Lincoln Meet and Greet gives constituents personal contact with primary candidates

 

[February 16, 2025] 

The Logan County Republican Central Committee held a “Meet the Candidates” at Flossie and Delzena’s in Lincoln on February 13, 2025. The event was an informal “meet and greet” style. Candidates did not directly address the crowd but instead moved around the space answering questions from attendees.

Lincoln Daily News asked the mayoral candidates and the candidates in the contested races for Ward 3 alderperson and Ward 4 alderperson the following question: Why do you think you are best suited to serve Lincoln as Mayor/alderperson?

Current Mayor Tracy Welch was the first to answer the question. Mayor Welch addressed the progress that he and the council have made in the last four years, specifically citing the economy and improvements to the safety and quality of life in the city. Mayor Welch said he is” excited to see what strategic planning and partnering with the county can do for the citizens of Lincoln in the next few years.”

Craig Eimer said that he believes he can offer the citizens of Lincoln, change. As a lifelong resident of Lincoln as well as 22 years experience working with the streets department and 15 years with the Department of Corrections, Eimer feels he can bring knowledge, growth, and integrity to the office of Mayor. He said “there is right and there is wrong, there is no in-between and I stand up for what is right.”

Former Mayor Elizabeth Davis-Kavelman said that she brings over 40 years experience with the county, having served as mayor twice and as a county board member and precinct committeeperson each for two terms. Kavelman wants to “complete the 5th street road project and bring back equality and ethics.”

Unfortunately, Dennis Clemons Sr., candidate Ward 3, was unable to attend.

Wanda Rohlfs discussed her experience as alderperson, already serving two terms for Ward 3. She said that she thinks her logical thinking and education on important matters in the community are assets that make her a good choice. Rohlfs mentioned that she knows a lot of people in the community and that she is “accessible to the citizens” if they have concerns.

Ward 4 candidate Rhonda O'Donoghue said that her youth and ties to the community are what make her a good alderperson. She briefly discussed that both of her children are moving back to the area and that she wants to make sure that Lincoln continues to grow and offer opportunities for not only her family, but other young adults and families looking to settle here.

Verl Prather, Ward 4 candidate, said that his knowledge of the city government process and his 16 years experience on the city council make him best suited as Ward 4 alderperson. He is now retired and has more time to devote to making sure that Lincoln is a place where kids and families feel safe.

Candidates in the uncontested races were asked: Why do you wish to continue serving Lincoln?

City Clerk Peggy Bateman said that serving as Lincoln City Clerk keeps her close to the community and the issues at hand.

Treasurer Chuck Conzo says that he enjoys working with officials to ensure the success of our city. He said the key to success is financial planning and discussed the progress that he was able to help achieve in the last few years; specific examples being new fire department equipment, police cars, and the new police station.

Ward 1 alderperson Steve Parrot wants to continue serving the citizens of Lincoln to be a voice for his ward, emphasizing road repair work, sewer improvements that are needed, and retaining both businesses and residents. He cited the decline in population and said that he would like to see more training programs and partnering with post-secondary institutions to offer young people the chance to further their career goals in hopes that they remain in the area.

David Sanders, Ward 3 alderperson was appointed by Mayor Welch and would like to continue to be a voice for his generation within the city.

Throughout the evening, attendees could enjoy sandwiches, vegetables and dip, and fruit provided by Flossie and Delzena’s as well as water, tea, or coffee. Many people appreciated the warm coffee on such a chilly February evening.

The buzz of conversation could be heard all evening.

The small table setting made for a more personal and intimate conversation where you could really visit each candidate and get to the heart of what makes them passionate about serving Lincoln.

The evening concluded with a group photo of the candidates in attendance.

Most of the other attendees were family members of the candidates or members of the party that live out of the city limits and cannot vote.

If you have not had the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the candidates, you are encouraged to do so before the February 25 primary.

[Lesleigh Bennett]