Stand Up, Speak Out, or Stop Complaining

Following is a letter that Larry Hodgden submitted for publication in the February 17 issue of the Tipton Conservative, and also shared with permission to be posted here. Larry has devoted a great deal of personal time and energy to track local spending and raise awareness of serious issues facing Tipton, including the proposed airport expansion. For playing this important community watchdog role, Larry has also come under increased personal attack from those who wish to change the narrative; attempting to divert the focus from these issues and instead resort to ridiculous accusations that Larry and anyone who agrees with him are in some way trying to destroy this community. Of course this couldn’t be further from the truth, and reading between the lines one starts to understand that such propaganda is really an attempt to turn this from a debate on Tipton’s direction to an “us v.s. them” affair. It’s a juvenile tactic- trying to persuade people to vote along social lines instead of acknowledging the real issues at hand. It’s as if those who feel entitled to local control are suddenly trying to rally against anyone with the audacity to question that authority.

Fortunately, we have a lot of intelligent people in this town and I think most can see right through this. Tipton voters are smart enough, and strong enough, to consider both sides and make their decisions from there. Some might agree with how things have been run, and many more have already shown that they don’t. The important thing to realize is that watchdogs are crucial to a healthy community- to keep the public informed and to encourage civic engagement when important topics threaten to slip under the radar. As I’ve stated before, you don’t have to agree with everything that Larry says, but you should damn sure appreciate the fact that he’s willing to stand up and exercise his right to say it…

 

Stand Up, Speak Out or Stop Complaining

Little wonder that residents are too intimidated to come to city council meetings and speak out regarding their problems or concerns about city operations. Anyone reading this newspaper since the November election would have to think twice, maybe three times, before deciding whether they would like to have their name drug through the mud simply for standing up for what they believe.

Does anyone really believe, that by standing up and speaking out against a new airport we don’t need, by opposing the use of eminent domain which would take land from people who don’t want to sell, by speaking out for residents tired of dodging potholes in our neglected streets, by standing up for residents tired of sewer backups and raw sewage in the streets, by asking on behalf of residents who wondered why our police chief was driving a city car to his home in Buchanan and then finding out we were paying him $275 per month to live in Lisbon, by questioning the large buildup of public debt in the last 10 years while our infrastructure deteriorated, it means I don’t care about Tipton?

For daring to suggest these RADICAL ideas and sharing them with the public, I, along with others, have been subjected to relentless personal attacks, particularly after the election when the “powers that be” became very angry about the outcome. These attacks, some by people who have no real understanding of the issues involved, are a blatant attempt to divert the focus of the election from the serious issues facing Tipton.

The issues in this election are as clear now as they were for the six months before the November election. They are: stop the plans for a new airport, eliminate unnecessary spending, focus on fixing our streets and sewers and reduce our large debt load. This will not happen without new leadership on our council which the voters of Tipton began in November. Now let’s complete the change needed.

If you attended the library forum, or if you know the work that Tim Malott has done for EMA/911 and the county, you will want him on the city council to help get Tipton back on track. His success in writing and receiving grants for the county will bode well for fixing our infrastructure. His forward thinking and positive approach to Tipton’s future and REAL needs will serve us well. Tim Malott is NOT aligned with the group that has brought these issues to the public’s attention. He is an independent voice who will listen to everyone and act in the best interest of ALL the residents of Tipton.

If you couldn’t attend the forum, you can read his responses to the questions in this paper. You can also meet Tim at 6pm, Wednesday evening, in the courthouse and ask him about his vision for Tipton. Then go VOTE for TIPTON’S SAKE.

Larry Hodgden
Tipton, Iowa

Note: The meeting mentioned in Larry’s final paragraphed has now passed. The Special Election vote for Tipton City Council At-Large is Tuesday, February 23, from noon to eight pm at the Cedar County Courthouse.

