Diane Barrett for Mayor
1. I have lived in Kenyon all my life. My 3 girls grew up here and attended school. I have always been very dedicated to Kenyon. I became Mayor of the City of Kenyon from 2007 to 2013. I was instrumental in helping bring Rose Fest back to our community. Served on the Liquor Committee for several years.
2. We need to start living within our means and spending more wisely, work on more bringing more businesses to the industrial park. Make our town more attractive. Listening to the concerns of our citizens.
3. Retaining our downtown and try to bring new businesses to main street. Bringing our ‘boulevard of roses’ back to what it was, which Kenyon is known for. A great place to raise your kids and/or to retire. We have a pool, parks, a library, police department, food shelf, workout center, grocery store, etc.
4. I worked for a municipal law firm from 1997 -1999. I then worked for the City of Kenyon as the Administrative Assistant from 1999 to 2002. Worked for Sun Country as the executive assistant to the Chairman of Board and CEO. I was a gambling manager for the Kenyon Snowdrifters in which our club donated a lot of money to the city and the school over the years. I have served on several different boards over the years. I currently farm with my husband.
5. I love Kenyon – this is my home. I am a very determined person. If I am given a challenge, I will do it.
6. Keeping the citizens informed; doing what’s right for all of us. Trying to get new businesses in town, cutting our taxes, spending money wisely and working well with other council members and staff to make the best decisions for Kenyon and the future.
Don Kirchmann for Mayor
1) Tell me more about your involvement with the City of Kenyon. What inspired you to run for the mayoral seat again?
I’ve been involved in Kenyon for a number of years. I’m currently a firefighter, and I’ve also been on the Park and Recreation Committee. I like being involved and helping out where I can. I decided to run for mayor again because I want to continue down the path that I’ve started. I feel there is still more that needs to be done, and I’d like to continue working on it.
I also feel that before a mayor can really show what they are capable of, they should have the opportunity to serve at least two terms. The first term, you’re learning the job and learning how the city works. The second term gives you the chance to keep moving forward with what you started.
2) Should you be elected to the position of Mayor again, what are the top 3 issues you want to address in this upcoming term?
If I’m fortunate enough to be elected for another term, there are three things I really want to keep working on.
First, I want to continue with the demolition of the nursing home and move forward with the apartments. I also want to keep moving forward with the new house development. I think more housing is important for Kenyon.
Second, I want to continue supporting our current business owners. They work hard, and they’ve put a lot into our community.
Third, I want to continue our efforts to fill the industrial park. It’s nice to see construction starting there, and I’d like to see more businesses come to Kenyon.
3) What positive changes have you witnessed in your time as mayor? Anything you wish to continue should you be re-elected?
One thing I’m really happy about is the purchase of the Kenyon Market. I’m excited for them and their new adventure, and I want to support them through it. I really believe the grocery store is the heart of the city.
I’m also happy to see construction in the industrial park. We’ve been working toward that, and it’s nice to see things happening.
And I want to continue improving the Boulevard of Roses and getting the rose trees back in place. That’s what Kenyon is known for, and I think we need to keep it that way.
4) What aspects of Kenyon are you passionate about? What positive things do you believe Kenyon has to offer?
What I’m most passionate about is Kenyon and the people here. We have a lot of good people who care about our community and want to see it do well.
The Boulevard of Roses is also very important to me. It’s a big part of what Kenyon is known for, and I want to continue taking care of it and getting the rose trees back in place.
I also really believe in supporting our community and our local businesses. Our businesses are a big part of Kenyon, and I think we need to support the people who put their time and money into our town.
5) What should the Kenyon community know about you?
There isn’t really anything new to add when it comes to my background or qualifications. My biggest experience when it comes to this position is the experience I’ve gained serving as your mayor. I’ve learned a lot during my time in office, and I believe that experience is important going into another term.
6) What drives you to make a difference in the Kenyon community?
My love for this community and this town is what drives me. I care about Kenyon and the people who live here, and I want to do what I can to help make it a good place to live, work and raise a family.
7) What do you see as the roles and responsibilities of Mayor? Should you be re-elected, how do you plan to fulfill these responsibilities?
To me, being mayor is about being there for the community. It’s not about me—it’s about the people and what they want for their community.
If I’m re-elected, I plan to continue listening to the people of Kenyon, being available when they need me, and working to do what I believe is best for the community. I don’t think the mayor should try to control the city. The mayor should listen, work with people, and help move the community in the direction the people want it to go.
8) Anything else you want the Kenyon-Wanamingo Messenger to know?
I just want to help set Kenyon on the right path and continue moving us forward. I don’t want to make a career out of being mayor, and I don’t want to try to control the city. I actually care about this community and the people who live here. I want to do what I can to help Kenyon be a good place to live and continue to move in the right direction.
Diana Tomlinson for Mayor
1) Tell me more about your involvement with the City of Kenyon. What inspired you to run for mayor?
I have lived in Kenyon off and on for about 10 years. I have lived here for 2 years this time, and I have also worked at the old Schweichs restaurant. I love this town and the people and think they deserve a breath of fresh air in their leadership.
2) Should you be elected to the position of mayor, what are the top 3 issues you want to address?
I would love to address crime and the lack of officers. I would like to see about getting chickens for the residents, as so many have expressed interest. And lastly, I want to see what the City of Kenyon residents want me to address because it’s the residents that we work for.
3) What aspects of Kenyon are you passionate about? What positive things do you believe Kenyon has to offer?
I am absolutely passionate about the people of Kenyon and what they want for their hometown and lives. I believe Kenyon has a lot to offer in the way of community and togetherness. This town is like a large family, and they always pull together.
4) What should the Kenyon community know about you? (government/management qualifications, background, etc.)
I have a background in law enforcement and criminal justice in college. I have family and friends that have been in Kenyon their whole lives. My grandkids live here, as well as my daughter. I am very aware of the political climate and how fragile our way of life is. Our community is a rare small town gem that needs to be protected and nurtured.
5) What drives you to make a difference in the Kenyon community?
I want to make a difference for the people of Kenyon. Most people want things to change but don't have transparency from their elected officials, so they feel powerless to initiate change. I want to empower the people. I want people to remember that elected officials work for the people, not the other way around.
6) What do you see as the roles and responsibilities of the Kenyon Mayor? If elected, how do you plan to fulfill these responsibilities?
The roles and responsibilities are diverse. There are many roles that the Mayor takes on, but I think mostly it is to be a seen, heard, and honorable figurehead for the people of Kenyon.
7) Anything else you want the Kenyon-Wanamingo Messenger to know?
I just want the people of Kenyon to know that if you are unhappy with something that you can change it. You have the power to help your community and to effect change. You are in control of what you say and do to shape your lives, and I want to be the person to help the people with what they need or want from their elected officials.
