Four hopefuls campaign for two seats on NL council

BY KARYN SPORY

Mt. Pleasant News

*Editor?s note: Candidates? responses were given via a written questionnaire.

NEW LONDON ? The New London City Council has two open seats at the table and four candidates looking to fill them.

Of the four candidates, two are incumbents ? Kirk Miller and Tom Davis.

Miller is hoping to go for two consecutive terms on the council as fellow incumbent Davis, who entered the council following Greg Thu?s departure this spring, is hoping to earn a full term at the table.

Filling out the ballot is Brad Helmerson and Judy Wiegard.

Each term is for four years.

Wiegard said she decided to throw her hat into the ring because she thinks there needs to be some ?new blood? on the council. ?Also, I love this city and would love to see it grow and prosper,? she said.

Helmerson said he is running because he, too, would like to see progress and change, especially in making the city more appealing to current and future businesses and residents. ?I want to help move the city in the right direction to benefit the citizens of New London,? he added.

Miller and Davis both added it was their love of the city that had them hoping to continue at the table.

Davis added that after six months on the board he feels acclimated to the duties and has a working knowledge of how to get results. ?I have the sincere desire to listen to the concerns of the citizens and take action to obtain answers to make necessary changes to improve our community,? he said.

Miller added the city has many issues that need to be addressed and it need to be done so by serious people. ?We have been doing a lot of talking the last two years, but unfortunately the existing council doesn?t seem to want to make decisions on big items,? said Miller. ?Things don?t seem to get done by themselves, someone needs to not only recognize the problem, but make a decision to do something about it.?

As for some of those issues, Miller cited deteriorating streets and sewer systems as a top priority. ?We also need to see how we can grow our tax base with new housing and possible new businesses,? he added.

Wiegard also thinks attracting new businesses and citizens are challenges. ?I feel that (adding) businesses would be a good shot in the arm for our economy and (would) maybe start to give other businesses and even industries the idea that New London might just be a good place to relocate.?

Davis noted the struggle to keep and attract small businesses as one of New London?s greatest challenges. Davis also feels the city?s overspending has been detrimental. ?City spending on vehicles and equipment has gotten a little carried away,? he said. ?We need to make sure that all of our equipment purchases are justified to the tax payers whom we represent.?

Helmerson, however, sees leadership as the city?s biggest challenge. ?I have always thought when a person wants to be a city council member it?s because they want to move the city in the best possible direction,? he said. ?I feel that has gone by the wayside and some are wanting to be council members to fulfill their personal agendas. I want to be a council member that looks at all sides of a situation and/or problem and makes the best choice with our citizens in mind.?

Polls are open Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Community Hall.