Click here to view Josh Meier’s February 17 letter
Click here to view Larry Martens February 17 letter

A Different Theory

Following is a letter I submitted to The Tipton Conservative for publication in its February 17, 2016 issue. It was written in response to some of the outlandish accusations that have been made toward those who have stood up to stop the airport expansion and fought for change in our community. There are some who continue to use such tactics as a means of sidestepping the serious issues at hand; and instead resort to finger pointing, squabbling and the tiresome notion that airport opponents simply want to complain and “tear Tipton down.” This of course couldn’t be further from the truth.

Furthermore, rather than acknowledge that hundreds of residents have expressed opposition to the airport project and the way other matters have been handled (a frustration that became abundantly clear with the results of the November 2015 election) these people have instead concluded that voters have been misled by a small group of “agitators.” Again, this is ridiculous. Tipton voters deserve a little more credit than that. How presumptuous does one have to be to draw such a conclusion anyhow? Assuming that just because the majority view differs from your own that voters have somehow been deceived?

Ultimately this boils down to little more than a spin campaign trying to shame, vilify and marginalize the efforts of citizens who are concerned with what they see taking place and care enough to stand up for their beliefs. It’s a thinly veiled attempt not to concede what really happened- an unwanted project and a Council’s failure to gauge the pulse of its constituency led people to vote for change.

 

 

A Different Theory

These certainly are trying times for Tipton, and while theories abound about agitators and destructive agendas, I would respectfully like to offer a more pragmatic explanation as to what has brought us here.

There can be little doubt that the push to expand Mathews Memorial Airport is a primary source of our divisiveness. Believe what you will about speculated benefits and what constitutes progress, the fact is there are local families who would be hurt by this project. I know, because my family is one of them. We, along with our neighbors, face loss of cropland, disruption to livestock, flooding, noise and light pollution that will forever alter the place that for generations we’ve called home. This is a point that conveniently goes without mention by most who claim that airport opponents simply want to tear Tipton down, but the greater public has come to realize what is at stake.

I took the opportunity last summer to sit in on occasion with those on the Courthouse Square. I wanted to get involved, to be there to represent my family and the rural perspective. We’d spoken several times before the Council to that point, but it clearly had little impact. I hoped the citizens would at least be willing to listen. However, as it turned out, I didn’t need to say much at all. Nor did the so-called “movement leaders” who have been wrongly accused of employing snake oil salesman-like tactics to allegedly manipulate voters. Instead, it was the public that did most of the talking. Just like us, they were eager to be heard. They had weighed the issue carefully and decided that an airport expansion would not reflect their values if it meant taking land from family farmers. They couldn’t understand the lack of priorities with more vital infrastructure in need of repair. Over the months hundreds of Tipton residents approached us, vented their frustration with City leadership, and said they wanted change.

In the meantime the then city government dug in its heels. There was another airport hearing with majority opposition but the Council declared that plans would move on. People requested a public vote on the project, as should have been done in the first place, but again they wouldn’t allow it. With every turn the Council seemed to commit further to the attitude that they knew best and would continue calling the shots. There were simultaneous pleas for patience and progress with expectations of adherence to the status quo. Even after the November election, when it became clear that people wanted more say, the outgoing Council decided to appoint Fry’s vacancy instead of giving the public a choice.

Now with a special election ahead there is outrage from some, but the reason we’re on this course shouldn’t be so perplexing. People want representatives who will listen. They want representatives who will reflect their values. They have the right to elect these officials and should never be deprived of such. Tipton residents are smart enough to realize that experience may provide benefit to a Council in transition, but they also deserve the confidence of selecting a Councilperson who will fight for their beliefs. This is not the result of some nefarious plot; it’s the democratic process at play.

Fortunately, Tipton voters will get that chance and I applaud those who have stood up for this right, even in the face of accusation and ridicule. I hope the many of you who have expressed displeasure with how the airport plans and other matters have been handled will seize this opportunity, and vote for Tim Malott.

