On Nov. 7, Harrison County voters will choose from the various candidates running for mayor, city council and school board.
The Missouri Valley Times-News reached out to candidates ahead of the election with a brief question and answer.
Following are the candidates' responses, published verbatim. All candidates were contacted; if you do not see their answers here, they either did not respond or elected not to participate.
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Name: Armando Scott Ortiz
City/town: Little Sioux
Candidate for: Mayor
Explain who you are, and what from your background qualifies you for this position? I am currently serving as the Mayor of Little Sioux, and I'm nearing the end of my first term in office. In addition to my role in local government, I find immense joy in being a husband to my best friend and loving wife, Rachel Ortiz. Together, we are proud parents to a wonderful family, which includes a total of eight children between us. This blend of personal and civic responsibilities has shaped me into a dedicated, community-oriented individual.
My commitment to our community extends beyond mayoral duties. I have been an active parent within the West Harrison school system and have devoted 18 continues years to serving as a firefighter, with previous experience as an EMT. I'm honored to contribute as a church clerk and maintain an 8-5 job as a service technician at a company specializing in scales and precision measurements.
As the Mayor of Little Sioux, I take my responsibilities seriously. I regularly attend between two to five meetings each month, depending on the time of year. I represent our city on several boards, including the landfill board and the Assessor's Conference board. Notably, I was nominated and elected as Co-Chair of the EMA board, where I play a significant role in emergency management for our community. Furthermore, I actively engage in lobbying and representing our city at County Supervisor meetings and other gatherings where our representation is vital.
While I am committed to the serious aspects of my role, I also relish the opportunity to interact with the community in more relaxed and enjoyable settings. I take part in special events such as parades and engage with the community in day-to-day activities. Little Sioux is not just a place I serve; it's a community I deeply care about and a place I'm proud to call home.
Why did you run for this position? Same as the previous election, 'Merica!
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Name: Mary Ann Frisk
City/town: Little Sioux
Candidate for: City Council
Explain who you are: Mom of three grown children, nana of four grandchildren. We've lived in the small town of Little Sioux for many years. My children all grew up in our community. Small town living is what we enjoy.
Why did you run for this position? I believe in our small town community and it's essential for all voices to be represented in the decision-making process. As a council member, I would ensure that all citizens have opportunities to provide input and feedback as they are our community and the future of our town.
What from your background qualifies you for this position? Very active in the community. Strong leadership roles, works well in groups, always for the people with a high drive for the next generation of our community.
What are your goals if elected? My goals are to get more of the community involved along with community betterment for the present and future generations of our town.
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Name: Robert (Bob) Shearer
City/town: Little Sioux
Candidate for: City Council
Explain who you are: AZC(AW) Robert E. Shearer, USN Retired. My family lives in the area. So I moved and retired here.
Why did you run for this position? Was asked to help the council 3 years ago and decided to keep involved. We have a few projects in the works and would like to see them through.
What from your background qualifies you for this position? I have set on councils in Virginia, when I was stationed at the Pentagon. I have the experience and hope I can pass on my experience to someone else in the new council to make it even more efficient.
What are your goals if elected? Finish our new water system and a few other project we are working on.
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Name: Essie Mitchell
City/town: Little Sioux
Candidate for: City Council
Explain who you are: I am a single mother of 3 children. I was raised in Little Sioux. I graduated from West Harrison.
Why did you run for this position? I would like to play a bigger part in the community to make it a better community for families to raise their children in.
What from your background qualifies you for this position? My grandfather was a part of the West Harrison school board, my grandmother is currently a part of the city council.
What are your goals if elected? I would like get to know the people in our community better so we can come together and make this a community that people would love to be a part of!
