Zornes is eager to listen, learn

News

March 28, 2013 - 12:00 AM

Sandy Zornes said she would take a measured approach of initially listening and learning if elected to Iola’s city council Tuesday.
But, don’t count on her to hold back too long before joining conversations.
“We may be a small town, but we don’t have to have small ideas,” Zornes said. “I’ve been to a lot of meetings. I’ve found them interesting and I’m excited” to be a part of the process.
Zornes is one of three candidates for two positions from Iola’s Fourth Ward. Others are Steve French, an incumbent, and Jerod Kelley, who sought election two years ago when Iola’s governance changed to eight council members and a mayor. The top vote-getter will have a four-year term, second place two years.
While she would approach council participation with a learn-first attitude, Zornes is making sure voters in the Fourth Ward know she’s eager to win a seat. A number of signs promoting her candidacy have sprung up this week and “I’m going door to door, visiting with people,” she said.
“I have no personal agenda,” Zornes said, but understands that city government is a work in progress — when one project is completed another begs attention, sometimes several at once.
A prominent project today is proposed merger of Allen County and Iola ambulance services.
“I feel very confident conflicts are being resolved and solutions are being formed to serve the citizens of Allen County with the best EMS (emergency medical service) possible,” she said.
“Running for city council is not something I take lightly,” she added. “I am proud of Iola and I feel a responsibility to contribute in a larger way to the community that has been so good to me and my family.
“It has troubled me to see the fighting and difficulties that have raged over the past couple of years,” reaching a head in a recall election, she said. “We need to be working together, as one community, to get Iola moving.”
She listed three priorities:
— Supporting business growth.
— Making sure city government is efficient and transparent.
— Helping provide the best quality of life for residents, especially seniors and kids.
Zornes allowed that Iola had “nice parks, but we can make them better by having them be more family friendly, adding things that everyone in a family can enjoy.”
She lauded sitting council members for completing work on the dog park, one of many amenities that can be an enticement for people to consider Iola for their home.
She moved to Iola about 25 years ago, and remembers the time well.
“My first memories of our town were made while driving through downtown one night during Christmastime and being so impressed by the Christmas lights and decorations draped over the street on our beautiful square,” Zornes recalled. “It made Iola such a magical and welcoming community on my first night here. And it still is today.”
She and husband Terry own and operate Homeville Vending. They have three grown sons.

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