Sincerely,

Josh Meier

Tipton

These tactics are unfortunately nothing new. I touched on the same in a blog post back in December. Click here to read more…

Click here to read Larry Hodgden’s February 17 letter
Click here to read Larry Martens’February 17 letter

Concerned Property Owner

The following was written by Larry Martens, who owns and lives on one of the farms the City of Tipton is threatening to take by eminent domain if its Airport Expansion project is allowed to continue. He has been through this before, when Mathews Memorial Airport was first built, and knows it does not end well for the farmers.

Larry submitted this letter to The Tipton Conservative for publication in the February 17, 2016 issue, and also provided a copy to be shared here.

Concerned property owner

I’ve been involved with the Tipton Airport since it’s beginning. I live right above it and see everything that goes on. The then city council wanted, demanded and got a large portion of our farm. We had the choice to sell or go into eminent domain. We sold and they got what they wanted. Funny, they never lived up to their promises in the deal.

The threat of taking my neighbors land and mine are a daily worry. The thought that the past five city council members had the power to decide our future without Tipton residents choice in the matter is unbelievable. Again sell or face eminent domain. No ground has been purchased and the new council has the same power except some of the members will not pursue the issue.

Over the years I’ve seen less and less use of the airport except for several local pilots that love to just fly. There used to be many pilots in training coming from many areas doing touch and goes. That’s rare to see that now and less and less crop dusters in the summer. Company planes flying in are becoming fewer as time passes. Don’t see the drug planes coming in late at night like years ago or else I’m a heavy sleeper.

The increased debt load that would be created by the airport expansion placed on Tipton residents doesn’t appear to fit the program of the much needed infrastructure improvements in the city of Tipton and sure doesn’t fit into my or my neighbors future plans.

Think carefully when voting on Feb. 23 for the council at-large representative. Listen to their ideas,
the outcome could cost you lots of money for years to come whether you are a owner or renter.

Larry Martens
Tipton

Click here to read Josh Meier’s February 17 Letter
Click here to read Larry Hodgden’s February 17 Letter

Scott Meumann

Following is a summary of personal introductions and comments on the issue of airport expansion from the September 30 “Meet the Candidates” forum in Tipton. This is not a comprehensive view of the candidates or their stance on any given matter; only a run-down of what was said that night. When additional information concerning the candidates position on the Airport Expansion project can be derived from past comments or actions, that will also be noted.

Scott Meumann- Challenger, Tipton At-Large

Candidates Introduction

Mr. Meumann introduced himself as a Tipton resident and homeowner of sixteen years. He grew up in Davenport, and says his experiences as a youth in an urban setting make him marvel and appreciate the quality of life this small town has to offer. He comes from a long line of small business owners and was raised to understand how working with tight budgets and creativity is sometimes needed to make the most of your money.

As a young adult Mr. Meumann worked in retail management at his parents sporting goods store before deciding he wanted to venture off and see the world. He joined the Navy and served from 1983 to 1987. After his service, he returned to Iowa and took employment in the manufacturing industry.

Mr. Meumann has now worked in Industrial Maintenance for General Mills for 25 years. He notes that the company has all the services of a small city, including electrical generation, sanitation and water. His division takes care of thousands of motors and pumps, and has miles of piping and wiring. With such extensive experience he feels qualified to deal with matters of infrastructure, including specialized tasks that require the hire of outside contractors. Mr. Meumann sits on a ten member board that determines how to proceed with large projects.

Even in dealing with large budget entities, Mr. Meumann has come to understand that it’s the little costs that add up. He feels that with his background, sensibility and perspective he can be a true asset to the City of Tipton.

Mr. Meumann has been married to his wife Deb for fifteen years and takes great pride in having helped to raise her daughter McKenzie, who he describes as the apple of his eye. She has gone off to enjoy a successful life in New York City, and after watching McKenzie grow and coming to know many wonderful people in Tipton, he says he just marvels at everything. He wants to keep this community moving forward.

Mr. Meumann considers himself a fiscal conservative, something he attributes to his small business background, and feels he can offer much to the City of Tipton as an elected official.

About Airport Expansion

Mr. Meumann was the only candidate to be directly asked an airport related question. Someone had heard that he was very knowledgeable about airports and planes, and asked him to elaborate.

