Part 1 of a series:
The Osceola city elections will be held Nov. 8.
Sarah Truitt, is running for re-election in the second ward. Truitt filled council member Peggy Mateer's seat earlier this year after Mateer's death. Dan Hooper is running against Truitt for the ward.
Dr. George Fotiatis is running for re-election in the at-large position.
In the other ward positions Chris Dorsey is running unopposed for first ward. The first ward seat is currently occupied by Bill Ogbourne. New candidates Dave Walkup, Paula McClaflin and Amber Abraham are vying for the third ward seat, currently held by Jim Kimball.
Incumbent Mayor Fred Diehl is running unopposed. Read about more of the candidates in the upcoming issues of the Sentinel.
Second Ward
Truitt
Truitt and her husband Nathan have a daughter Parker, 2. Truitt is a stay-at-home mom and is also a full-time student seeking an elementary education degree.
The Truitt's have resided in Osceola since 2005.
Truitt recently participated in the Iowa League of Cities conference and attended multiple workshops and presentations regarding city issues. She is currently participating in the Clarke County Development Corporation's Leadership Academy.
Why are you running for city council? "I'm running for city council because I think it is essential for young members of our community to fill leadership positions and assume responsibility of the city in order to ensure that we continue to prosper," she said.
What are two of the issues you'd like to see addressed and how should they be addressed/handled? "I would like for Osceola to come to a reasonable agreement regarding solid waste disposal for the city that is both cost-effective for our citizens and as "green" as possible for the preservation of our planet," said Truitt "I would also like to see Osceola utilize more of our natural assets in order to attract visitors and increase the quality of life for our citizens by encouraging health and well-being in our community."
What is your vision for the city? "My vision for Osceola is to be a place where people are proud to live, where everyone's voice is heard; to be a community that thrives, supports our many local businesses, meets the needs of each citizen and provides an overall excellent quality of life," she said.
Dan Hooper
Dan Hooper and his wife Janet have one daughter April (Larry) Trager and a grandson Carter.
Hooper was born in Black Hawk County and attended school in Reinbeck. Hooper enlisted in the Navy in 1964 and served two tours in Vietnam in Seabee Construction Batallion. He worked for Caterpiller for 40 years and retired as a certified engine technician.
Hooper worked as a supervisor in three departments for the Caterpiller dealer in Des Moines. He served as the Osceola American Legion Commander for several years and has been an active member for 22 years.
Why are you running: "Living in Osceola for 43 years, and retired, I have time to vote as a city leader on good principals and values for the city and residents and have both make the city a good place to live," he said.
What are two issues you'd like to see addressed: As a council member, Hooper said he'd like to make it easier for the audience to hear what is being said between guests at the podium and city council members. He said the current speaker system doesn't work well and it's hard to hear. Hooper said he'd also like to make sure each council person and other city government seats hold only one office or board seat.
"There's too much conflict of interest," he said.
Vision: "My vision is to keep increasing industrial jobs and small business jobs," he said. "I would also like to make all highways leading into Osceola inviting by improving roadside appeal and improving our parks."
George Fotiadis
George Fotiadis is running for re-election. Fotiatis and wife Marcy have five children. Fotiadis has served 25 years at Clarke County Family Medicine and 16 years with Iowa Health Systems. Fotiadis has served as the medical staff president for clarke County public health for about 10 years.
Why are you running: "I had not intended to run, but we are in the middle of a period of change in the town, and county," said Fotiatis."I would like to try to see some things through, if re-elected. I look forward to a new council, and want to continue to provide some stability to the council."
Issues: Fotiadis said the city needs to continue its industrial and residential development in the city and across the county.
Further development requires water development, physical plant improvement, and shared planning with better cooperation among county, townships, organizations, he said.
"I agree with Dr. (Jim) Kimball's suggestion of joint meetings with county supervisors, school board(s), arts and rec committee, Development Corp. Time to look for and develop common interests," he said.
Vision for city: "Unchanged from what I saw in 1986…a place with industrial and technical capability…areas for shopping, residence, school, health, and entertainment…essential ingredients for towns that want to succeed in an uncertain future," he said.