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: Christana Troshynski
City/town: Logan
Candidate for: Logan City Council
Explain who you are: I am not only a candidate for city council but also a mother of two wonderful elementary-age children. Being a parent has given me a unique perspective on the importance of creating a safe, nurturing, and thriving community. I am also a wife, to a fellow graduate of LoMa High School, we both have a deep connection to this city and its people. This community has been our home, the place where we grew up, made lifelong friends, and built our lives together. I am grateful for the opportunities this city has provided us. Over this last year I have been volunteering my time with the Logan Community Visioning Committee, implementing our first ever city-wide trail system starting with a safe route to our school. Lastly, I am a current board member on the Logan Chamber of Commerce.
Why did you run for this position? Working from home has allowed me to experience firsthand how our city functions as more than just a place of residence. It is like my office, and I have a vested interest in its success. One of my primary goals is to foster an environment where economic growth and opportunity flourish. We need to attract new businesses, support local entrepreneurs, and create a climate that encourages innovation. With my personal and professional experiences, I bring a unique perspective to the table. I understand the challenges faced by working families, the importance of strong schools, and the need for a nurturing environment where our children can thrive. I recognize the importance of collaboration and open dialogue. As your representative, I will actively seek your input, engage with community organizations, and create platforms for meaningful discussions. Together, we can build bridges, break barriers, and create a brighter future for our city.
What from your background qualifies you for this position? As a portfolio analyst with experience in commercial real estate, I bring a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the economic and development aspects that are crucial to our city's growth. Working as a portfolio analyst has sharpened my analytical skills and honed my ability to make informed, data-driven decisions. I am adept at evaluating financial information, assessing risks, and identifying opportunities for growth and improvement. These skills are essential when it comes to managing the city's budget, making strategic investments, and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are allocated wisely. I completed two IWCC courses in grant writing so I will be vigilant in seeking out grants and funding opportunities available to our city. Grant programs provide an excellent means to secure additional resources for essential projects and initiatives without placing the burden solely on the shoulders of our taxpayers.
What are your goals if elected? As an elected city council member, my goals are to generate more jobs, increase the tax base, invest in the city park and trail system, and work on city ordinances to foster community pride. To achieve these goals, we need to attract new businesses by offering incentives and streamlining processes. Diversifying the local economy will contribute to expanding the tax base, allowing for increased revenue to support essential services and infrastructure. Investing in the city park and trail system will enhance public spaces, promote outdoor activities, and improve overall quality of life. Additionally, I’d like to collaborate with council members and community stakeholders to review and update city ordinances, ensuring they reflect community values and aspirations. By focusing on these objectives, we will contribute to economic growth, community well-being, and a sense of civic pride.
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Name: Chris De Witt
City/town: Logan
Candidate for: Logan City Council
Explain who you are: I am married to Bill DeWitt. Our kids Jacquelyn and Bruce went to school at Logan-Magnolia. I grew up in Logan, graduating in 1983 and moved back in 2002. Bill and I owned the hardware store in Logan from 2001 to 2013. Since then, I have worked at the school and Perfection Learning. We attend and are involved at Logan Christian Church.
Why did you run for this position? I feel that every citizen should do their part in contributing to the community. I have lived in Logan most of my life, and being on the city council is a way to give back. I want to see Logan continue to run well and would like to help it progress and improve so that we are a town that attracts people and continues to grow and prosper. Generations of my family have lived and volunteered in Logan, my grandfather and mother were both mayors and my husband has been on the city council. I love this town and strong family ties have taught me the importance of volunteering, shopping and working here.
What from your background qualifies you for this position? I have served on committees at the school and at church learning to work with others and to accomplish goals. As I stated previously, I have lived in Logan many years, so I have the experience of seeing and learning from the way things have been run in the past. I also have lived in other towns so I can provide that information and experience of other towns. My time owning Logan Hardware and as a chamber member provides me with a perspective of business owners and the relationship between the council and chamber.
What are your goals if elected? I would make the transition of new council members seamless and see that the council continues to run smoothly. I want to support the good things happening in town, like the exciting progress of the Visioning committee and the improvements at the Logan library, the new housing developments, just to name a few. Thank you for your time and consideration.
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Name: Cody Sears
City/town: Logan
Candidate for: City Council
Explain who you are: I was born and raised in Logan. When I was 19, I moved to Omaha for school. I met my wife, Milissa, and we moved to Council Bluffs where we started our family. We have two daughters: Maddie (11) and Ally (8). I always wanted to move back home, and during our visits here to see my parents, Milissa fell in love with Logan, too. We built a house here and moved in October of 2022. Our daughters are now proud Lo-Ma Panthers, and we are all really enjoying the community. I’ve worked for the United States Postal Service for the past 10 years. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, hunting and fishing on our family farm, reading, and cheering for the Royals, Steelers and Hawkeyes. Milissa is a Husker fan. We still love each other, but football season can get a little tense.
Why did you run for this position? I am running for Logan City Council because I want this town to thrive. I want my daughters to be able to raise their families here one day. My grandfather and father served the community in various ways, and I feel like it is now my responsibility to serve this community, as well. I think Logan is moving in a great direction, and I believe that refocusing on enforcing city codes and expanding law enforcement engagement will continue that momentum. I also want to work on revitalizing downtown Logan to make it more welcoming for the people who live here, and to attract new businesses to our town. Logan is a wonderful place to live, and I want to do my part to help us reach our full potential.
What from your background qualifies you for this position? I believe I am qualified for this position because I’m from Logan and I know how the town works. I also have a unique viewpoint because I’ve lived away for awhile and I now see the town with a fresh perspective. My career with the Post Office has allowed me to develop several skills that would be beneficial as a city council member. As a carrier and a supervisor, I learned that clear communication is key to getting things done. As a Postmaster, I’ve learned to balance a budget, be organized, and keep people on task. As a business development specialist and a sales representative, I’ve learned how to listen carefully and ask questions to be sure I’m understanding a business’s needs. If elected to the City Council, I plan to use all these skills.
What are your goals if elected? If elected to City Council, my first goal would be to begin live streaming and recording all City Council meetings to provide transparency and make it easier for Logan residents to access our meetings. I would like to put procedures in place that will allow us to be more proactive versus reactive when it comes to enforcing city codes. I would like Logan residents to experience a stronger sense of engagement with local law enforcement through increased presence in our community. I would also like to build relationships with all the local boards and community organizations to determine the best way for us all to work together for the best future for Logan.
