Advance voting for the Nov. 4 general election is in progress at the office of Ellsworth County Clerk and Election Officer Shelly Vopat. It closes at noon Nov. 3 and polls will be open from 7 a.m.7 p.m. the next day.

Editor’s note: Candidates were contacted and asked to submit answers. If answers are not printed, they were not submitted in time for publication. If answers are submitted after deadline, they will be added to the candidate answers online at indyrepnews. com.

Mayor (one open seat)

Name: David Criswell Previously held elected offices: Wilson City Council member (2020-21), Wilson Mayor (2011 2013), Wichita State University Student Senate graduate student senator (199091). Briefly tell us about yourself: My wife Kim and I have been married for 28 years. We have four children, Anna, John, Cara and Leah, ages 17-26. We moved to Wilson from Salina in 2004. Kim has taught in USDs 328 and 112 since 2007 and has been Wilson’s kindergarten teacher since 2015.

My involvement in Wilson includes founding president of Wilson Pride, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that initiated, designed, raised most of the funds for and managed the construction of Pride Park (aka splash pad park) in partnership with the City of Wilson; former president of Wilson Economic Development Corp.; and current board member for Kansas Originals Market.

Founder of four businesses: Kansas Nutrition Stores, Inc.; Ad Astra Homes, LLC; Czech Cottages, LLC; Kansas Foods, LLC (dba Kansas Wildflower Honey); and developer of Czech Cottages apartments (six units between the library and post office). These civic-minded businesses have provided financial and other support for needs in Wilson over many years.

Why are you running for office?

I want to be mayor of Wilson to improve the following: (1) In recent years the cost of city services has gone up while the quality of services has gone down; (2) The mayor and city council try to insulate themselves from the public and protect each other rather than serve the public with openness, honesty and respect; (3) Our city engages in selective enforcement of its laws (favoritism); (4) Our city government is not effectively engaged with the community, does not encourage business and job creation and provides no leadership regarding housing. Many city governments do better. Wilson city government can do better, also!

What do you think the Our children grew up in Wilson and enjoyed running freely about town largely because Wilson is such a safe community. In my opinion, Wilson’s biggest strengths are safety, community members helping others in times of need, friendliness and physical charm. Housing is the greatest opportunity for growth because many more people want to live in Wilson than the available housing allows.

biggest strengths of the community are?

What area has the most opportunity for growth?

Housing is Wilson’s greatest need. Developing ways to address this need will help Wilson achieve a more vibrant and successful future. Many successful city governments focus on housing. Wilson can, too!

Why would you make a good addition to the governing body?

I will be a good addition to the governing body because I have vision and optimism for Wilson’s future. I’ve spent years studying why some communities succeed and others fail. I believe in planning for continuous improvement. I will never accept the attitude “that’s good enough for Wilson.”

I have years of experience in business and government. Prior to living in Wilson, I worked as a city administrator, nursing home administrator and county administrator, among other jobs. I’ve started successful businesses that have pulled a lot of money into Wilson.

I built a successful housing development in Wilson called Czech Cottages. In 2008, I started Kansas Foods, LLC, a business that serves customers throughout Kansas. I am using profits from this business to not only grow the business, but also to restore a historic downtown building and improve long-neglected areas along the Union Pacific Railroad. I have experienced many of the challenges that confront businesses in Wilson and will use what I’ve learned to be a more effective mayor. My term as mayor in 2011-2013 was successful because, among other things, we made important progress on a beautiful new city park in the center of town. I want Wilson city government to have a positive “can do” attitude. I want to help create more opportunities for people in Wilson. I will hold myself and the entire city government accountable, and I will be a mayor who gets things done.

What, if any, changes would you like to see during the next term?

Changes I will expect: (1) Honesty and respect toward the public at city council meetings and always; (2) Consistent and fair enforcement of city laws (no favoritism); (3) Leadership and action related to business, jobs, housing and infrastructure (streets, sidewalks, curbs, storm drainage, etc.).

What’s the most important issue facing the council? How can you help find solutions?

The mayor and city

council need to work hard to understand the needs of the community and to look for solutions wherever they may be, including learning what other cities are doing. As mayor, I will ask a lot of questions of people in Wilson and elsewhere.