Mr. Meumann said that he has a private pilot’s license and served in the aviation wing in the Navy. He said this interest has led him to do a lot of research on our local airport, and feels that what everyone needs to realize is that it’s not in danger of closing. The FAA trust fund that provides the funding the City is pursuing has existed since the 1970’s and has a sixteen billion dollar budget. Mr. Meumann stresses that he is definitely not an aviation hater, that he loves planes and even has a framed picture of a P38 Lightning in his house; but his research has convinced him that Tipton’s airport is not at risk. He feels that we have time to stretch things out and look at it in a slower fashion, and can reapply for the same funding later if needed.

Mr. Meumann says that he is of the mindset that Tipton needs to concentrate on higher priority issues such as the dead motor in the power plant and figuring out what needs to be done with the sewers. He feels we can put the airport on hold without suffering any losses, and therefore Tipton needs to step back and look at spending money on matters of greater, more pressing, importance.

Link to Pam Spear

Link to Tim Malott

Link to “Meet the Candidates” Forum Summary Overview Page

Link to Tipton Ward Map

Tim Malott

Following is a summary of personal introductions and comments on the issue of airport expansion from the September 30 “Meet the Candidates” forum in Tipton. This is not a comprehensive view of the candidates or their stance on any given matter; only a run-down of what was said that night. When additional information concerning the candidates position on the Airport Expansion project can be derived from past comments or actions, that will also be noted.

Tim Malott- Challenger, Tipton At-Large

Candidates Introduction

Mr. Malott began by saying that he had moved to Tipton in 2008, but before telling what brought him here wished to discuss his qualifications. He had gone to college after high school, but says he wasn’t any good at it so he joined the Army. He was enlisted from 1974 to 1998 serving from the Vietnam Era all the way through the Persian Gulf.

Upon leaving the Army Mr. Malott went to work as a supervisor for what he called “a little company in Kenosha, Wisconsin.” That company, he revealed a moment later, was Ocean Spray. In his time there he improved his team and doubled output, and within two years was offered a job as an Operations Manager for Pepsi. His success continued as he oversaw bottle production for two years, running the finances and tripling output.

When the Ball Corporation bought his bottling division Mr. Malott was transferred to Ames and asked to institute the same improvements. He ran a plant with 35 employees, making twelve million bottles and averaging 130 semi loads a day. He says nothing was approved without his say, and that he believes in lean manufacturing and putting profits back to the people.

Mr. Malott retired in 2008, which brought him back to telling why he chose to come to Tipton. He says he has 3 kids and six grandkids and he and his family had made thirteen moves in 39 years. He first examined schools, and notes that Tipton has a great school system which gave his youngest daughter the opportunity to play golf and be in the band. He also looked at public safety, and says Tipton is very fortunate to have a high quality fire department, EMS and police force.

The third item he looked at was infrastructure. Mr. Malott feels Tipton needs some work here. He says that while in the Army he taught automotive engineering in Europe, and while that differs from structural engineering he does understand engineering concepts. He says Tipton needs to look at its streets, and he has gotten a good perspective having now walked thirty eight miles of the city streets putting flyers on doors. Beyond that, he says he does like the amenities such as stores and the aquatic center that Tipton offers.

The fourth thing Mr. Malott looked at when considering Tipton was government, and he feels he is qualified to contribute there. He is the Director of Emergency Management 9-1-1 for Cedar County and in six years has overseen many upgrades and looked to the future by creating a state of the art operation. Cedar County, he says, was the first in Iowa to provide text to 9-1-1 for every major carrier and first to be Next Gen IP ready. This cost two million dollars to implement, but by doing so in six phases and relying on grants has not cost residents a penny on their annual taxes. Mr. Malott frequently goes to the Capitol to fight for residents of Tipton and Cedar County, and has been a spokesman for the State in front of the House and Senate. He feels he understands budgetary items and under his guidance Cedar County 9-1-1 and Emergency Management has a surplus and has never missed a payment, despite one hundred thousand dollars every year in improvements.

