Number of Write-In Candidates for Arthur Village Trustees Makes For Unusual Election
With the election less than two weeks away, voting will be different for residents of the Village of Arthur on Tuesday, April 4.
For the first time since the Douglas County Clerk’s office can remember, there will be four write-in candidates. Since the candidates did not take out petitions like usual, they made the decision they would like to be a village trustee after the filing deadline but made the deadline to be a write-in candidate. Their names will not appear on the ballot, therefore, the only way they can be elected is by having their name written in.
Write-in candidates for Arthur Village Trustee include Matt Bernius, Isai Gutierrez, David Hale and Christy Miller, with only three to be elected.
There are no candidate’s running for the Arthur Park District Commissioners, 2-year term (1 position) and 4-year terms (two positions available).
Arthur CUSD #305 school board members running are all incumbents and running un-opposed. They are Beth Wiley, Justin Wierman, Brock Casteel, and Monica Green.
Arthur Public Library trustees running include Beth Singer, Cathy Allen & Martha Yeakel, (4-year terms) and Adam Fritz (2-year term). They are running un-opposed as well.
The candidates for village trustee completed questionnaires for The Graphic-Clarion and their responses follow in this article.
Polling places will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day (April 4).
Matt Bernius
Age: 49
Address: 506 S. Pine Street Arthur.
Occupation: Kinze Manufacturing Inc., Sales Manager
Education: Bachelor degree: Business Administration
Children: Kayla Hodge
Office Sought: Village Trustee
Village Board requires a significant time commitment, normally 2 monthly meeting and possibly any special/committee meetings, as well as reading prep prior to meetings. How will this fit in with your other commitments? This will not be an issue as I have flexibility and have attended these meetings for over 20 years.
What do you believe is the role of the Village Board in our community? The village board plays a vital role by providing valuable infrastructure to its citizens through water and sewer. The board also works to provide 24-7 police protection and works to keep streets maintained as well as maintaining its Welcome Center and downtown parking lots.
Based on what you know about City government, what do you see as top priorities for the Village of Arthur and why? The top priority facing Arthur and other small communities is being able to attract employees to work in Public Works and the Police Department.
What is your approach to handling controversial and complicated issues? I believe in hitting it head on and finding out the facts and making decisions that have the villages best interest a priority.
What skills and experience do you have that you believe would be beneficial to you as a board member? I have served on multiple boards in the 22 years that I have been on the board and believe I have the knowledge and expertise to continue the progress the village is making through its TIF and Capital Improvement programs.
What previous community involvement have you had in Arthur? Served as Arthur Village Mayor for 6 years, served as village trustee for 15 years, and served as a volunteer on the Arthur Fire Department for 28 years.
Isai Gutierrez
Age: 43
Address: 435 S. Elm Street, Arthur.
Occupation: Sales @ Cabinets Factories Outlet
Education: High School diploma
Children: Courtney, Malachi, Elijah, and Eden
Office Sought: Village Board Trustee
Village Board requires a significant time commitment, normally 2 monthly meeting and possibly any special/committee meetings, as well as reading prep prior to meetings. How will this fit in with your other commitments? Should not be an issue.
What do you believe is the role of the Village Board in our community? To make sure the community grow and flourishes
Based on what you know about City government, what do you see as top priorities for the Village of Arthur and why? Continued growth and improvement of our village.
What is your approach to handling controversial and complicated issues? Discussion and debate, all sides need to be heard. All information relevant to the issue needs to be reviewed.
What skills and experience do you have that you believe would be beneficial to you as a board member? Being able to help people find solution to their problem or issue. Time management and being able to engage with people at diffferent levels.
What previous community involvement have you had in Arthur? Most of my involment has been church related
David Hale
Age: 63
Address: 421 S Elm Street Arthur.
Occupation: Self-Employed
Children: 2
Office Sought: Village Trustee
Village Board requires a significant time commitment, normally 2 monthly meeting and possibly any special/committee meetings, as well as reading prep prior to meetings. How will this fit in with your other commitments? It will be fine.
What do you believe is the role of the Village Board in our community? I believe it is to be able to work with people in the community for the betterment of the community.
Based on what you know about City government, what do you see as top priorities for the Village of Arthur and why? Keeping the community safe, better water quality, and Rhema Drive looks like it has issue’s that should be addressed.
What is your approach to handling controversial and complicated issues? Wasteful spending. Remember the Sesquicentennial? It was a weeklong event. Are the kids of today going to look back and remember?
What skills and experience do you have that you believe would be beneficial to you as a board member? Looking at all sides of an issue. Talking with people in the village and listening to their concerns and working with the people. I always look at all sides of an issue and try to find the best solution.
What previous community involvement have you had in Arthur? No response.
Christina Miller
Age: 41
Address: 506 S Pine St, Arthur.
Children: Jordan, Nik, Hailey and Jack.
Office Sought: Village of Arthur Trustee
Village Board requires a significant time commitment, normally 2 monthly meeting and possibly any special/committee meetings, as well as reading prep prior to meetings. How will this fit in with your other commitments? I have been on the board for the last 4 years and haven’t had many conflicts. I also have an employer that encourages community involvement.
What do you believe is the role of the Village Board in our community? The Village Board plays many roles; those include budgeting, overseeing public safety and public works, establishing policies and ordinances, and approving municipal business matters. Community relations is also key in knowing and assisting with the business climate and addressing concerns of the citizens.
Based on what you know about City government, what do you see as top priorities for the Village of Arthur and why? In the last several years, we have made much needed improvements with our Capital Improvement plan. In the next few years, we need to make some more important decisions on the direction of that plan. I also think we need to keep the lines of communication open with our business and manufacturers.
What is your approach to handling controversial and complicated issues? I believe one of the best approaches to controversial land complicated issues is to hear each side out completely. To truly listen to their reasons and concerns with an open mind. Another thing is to make sure you look at the big picture. After taking in everything, you have to make the best decision based on what is best for the community and our citizens.
What skills and experience do you have that you believe would be beneficial to you as a board member? Having been on the board, that gives me an insight to the projects we are currently working on. I have also been in a position where I have worked with the businesses in town and served in the planning and executing of events within our community.
What previous community involvement have you had in Arthur? I currently sit on the board as well as The Community Foundation Board. I have assisted the Arthur Chamber for several years. I served on the Arthur Sports Boosters Board and was an EMT in Arthur for 4 years.