Name: Jeffery Keith Previously held elected offices: City council

Briefly tell us about yourself:

I’ve lived in Wilson for 10 years and have a wife and four children.

During my four years on Wilson City Council, I have been the council member that oversees the Parks & Recreation Dept. and water. In my most recent year, I served as the council president.

Why are you running for office?

I’m running for office to continue to work for the people of Wilson and to give back to the community that I live in.

What do you think the biggest strengths of the community are?

Small community that works together to achieve goals that make our community great. Everyone will roll up their sleeves and work together to achieve the necessary tasks that are needed for each task.

What area has the most opportunity for growth?

Housing has the greatest opportunity for growth. I believe that we the community have worked and continue to work and look for opportunities to grow our community.

Why would you make a good addition to the governing body?

I feel I will continue to work with the council to do what is best for the community.

What, if any, changes would you like to see during the next term?

I will continue to work with looking for ways and opportunities to boost housing in Wilson. I will work with the city council to effectively work for the people of Wilson.

What’s the most important issue facing the council? How can you help find solutions?

I think one of our biggest issues currently that we have is the storm water drainage issues that we have been working to fix. I’ve been writing grants to better the recreation department. I will continue to work to build those program needs, as well as the other needs of the city.

City Council (two open seats)

Name: Anthony Demel Candidate did not respond.

Name: Cathy Smith Previously held elected offices: None

Briefly tell us about yourself: Married for 41 years to Darrin Smith. I have two children, Derek and Courtney; four beautiful grandchildren; a dog, three cats; and a bird.

I’ve served several years on the Czech Festival Committee, The Giving Tree and the Board of Health and recently joining the day care board.

Why are you running for office?

To continue on the path that the previous mayors and council put forth.

What do you think the biggest strengths of the community are?

The people. Wilson has some of the most extraordinary people. The community steps up when someone is in need. The love that our community shows for one another is a testament of the beauty of small towns.

What area has the most opportunity for growth?

Our community, like so many other communities, struggles with housing.

Why would you make a good addition to the governing body?

My love for Wilson. I have lived in this community most of my life. My hopes are that Wilson excels far beyond my years.

What, if any, changes would you like to see during the next term?

I have no agenda.

What’s the most important issue facing the council? How can you help find solutions?

I have no agenda. As issues arise, I believe I can help to resolve them.

kanopolis

Mayor (one open seat)

Name: Kevin Jewell Candidate did not respond.

Name: Tom Wilkinson, Jr.

Candidate did not respond.

City Council (Regular term) (two open seats)

Name: Theresa Kyler Previously held elected offices: Kanopolis City Council member Briefly tell us about yourself: I grew up in Kanopolis after moving from Missouri.

I have lived in the area since then, raised a family, started a couple businesses and recently, my husband, Bud, and I moved back “home” to Kanopolis.

Why are you running for office?

I would like to offer what I can to help keep Kanopolis a good place to live. The previous governing body did very well for the citizens of our community, and I hope I can help keep that going.

What do you think the biggest strengths of the community are?

Kanopolis is so lucky to have a population who is proud of our little town and want it to continue to thrive.

What area has the most opportunity for growth?

Upkeep may be our toughest challenge and opportunity. Continuing the good works previously begun will go a long way.

Why would you make a good addition to the governing body?

I love Kanopolis and hope I can help keep the city moving forward and thriving.

What, if any, changes would you like to see during the next term?

The previous council and mayor worked so very hard to be able to bring a new water tower, and with that, better water for Kanopolis. I would like to help see that to its end, with construction complete and up and running. What’s the most important issue facing the council? How can you help find solutions?

The most important thing facing Kanopolis in the immediate future is water. I think things have been set in motion to resolve the issue, but completion will take time.

Name: Levi Schneider Previously held elected offices: I have been a fill-in city council member for the last year-and-a-half.

Briefly tell us about yourself: I have been a resident of Kanopolis my entire life and I take pride in my community. I’m actively involved in our community as a volunteer firefighter, member of the local Men’s Club and a small business owner.

Why are you running for office?

I’m running for office to make thoughtful decisions that benefit our community both now and in the future. As an active member of the community, I have firsthand insight into its strengths and the areas that need improvement.

