MARENGO CITY ELECTION CANDIDATES
City council elections will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Three seats are up for election on the Marengo City Council. Brian Imhoff, Jamie Lillie and incumbent Bill Kreis have filed papers to run. They are all running unopposed.
Current city council members Candi Schmieder and Adam Rabe are not running for re-election.
Marengo Mayor Joe Seye is the only candidate to file papers to run for mayor.
In order for voters to get to know them better, the candidates answered the following questions for the Marengo Pioneer-Republican:
Joe Seye, 55, Marengo
• Occupation: Laborer at Roggentien Salvage
• Family: Wife, Joan; four children, Joe, Kris, Shane and Lily; two grandchildren, Jayde and Rylee.
• Why are you running for mayor?
I would like to see the continuance of the downtown streetscape project. Also, I enjoy talking to the people in town and working to improve Marengo.
• What are the duties of the Marengo mayor?
Overlook all of the city departments. If I see something I will pass it on to them. We have a very good staff.
• If elected, what goals would you accomplish in the next two years?
I would still like to see something done with the industrial park. The railroad goes through there, Interstate 80 is seven miles away, we need to bring in more businesses. We have to put this town on the map. Money is tight right now, but we will just keep trying.
• How would you accomplish these goals?
In the past we have talked about advertising the town more, like putting advertisements in rest areas. But money is tight, just like it is for every town. It’s difficult. We do have phones. If someone is interested in bringing a business to Marengo, we will call and talk to them.
• What is your vision for the City of Marengo?
I would like to see more streets done. It’s a dream, but I would like to see Court Avenue done all the way to the end with new lights and everything. Also, a new rec center and welcome center, I would love to see that.
• What past experiences would qualify you to be a successful city council member?
I have been mayor for six years and have lived in Marengo for 25 years.
Brian K. Imhoff, 42, Marengo
• Occupation: Truck driver
• Family: Wife, Carrie, and six children, Amanda, Christy, Brigette, Bethany, Alanceson and Breven.
• Why are you running for city council?
I would like to see some changes and enforcements in several city ordinances. Help try to bring businesses to the city and help Marengo grow to be a bigger and better community.
• What are the duties of the Marengo City Council?
To act and speak on behalf of the community.
• If elected, what goals would you accomplish in the next four years?
Review recreational facility needs — swimming pool. Promote new housing and business development.
• How would you accomplish these goals?
With the assistance of the city council and the community.
• What is your vision for the City of Marengo?
To see that the businesses we have in town stay and to see that more businesses come to Marengo in the future.
• What past experiences would qualify you to be a successful city council member?
I was born and raised in Marengo. Served as a reserve police officer before becoming a full-time police officer for five years. I am also currently employed by the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office as a reserve deputy. With having these experiences I am familiar with the City of Marengo.
William Lee Kreis, 56, Marengo
• Occupation: Self employed (Kreis Music) - (WMK Service)
• Family: Wife Mary; daughter Anna.
• Why are you running for city council?
To help improve the city of Marengo.
• What are the duties of Marengo City Council?
Attend regular, special and committee meetings. Approve all bills, accounts, payroll and claims. Approve all construction of streets, water and sewer utilities. Approve all contracts, employment. Provide an ear and a voice for the citizens.
• If elected, what goals would you accomplish in the next four years?
Encourage economic development for business and new housing. Continue street and infrastructure updates. Improve recreational facilities – pool, tennis courts, MRC. Keep local tax rate as low as possible.
• How would you accomplish these goals?
These goals can be accomplished by working with the elected council, committees, civic groups and the citizens of Marengo.
• What is your vision for the city of Marengo?
I am working toward a community where the citizens can have a home, school, hospital, churches, businesses, police protection and city utilities.
• What past experiences would qualify you to be a successful city council member?
I am a self-employed business owner. I have been a council member for the City of Marengo for 16 years. I am a past president of the Foundation for Iowa Jaycees Charities, a past president for the State of Iowa Jaycees and a past Marengo Jaycee Chapter President.
Jamie Lillie, 28, Marengo
• Occupation: Clerk/field appraiser, Iowa County Assessor
• Family: Adam Lillie, husband
• Why are you running for city council?
I feel that I could be a good voice for the citizens of Marengo. I am not afraid to speak up in a discussion if I have questions or disagree with what someone else thinks. I am a “question ask-er.” I want to know who, what, when, where, why and how much it is going to cost. And, honestly I miss being a part of the city. I really enjoyed my time there.
• What are the duties of the Marengo City Council?
If you look up the meaning of city council, you will find it defined as “the governing body of a city.” I feel that it is not only that, but the voice of the citizens of the town. The council members are there to listen to the townspeople and attempt to do what is right by them and for them.
• If elected, what goals would you accomplish in the next four years?
I wish I could tell you that all of the goals I had could be accomplished in four years. But, I am not sure they can. Of course I would love to continue to work on getting grants to keep working on the eye appeal of the city. I understand there are many things in the city that need improvements and making sure that the money is used in the best interest of the city is my main goal.
• How would you accomplish these goals?
Grants are available for some of the things the city needs... not that it would pay for everything, but it would help. It would be wonderful if we were able to get members of the community involved with fundraising efforts, etc.
• What is your vision for the City of Marengo?
I love living in a small Iowa town! I am hoping that Marengo can always stay that way, “quaint.” While Marengo is growing, I am hoping that small town feeling doesn’t go away. Having the city council, mayor and city employees involved in the growing process, I feel, will help keep that small town charm.
• What past experiences would qualify you to be a successful city council member?
I worked for the City of Marengo for two years. Those two years gave me a chance to get to know the citizens of Marengo. I feel that I have the knowledge both of a city employee and a citizen of Marengo (the best of both worlds, right!).
UPDATED October 28, 2009 11:54 AM