Mayoral hopefuls sound off

News

March 21, 2011 - 12:00 AM

On April 5, Iolans will participate in one of their most historic city elections in history, as they choose all eight members of a new city council and Iola’s next mayor.
Starting today, the Register will provide questions and answers asked recently of the candidates regarding various city issues.
Today’s focus is on the mayoral race.

 

What do you consider Iola’s strengths and why?

Bill Shirley — One of our biggest strengths is the work ethic of the people in our community. Even though we lost Haldex Brake (last year) our other industries are going full blast. We have a solid business district and  a large group of caring people. When people need help, we help them and help each other. The 2007 flood is an example. We have plenty of support from our churches and the Iola Area Ministerial Association that helps people get back on their feet. We also have and will continue to have a strong school system. Iola Industries has worked well with the community to bring in new businesses.
Linda Sigg — Friendliness. Downtown cleanliness. Iola makes people feel welcome and happy to live here. The city department heads know their jobs and are able to handle problems when they occur. Our city administrator also is very capable of handling problems or provide research needed by the council to take care of city matters.
John Smith — Location, location, location. We are 100 miles from two major cities with big airports, major league baseball and professional football and a NASCAR racetrack. We are close enough to attend big-city events, but far enough away to enjoy a lifestyle without the hassle of living in a city.

What do you consider the city’s biggest challenges?

Linda Sigg — Electing a mayor, the eight council members and hiring a new city administrator. This is going to be a new learning experience and a new way of governing Iola. No one will be exempt from learning a new form of protocol.
John Smith — Attracting new jobs to help Iola grow. We need to create a business-friendly environment and educate city employees to the needs and wants of any new business wanting to locate in Iola.
Bill Shirley — We need to keep the industries we have and look for new ones to stop our population loss. We did lose a couple hundred residents from our last census, but frankly, I was happy it wasn’t more than that. I think that by 2020, we will have reversed that trend. We need to continue to find affordable housing to attract more people wanting jobs. I think the overwhelming vote to support a new hospital is proof that people want to bring more opportunities for Iola to grow.

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