What do you think the biggest strengths of the community are?

Kanopolis residents are incredibly supportive of local events and always willing to lend a hand wherever needed.

What area has the most opportunity for growth?

Cleaning up the town and appearance is where we have the most room to grow.

Why would you make a good addition to the governing body?

I think I’d be a good fit because I’m open to hearing everyone’s opinions and will do my best to make decisions that help our community now and in the future.

What, if any, changes would you like to see during the next term?

I’d like to see a law enforcement or code officer in place, because when no one is enforcing local codes, small towns can quickly start to decline.

What’s the most important issue facing the council? How can you help find solutions?

Seeing the grant-funded water project through to completion and ensuring the community stays informed every step of the way.

City Council (expired term) (two open seats)

Name: Tim Bobbett Candidate did not respond.

Lorraine

City Council (two open seats)

Name: Josh Homolka Previously held elected offices: Currently a council member for Lorraine, Kan.

Briefly tell us about yourself: I am married to Jessica Homolka. We have two children, Ryker and Johnnie. I am a teacher for the USD 327 district.

I am also the head football coach. My wife and I also help with the family farm.

Why are you running for office?

I am running for another term for Lorraine City Council.

What do you think the biggest strengths of the community are?

We have improved the water infrastructure in Lorraine. That is a critical focus.

What area has the most opportunity for growth?

I feel we have to work to create a plan for better streets in Lorraine. I will continue to work towards that goal.

Why would you make a good addition to the governing body?

I have served a term and understand the needs we need to address.

What, if any, changes would you like to see during the next term?

If we can figure a way to have a law enforcement presence in town on a consistent basis.

What’s the most important issue facing the council? How can you help find solutions?

I think figuring out a law enforcement presence is very important for the town.

Name: Peter Solie

Previously held elected offices: Current member of the Lorraine City Council.

Briefly tell us about yourself: We moved to Lorraine about 12 years ago. I am an instructor at Barton Community College. I teach communication courses in Great Bend and at Ellsworth Correctional Facility.

My wife and I are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I served as the bishop of the Great Bend Ward for about six years. I now serve as the president of the Elders Quorum (men’s organization) in Great Bend and the leader of prison ministry for the church at Ellsworth and Larned Correctional Facilities.

I previously served a a board member at Grow Ellsworth County.

I ran twice for the 109th District — Kansas House of Representatives. My website remains active and contains many policy positions that are not directed at city issues, but do speak to my limited government philosophy on a variety of issues — www.petersolie.com.

Why are you running for office?

It is important to serve the community and I am happy to do this through service on the city council.

What do you think the biggest strengths of the community are?

Neighbors. My neighbors help me and I help them. At 12 years in Lorraine, I’m still a “newcomer,” but my wife and I have been warmly welcomed.

What area has the most opportunity for growth?

We welcome investment in Lorraine. That is likely small business and home-based businesses.

Why would you make a good addition to the governing body?

The council works well together. We have different views on various issues, but we are able to discuss issues and move forward with city issues.

What, if any, changes would you like to see during the next term?

We have recently been able to make significant reductions to the mill levy while dedicating funds to road, sewer and water improvements.

Moving forward, we need to keep those commitments to maintain our infrastructure while keeping a lid on spending.

What’s the most important issue facing the council? How can you help find solutions?

For several years I pushed for a change to the city utilities. When I joined the council, we were utilizing property taxes to subsidize water and sewer expenses. That changed three years ago.

We are now fully-funding our utilities through utility fees. That change has permitted us to drastically lower the mill rate and build our water and sewer reserve funds.

Holyrood

City Council (three open seats)

Name: Brock Lawrence Previously held elected offices: None

Briefly tell us about yourself: Small-town business owner, looking to better the community and be a voice for improvement.

Why are you running for office?

Build a better future for Holyrood.

What do you think the biggest strengths of the community are?

Come together to help What area has the most opportunity for growth?

Upgrades and housing Why would you make a good addition to the governing body?

Lifetime resident

What, if any, changes would you like to see during the next term?

Improvements to the community What’s the most important issue facing the council? How can you help find solutions?

None