HALSTEAD—The City of Halstead Council has two four-year and one two-year positions up for election in November. The positions are currently held by Denice Klassen, George Torres, and Deric Lanham. Five people—Denice Klassen, Deric Lanham, Charles Robinson, George Torres, and Shawna Will—have registered to be on the ballot.
Harvey County Now reached out to all the candidates with the same questionnaire. Below are the responses received.
George Torres
Occupation: Custom home design
Why are you running?
I believe I make a difference and I would like to continue to contribute.
What qualifies you for this position?
I believe that I bring common sense and fiscal responsibility to the council.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
I would like to continue with the mindset of saving and planning for major purchases rather than financing a major purchase. I would also work toward quality-of-life issues here in town.
What do you see as the biggest need for Halstead?
Housing needs, roads and infrastructure, quality of life, and continue working toward getting the hospital inn and hospital moving in a positive direction, whatever that might be.
What needs to be done about the Halstead Hospital and Halstead Inn?
A lot of legality here…..as I said above, I would like to work with the owner and get it moving in a positive direction rather than letting it sit and decay.
What opportunities do you see with the new roads and housing in progress?
Both of these would bring new residences and businesses to town, which in turn strengthens our tax base. These new roads and housing would contribute to quality of life.
Charles M. Robinson
Occupation: Retired Educator
Why are you running?
The single biggest thing I learned about civil service was from one of my elders who reminded me of the difference between the mindset of “I have rights” and the mindset of “I have obligations”. Instead of thinking that I am born with rights, I choose to think that I was born with obligations to serve past, present, and future generations, and to serve as a steward of our planet herself. I was asked to participate by several friends.
What qualifies you for this position?
Current resident of the City of Halstead. First became a resident in 1972, moved to Lakin Township in 1975, and moved back into town in 1987.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
It would be very beneficial for the parents and students of this community to see the “Safe Routes to School” come to fruition.
Bringing some new jobs to town.
Accelerate some of the “Five Year Plans” and tackle the challenges they face.
Move the city to a “green” path with its purchasing.
Ensure all City properties are in ADA compliance.
What do you see as the biggest need for Halstead?
Affordable housing / New businesses coupled with sustainable population.
What needs to be done about the Halstead Hospital and Halstead Inn?
Because those buildings don’t belong to the City, it’s difficult to project plans for either the existing structures or property. The City may need to declare all of the structures as distressed properties and have them demolished.
The likelihood of bringing them up to code may be impossible.
What opportunities do you see with the new roads and housing in progress?
Tax base. Ease of access to new housing. More favorable and safer entry into the city proper during high water events.
Shawna Will
Occupation: Teacher
Why are you running?
I am running for city council because Halstead is very near and dear to my heart. I moved to Halstead in the early 80s and grew up here. I have very fond memories as a child growing up in Halstead and I want that for my own children. I have a great deal of pride in this community and I want to be able to continue to have that pride. I am at the point in my life that I feel like it is time that I give back a little to a place that I feel has given me so much and ultimately been a huge part of the person I am today.
What qualifies you for this position?
What best qualifies me for the position would be that I have lived in this community for most of my life. I have a vested interest in what happens here because I reside in the community with my husband and 2 children. I work in the community and attend church here. I truly care about what is going on and I am ready to advocate for the people in our community.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
I would like to continue the road and infrastructure improvements that are happening. If elected, I would like to see improvements continue in regard to our recreation facilities and city parks. I would reach out to our community and seek changes that are valued and important to them. Enforcement of city regulations and staff accountability is extremely important to me.
What do you see as the biggest need for Halstead?
As a community, we must continue to evolve with the growing needs. We must have a vision for the future and how it will add value to the patrons of the community. Continuing the invest in the roads and housing as well as the city parks and recreation facilities is important if we want to continue to maintain and draw families into our community.
What needs to be done about the Halstead Hospital and Halstead Inn?
I don’t feel like I have enough insight or information to answer this question fully. I believe there are some legalities that are currently limiting our options. Some transparency about this would be important to me.
What opportunities do you see with the new roads and housing in progress?
With the new roads and housing which are in progress I believe there lies opportunities not only for families to have updated houses and neighborhoods for their families but also opportunities for growth for things that people in our community can benefit from, such as walking areas, dog parks, or additional play/splash parks. We need to continue to maintain and update facilities or create new ones for families to continue to see the value of this special place we call Halstead.