Mr. Malott asks voters on November 3 to make him Tipton’s voice because he is willing to listen, think outside the box, and find ways to move the community forward. He says he has proven his ability to do so; evidenced first by his choice to come to Tipton as he felt it would be an excellent place to live, and second through his work with the current Council, City Manager, County Supervisors and area Mayors. He understands, he says, how to work as a team and will seek to meet financial needs through grants to bring the cost of living down while improving Tipton at the same time.

About the Airport

Mr. Malot was not asked any questions pertaining the airport that evening. His position on Airport Expansion is not currently known.

Link to Pam Spear

Link to Scott Meumann

Link to “Meet the Candidates” Forum Summary Overview Page

Link to Tipton Ward Map

Pam Spear

Following is a summary of personal introductions and comments on the issue of airport expansion from the September 30 “Meet the Candidates” forum in Tipton. This is not a comprehensive view of the candidates or their stance on any given matter; only a run-down of what was said that night. When additional information concerning the candidates position on the Airport Expansion project can be derived from past comments or actions, that will also be noted.

Pam Spear- Incumbent, Tipton At-Large

Candidates Introduction

Ms. Spear has served on the Tipton City Council now for four years. She introduced herself by saying that she first came here as a young bride in 1975. In 2009 after her husband passed away there were thoughts of returning to Illinois where her family is from, but she chose to stay after realizing that in her heart Tipton is home.

Ms. Spear said she would like to use the evenings forum to review some recent actions by the City Council. She first wished to address the airport, and specifically an article she saw which referenced her as “an ardent supporter of the airport.” She said this is true. Ms. Spear believes that it is her responsibility to manage and preserve Tipton’s infrastructure, and said using 90% funding to make a safer airport falls within those duties.

Regarding the aquatic center, Ms. Spear spoke of the feeling in the pit of her stomach the night she toured the facility and saw the state of disrepair it was in after 7 years. The Council thus decided to take legal action against the contractors and recently settled for $600,000. This won’t fix it, she acknowledged, but it will help to start.

Ms. Spear said the cemetery is near and dear to her heart, quipping that she now has more family out there than here. She feels the Council has worked hard to resolve maintenance issues and has secured ten thousand dollars in donations which will be used to build a kiosk and bench.

On the issue of streets repairs, Ms. Spear says it is always the Council’s #1 Priority, because they drive on the streets too. She also noted the implementation of a $5 fee to go into a storm water fund, to do studies and begin repairs. The City anticipates this fund will receive a hundred thousand dollars a year to be used on the storm water system. Additionally, the recent decision to sever ties with Alliant and provide Tipton’s waste water treatment in-house is expected to save thirty thousand dollars a year.

Ms. Spear said that each year she asks the City Manager not to raise the levy any more than ten to twelve cents. Her main objective is to pay down more debt than the City borrows each year.

Ms. Spear says that her goal for Tipton is to “remain progressive and proactive, so we never become reactive.” She closed by saying “Pam Spear is ardent about Tipton.”

About the Airport

Ms. Spear was not asked any direct questions from the audience that evening on the issue of Airport Expansion. She, as stated above, is fully in support of the project.

Link to Tim Malott

Link to Scott Meumann

Link to “Meet the Candidates” Forum Summary Overview Page

Link to Tipton Ward Map

Tim McNeill

This series provides a summary of personal introductions and comments on the issue of Airport Expansion from the September 30 “Meet the Candidates” forum in Tipton. This is not a comprehensive view of the candidates or their stance on any given matter; only a run-down of what was said that night. When additional information concerning the candidates position on the Airport Expansion project can be derived from past comments or actions, that will also be noted.

Tim McNeill- Challenger, 3rd Ward

Candidates Introduction

Mr. McNeill introduced himself saying that he is a Tipton small business owner, and that he and his wife Stephanie moved here in 1994. They have three children; the youngest, Austin, is a Senior at Tipton High School and the oldest, KaeLee just graduated from Iowa State. His son Joey was recently married, and he and his wife Bethany are in their final year at Iowa State.

