessel?
Epp: "Item 1: Will encourage Goessel to welcome any decent business or person who lives or moves here even if he doesn't go to a particular church of the community.
"Item 2: Will not pander to lawyers or outside consultants at our town council. If I seek consultation, will seek out Godly men of the town.
"Item 3: Will work to topple secret organization called the Goessel Task Force that has a secret membership, that holds secret meetings, at secret locations, on secret days, and at secret times. This organization falsely represents itself to be a spokesman for the town of Goessel, yet the voice of the citizen is not heard in their midst."
3) Are you satisfied/dissatisfied with the current council?
Epp: "Dissatisfied."
4) What is your background and/or qualifications for councilman?
Epp: "I bring 70 years of mature, life experience. Forty-one years of civic, church, employer, and school boards."
5) Personal information (Spouse, profession, residency, etc.).
Epp: "Married to first wife for 52 years. Working career in aerospace manufacturing as quality control inspector, professional machinist, and supervisor."
Ricky Freeman
Did not respond to request.
James W. Wiens
1) Why do you want to be re-elected to the Goessel City Council?
Wiens: "To be able to see projects completed that have been started. To be able to listen to residents' concerns."
2) If elected, what would be your three top priorities or goals for the City of Goessel?
Wiens: "Growth in residences and industry. Keeping the school system going because it is a good school."
3) Are you satisfied/dissatisfied with the current council?
Wiens: "A number of us have worked together for a while. We don't always agree but we respect each other's views."
4) What is your background and/or qualifications for councilman?
Wiens: "I have been on the council for a number of years already and am interested in continuing to serve our town."
5) Personal information. (Spouse, profession, residency, etc.).
Wiens: "Live at 111 N. Buller since 1983 when I married my wife Connie. She works at Bethesda Home as an LPN and I work for Harvey County Solid Waste and Transfer Station doing a variety of jobs including maintenance of equipment an operation of a variety of machinery. I meet a lot of different kinds of people. My wife and I are members of the Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church. I have two stepchildren, three step-grandchildren, and a daughter-in-law. I also belong to Route 56 Classic Cruisers, ATHS club, WHEAT club, OST and GEA club, and am on the Goessel Fire Department, city council, and weather watchers."
