Candidate Forum

The Chamber Serving the Meeker County Area hosted a candidate forum last evening at the Litchfield Opera House. There were candidates there for Litchfield School Board, Litchfield City Council and mayor of Litchfield.

Steve Kosbab emceed the event and asked each group of candidates a series of questions that they were given in advance. Greg Mathews and Felicia Reed participated in the round of school board-related questions which included topics such as academic challenges, teacher and staff retention, and long-term facilities, technology and infrastructure planning. Jordan Papke is also a candidate for the 3 Litchfield School Board seats, but wasn’t able to attend last night.

Ward 1 Litchfield Council candidates Holly Flemming, Mike Niedzielski and Mike Flaata, Ward 3 candidates Jake Barnes and Martin Allen, and Ward 5 candidate Duane Hoeschen participated in the Council questions. Former Council member Sara Miller from Ward 5 was not able to attend the forum last night. The candidates answered questions such as the most important issue facing the city. A common theme was the need for housing and improvements to infrastructure.

The mayoral candidates – Darlene Kotelnicki, Malinda Larson and Bob Powers answered questions about their vision for the next 5 years, their priorities and fiscal leadership. Each of them was asked why residents of Litchfield should vote for them. Kotelnicki touted her many years serving on the Council and other civic committees and said she has the desire and ability to do the job and would revise the budget process. Larson said she loves the community that has been so welcoming to her and her family the past 16 years and she enjoys working together as a team and finds joy when she serves. Powers mentioned his 20 years of serving in city government, including 6 years as Mayor of Atwater and says he has common sense and would be fiscally responsible.

The entire forum was recorded and can be viewed on the Chamber’s Facebook page or website.