Mr. McNeill’s first association with Tipton came in 1989 when he bought flowers for his wedding from the greenhouse. A few years later, when considering teaching options for his wife, the couple chose Tipton over opportunities in Mt. Vernon and Wilton. They have happily called Tipton home now for twenty one years.

The experiences gained by operating two small businesses in town are what Mr. McNeill feels will be his greatest attributes if awarded a seat on the City Council. He is the owner/operator of McNeill’s Tree Service, and he and Stephanie also run our local driving school. He said he values fiscal responsibility, and his small business expertise will provide valuable insight when it comes to City matters.

About Airport Expansion

Mr. McNeill was not asked to speak on the airport during this forum. He is on record as being opposed to the use of eminent domain.

Link to Dawn Siech

Link to “Meet the Candidates” Forum Summary Overview Page

Link to Tipton Ward Map

Dawn Siech

Following is a summary of personal introductions and comments on the issue of airport expansion from the September 30 “Meet the Candidates” forum in Tipton. This is not a comprehensive view of the candidates or their stance on any given matter; only a run-down of what was said that night. When additional information concerning the candidates position on the Airport Expansion project can be derived from past comments or actions, that will also be noted.

Dawn Siech- Incumbent, 3rd Ward

Candidates Introduction

Ms. Siech introduced herself and told of growing up in Nashua, Iowa before attending UNI, where she met her husband and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. After graduation, the couple chose to pursue a career opportunity she had in Ft. Worth, Texas with the intent of staying for five years then returning to Iowa. Five years turned to ten, they had their two daughters, and came to love living in Texas. When her husband’s job transferred him, however, it was time for them to come back to the Midwest.

With the choice of where to settle, Ms. Siech and her family considered several towns including Mason City, Burlington, Sabula and Galena before ultimately choosing Tipton. She said she’d made lists comparing what each place had to offer, and Tipton had everything they needed. It had food, places to go out for dinner, a Wal-Mart, Theisens, clothing stores, a bowling alley, a pool and an airport. Ms. Siech noted that her husband flies, and Tipton’s proximity to the Quad Cities and Cedar Rapids allows him to do the traveling that he needs to do.

Ms. Siech says that Tipton is a wonderful city that she absolutely loves. She has served as the Curriculum Director for Tipton Community School District for twelve years. She has one daughter still in high school here, and the other is in college in St. Louis.

What she brings to the City Council, Ms. Siech says, is her incumbency. She says she is a critical thinker, tries to take all peoples views into consideration, and speaks to the public. She said she thinks it’s best for the community to look at what’s in the public interest and think about a long term plan of where we want to be in ten years. She hopes in ten to twenty years if her daughters would like to move back to the Midwest, they are able to find a town “just like Tipton.”

About Airport Expansion

Ms. Siech was not asked to speak on the airport during this forum. She is a supporter of Airport Expansion, and is on record speaking on behalf of the City Council saying that its current members wish to move forward on the project because they believe it will allow us to “keep what we have and make it safe for use and to entice small businesses to locate to Tipton.”

Link to Third Ward Challenger Tim McNeill

Link to “Meet the Candidates” Forum Summary Overview Page

Link to Tipton Ward Map

Ross Leeper

This series provides a summary of personal introductions and comments on the issue of Airport Expansion from the September 30 “Meet the Candidates” forum in Tipton. This is not a comprehensive view of the candidates or their stance on any given matter; only a run-down of what was said that night. When additional information concerning the candidates position on the Airport Expansion project can be derived from past comments or actions, that will also be noted.

Ross Leeper

Candidates Introduction

During his introduction, Mr. Leeper told of moving from Tipton to Florida about 35 years ago, and after staying in the Sunshine State for twenty years admits that this was about “nineteen years, twenty nine days too long.” He returned home to Tipton after retiring from employment with the City of St. Cloud.

