Schoenfelder Looks To Keep Seat

Glasgow resident and current city council member Nanci Schoenfelder is currently in the running to keep her city council seat for Ward One against Glasgow resident and County Road Department Supervisor Todd Young.

Schoenfelder has served on the City Council for six years, after initially losing her first election against Stan Ozark and then was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Becky Erickson after she became mayor. Being a part of city government is in her blood, as her mom, Pat (Hallett) Marple, has a history of serving in city government and was the mayor of Nashua for many years. "I had some background in how a city works when I first got into this, but certainly didn't know all of it," Schoenfelder tells the Courier. "Once you get in the council and get involved, you find out how long it takes projects to complete. My motivation to continue to serve the city is to see these projects through."

The project she is most passionate about seeing through completion is a solution to the current Levee problem. "I would love to be on the council long enough to see this project through. The problem has been ignored for years, and then the Army Corp comes in and states there's an issue. If we don't get certification on the Levee, those living near the Levee won't get flood insurance, and their properties would be harder to sell," she explained. According to Schoenfelder, the biggest issues with the Levee is that it has shifted, making it less reliable and there are currently dwellings on the Levee that need to be moved in order to get the Levee recertified. "Watching the process and the dedicated individuals that have helped better understand what needs to be done to get it certified has been amazing. Kudos to Rick Seiler, Rob Kompel, and Larry Meiers, who have been plugging away, and willing to learn what needs to be done on their own time." she said.

Another project that is near and dear to her are the street issues that have frustrated residents. "We are now getting a whole street fixed before moving onto the next one. Instead of fixing a big hole on one street, and then fixing a big hole on another street, we are fixing all the holes in one street before moving on," she explained. "It costs almost $50,000 for a whole new street on a city block. That includes ripping up the street, putting in a new bed and new pavement. So we are working hard to try and get ahead of the fixes."

Schoenfelder does understand how frustrating snow packed and slick streets can be in the winter time, and encourages homeowners to move vehicles off the street and when shoveling make sure not to shovel the snow in the street. "It is a city ordinance that homeowners are not allowed to shovel their snow into the street. The city does do a really good job of getting the word out when they plow the streets in order to get vehicles moved, which makes it easier for the snow plows to clear the street," Schoenfelder explains. She does encourage people of the community if they have any ideas to solve these issues to attend council meetings, mail suggestions anonymously and get involved. "I like to see more people involved. I am very open to suggestions," she stated.

Another motivation to run for another term is to see change in the community she has called home for 24 years. "I have served on many different committees and special committees during my time on the city council. I have had a chance to dive in deeper issues and to learn about our community. If you want to see a change or want a change, you need to get involved," said Schoenfelder.

She does recognize that city government isn't for everyone, but she encourages the entire community to make their voice heard, which is why she welcomes the competition for the seat against Young. "There are other people out there that want their voices heard too. It gives people a choice, and Todd is a very community-oriented guy. It's great that he is willing to step out and make his voice heard. The competition certainly makes me want to try harder," she explains.

Schoenfelder welcomes community feedback and suggestions at any time by calling her 263-2139 or by email at [email protected]. "I encourage anyone to reach out to me at anytime. Let me know your thoughts, your comments and your suggestions," she stressed.

As a reminder, the 2019 City of Glasgow Municipal Election ballots were mailed to Ward 2 and Ward 3. Only residents living in Ward 1 are eligible to vote in this election. Only ballots received from voters in Ward 1 will be counted and all other ballots will be voided. Ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5. All hand-delivered ballots must comply with BIPA (Ballot Interference Prevention Act) regulations. For any questions regarding voting, BIPA and your ballot, contact the Valley County Election Administration at either 228-6220 or by e-mail at [email protected].