Three candidates on the ballot for two Ventura Council seats

One incumbent and two challengers filed nomination papers for two Ventura City Council seats.  Kristie Meints, 2605 E. Lake St.,  and Fred Petersburg, 1101 E. Lake St., are seeking the Council positions, as well as incumbent Brian Vaage, 101 E. Lake St.  

Questionnaires sent to each candidate by the Mirror-Reporter were returned by Meints and Petersburg.   Vaage, who is looking for a third term on the Council, chose not to complete the questionnaire. Council 

Representative Pat Kuhlmeier decided not to seek re-election to her position on the Ventura City Council.

Questionnaires completed by Kristie Meints and Fred Petersburg are printed below.

Kristie Meints

Please supply a brief personal biography as an opening paragraph. Be sure to include your name, information about your family, educational background, occupation and other work/life experiences.

My name is Kristie Meints and I have lived in rural northern Iowa for the past 48 years.  I have been married to my husband, Jeff, for 25 years and we have five children and four grandchildren.  For the past 24 years we have operated a family-owned agricultural business, now based in Clear Lake.  I fee that my business background in agriculture will provide a unique skill set and hope to serve my community in a positive way. I graduated from Hampton High School in 1983 and attended NIACC.  I worked for 17 years in the public sector for Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Department.  I worked as the office manager for our family business and now have semi-retired to enjoy time with my grandchildren.  I have the time to dedicate to this position and want to help my community.

Are there specific issues which motivated you to seek office? If so, which ones? Why?

I have no specific agenda and just want to make Ventura - Read More Via e-Edition

Fred Petersburg

Please supply a brief personal biography as an opening paragraph. Be sure to include your name, information about your family, educational background, occupation and other work/life experiences.

My name is Fred Petersburg. I live on East Lake Street in Ventura with my wife, Paula. We have two grown children, who live and work on the west coast.  I grew up on a farm near Hanlontown.  I have worked as a financial officer for Farm Credit Services of America for over 35 years. I graduated from NIACC in 1974, and from the University of Wisconsin in 1976.  I have served on a county Compensation Board for a number of years, and have been on several boards and commissions.  I am currently serving as Financial Secretary for Galilean Lutheran Church.

Are there specific issues which motivated you to seek office? If so, which ones? Why?

I have no particular agenda regarding the City of Ventura.  I have always believed every citizen has a duty to serve and to give back to the community in whatever way he or she can.  The City of Ventura has been our home for the past 10 years.  I would - Read More Via e-Edition