While in Florida, however, he gained much experience through his occupation in public works and specifically in dealing with the St. Cloud city sewer system. Mr. Leeper described overcoming obstacles to address that city’s sewer problems, including alternative repair methods which avoided tearing up streets, could be completed in a matter of days and done for a third of the cost.

Mr. Leeper now believes he can deliver the same to Tipton through his bid for a seat on the City Council. He says that some of the sewer lines here are in bad shape, and noted that some were installed in 1932. As the town has expanded and those lines have aged, they can no longer perform properly.

Mr. Leeper noted that due to Tipton’s deteriorating sewer system, some residents have had sewage backing up into their homes. This is a health hazard, and Mr. Leeper firmly stated that “this needs to be fixed, and it needs to be resolved as quickly as possible.” He warns that if the City does not address the problem soon residents are likely to sue, which will end up costing even more in the long run. He points to his experience in dealing with such matters and says it can easily be resolved if all who are involved are willing to work together to get it done.

About Airport Expansion

Mr. Leeper was not asked to comment on anything pertaining to the airport expansion during this forum. He has in the past said that he is against the airport expansion project, because he feels the City of Tipton needs to redirect it’s priorities and get caught up with street and sewer repairs instead.

Link to “Meet the Candidates” Forum Summary Overview Page

Link to Tipton Ward Map

Tipton “Meet the Candidates” Summary Overview

Approximately 90 people were in attendance for Tipton’s first “Meet the Candidates” forum at the Courthouse on September 30. Candidates were allowed five minutes to introduce themselves and discuss why they had chosen to run for office. They were then given a chance to answer questions from the audience.

The following links provide a summary of these introductions and what each candidate had to say in regard to Tipton’s proposed Airport Expansion project. We’ll start with the Mayoral Candidates, and have summaries from the First Ward, Third Ward, and At- Large Council discussions soon to come.

Each of these seats will be decided through the General Election on Tuesday, November 3.

Tipton Mayor

This year’s Mayoral race consists of Incumbent Shirley Kepford and two challengers, Bryan Carney and Gaylene Gilbert. The mayoral session was the only time during the evening’s forum when questions were asked specific to the airport project of the candidates as a group. (Several of the City Council candidates later took the opportunity to discuss the topic during their introductions, and one fielded an individual question on the project.) These questions were 1) If the candidate supports the airport expansion proposal, 2) How the candidate feels about the use of eminent domain, and 3) If the candidate feels the airport expansion should be brought to a public vote.

Click on the links below to read summaries of their responses.

Bryan Carney

Gaylene Gilbert

Mayor Kepford was not in attendance. Her absence was discussed, however, when an audience member questioned her choice not to attend. You can read a summary of that exchange by clicking here.

Tipton 1st Ward

The race for Tipton’s first ward seat is between sitting Councilman Beau Holub, and challenger Ross Leeper. Ross Leeper was the only of the two to attend this forum, and following his introduction the audience did not ask any immediate follow-up questions. Click on the link below to read a summary of his statement.

Ross Leeper

Beau Holub was not in attendance. His absence was not discussed during the forum.

Tipton 3rd Ward

The race for Tipton’s third ward seat is between Incumbent Dawn Siech and Challenger Tim McNeill. Both were present at the forum and gave introductions, and the audience had no immediate follow-up questions. Click on the links below to read a summary of their introductory statements.

Dawn Siech

Tim McNeill

Tipton At-Large

Tipton’s At-Large race consists of Incumbent Pam Spear and Challengers Tim Malott and Scott Meumann. All three were present at the forum and spoke of their qualifications. Mr. Meumann was the only of these candidates to field a question pertaining to the airport. Click on the links below to read a summary of their statements.

Pam Spear

Tim Malott

Scott Meumann

Click Here to View Tipton Ward Map 

This series provides a summary of personal introductions and comments on the issue of Airport Expansion from the September 30 “Meet the Candidates” forum in Tipton. This is not a comprehensive view of the candidates or their stance on any given matter; only a run-down of what was said that night. When additional information concerning the candidates position on the Airport Expansion project can be derived from past comments or actions, that will also be noted.