Lennox City Council elections will be held next Tuesday, April 8 at City Hall, located at 107 S Main St. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Two will be vying for one Ward 3 two-year seat. Those candidates include Nicholas Cable and Laura Thiesse.
Running unopposed are the following:
Ward 1 — 2 year term: vacant;
Ward 2 — 2 year term: Chad Swier;
Ward 3 — 1 year term: Lauren VanDriel;
Mayor — 1 year term: Danny Fergen
If the polls cannot be opened because of bad weather, the election may be postponed one week.
The sample ballot can be found on page 8.
The Lennox Independent sent questionnaires to each of the Ward 3 (two-year seat) candidates, below are their responses:
Laura Thiesse
Q: What motivated you to run for a seat on the Lennox City Council?
A: As an active member of this community, I am excited to announce my candidacy for a seat on the Lennox City Council in Ward 3. My decision to run comes from a strong interest in local government and a desire to make a meaningful impact in our community. I believe that serving on the City Council is the perfect opportunity to be more actively involved and advocate for the needs of our residents.
Q: Can you tell us about your background and how your experiences prepare you to serve the city?
A: My previous experience working at Lennox Casey’s has not only allowed me to serve the community directly but has also provided insight into the daily lives and concerns of our residents. My extensive background in the medical field has provided necessary skills to approach problem-solving with compassion and diligence. Attending city meetings regularly has further educated me on the processes that drive local governance and the issues that we face.
Q: How long have you lived in Lennox, and what do you appreciate most about our community?
A: Having lived in Lennox for almost 15 years, I have a deep appreciation for our small-town feel, where neighbors become friends, and long-lasting relationships thrive. It’s heartwarming to see our community grow and develop, and I want to be a part of that evolution in a positive way.
Q: What do you consider to be the most pressing issues facing Lennox today?
A: As I reflect on what truly matters to the citizens of Lennox, it is clear that we face issues that require our collective attention. Among these challenges, I believe that better transparency and easier access to information stand out. It is crucial that every resident feels informed and engaged in the decision-making processes that impact their lives while understanding how their tax dollars are being utilized. It is crucial that we address this concern to foster trust in our local leadership.
Q: What are your top three priorities for the city if you are elected to the City Council?
If elected, my top three priorities will be:
1. Navigating Spending: Implementing responsible budgeting practices to ensure that our community’s resources are used effectively.
2. Creating Easier Access to Public Information: Establishing clearer communication between the council and the community, making it easier for everyone to access pertinent information.
3. Bringing Citizen Voices to Attention: Encouraging more community involvement in government processes so that every resident feels heard and valued.
Q: In what way are you currently active in the community?
A: I am actively involved in various community organizations. I am a Lennox Lions Club member, participate in Lennox Citizens Academy, actively sitting in on City Council meetings along with Planning and Zoning meetings. Additionally, I serve as a Sunday school teacher, working to inspire and educate our youth. This allows me to stay engaged with the Lennox residents and continuously work to give back to our community.
Q: Who does your family include?
A: My family includes my partner, Steve Zwart, and our three energetic boys, Grayson(14), Weston(8) and Huxton(6). They share my passion for community engagement. We committed to creating a future for Lennox that reflects our collective values and priorities.
I am ready for the opportunity to serve on the Lennox City Council and bring a fresh perspective to our local government. Together, let’s work to ensure that Lennox continues to be a place where we can foster friendships, nurture growth, and build a better future for all.
Thank you for considering me as your candidate for City Council by voting on April 8th.
Nicholas Cable
Q: What motivated you to run for a seat on the Lennox City Council?
A: I’m running for City Council because I want to serve the community and help shape our policy for the coming years.
Q: Can you tell us about your background and how your experiences prepare you to serve the city?
A: I’ve been running my own business for the last 18 years, which often requires me to make tough decisions.
I’ve learned that effective decision-making is crucial for success. I hope that I can bring my common sense approach to issues to the council.
Q: How long have you lived in Lennox, and what do you appreciate most about our community?
A: I am a 20 year resident of Lennox. I find great value in the nature of our small community.
I appreciate the connections I’ve made with others who share common interests. I enjoy the frequent opportunities to interact with neighbors and friends within the community.
Q: What do you consider to be the most pressing issues facing Lennox today?
A: The most pressing issues in my opinion are repairing our aging infrastructure, and working towards keeping our way of life affordable and attainable.
Q: What are your top three priorities for the city if you are elected to the City Council?
A: My priorities would be infrastructure repair, continued economic growth, and keeping our small community feeling like a small community.
Q: In what way are you currently active in the community?
A: I’m not currently active in any community groups.
Q: Who does your family include?
A: My family is my wife Nicole and I. My son Tristan graduated from Lennox in 2015.