Bryan Fergus, Rhonda Goeckner, Kurt Hagen and Kevin Koester are seeking three open seats on the Watson village board in the April 1 election.
Fergus, 57, is a professor with a doctoral degree.
Goeckner, 42, is Officer Manager for Field Wrxs, Inc. He earned an associate of applies science degree in accounting.
Hagen, 53, is a freight manager. He is a graduate of North Clay High School.
The Effingham Daily News asked the candidates to answer the questions below. Koester did not respond.
List any public service or other experience that would help you serve as trustee.
Fergus: I have been a trustee for the Village of Watson for approximately two years. I have been a professor for 24 years and a local church pastor for 34 years.
Goeckner: I have been on the Watson Village Board for two years, on the Civic Center/Events Committee for one year. Involved as a leader for the Scouts BSA in our community for 10 years. Merit Badge Councilor for the Greater Saint Louis Area BSA for five years.
Hagen: Previously worked for the Village as part time maintenance. Until recently served several years on the Watson Homecoming Committee and the Watson Civic Center Committee
Why are you running?
Fergus: I care about the Village of Watson. I have made my home here, and I want to see our village thrive. I think we all have a civic duty to make the places where we live as hospitable and pleasant as we can. I see serving as a village trustee a great way to fulfill that civic duty.
Goeckner: To help enhance our community
Hagen: I was convinced by several friends/neighbors
What is the most pressing issue facing Watson and how would you address it?
Fergus: I personally think the most pressing issues facing our village have to do with public safety. We are quickly approaching tornado season. I think completing our existing project of installing a warning system/siren would make us all feel safer. I am committed to seeing that project reach completion. I also think we could focus on improving our village roads.
Goeckner: I would like to see a Tornado Siren back in our town, and would like to improve the Civic Center, Gym, and Park. We have a siren and plans to get it installed soon. The Civic Center still has a long way to go, but we are in the process of getting it updated. It has been painted, a new roof was put on, and a Flagpole installed recently. Thanks to the help of the Civic Center/Event Committee and continued support from the public, we can continue this process.
Hagen: I’m not sure but would have to believe Watson has an issue generating revenue. Not sure how to fix this yet.
What’s more important for Watson right now: Building new homes and commercial space or rehabbing/expanding/better utilizing our existing homes and storefronts?
Fergus: I don’t know that I would rate one of these issues as more important than the other. As far as I am concerned, both of these avenues for village growth and improvement should be equally pursued. Rehabbing our existing homes and storefronts would certainly attract more interest in new growth. At the same time, new growth has a way of encouraging people to improve their own structures.
Goeckner: I feel at this point for Watson is to rehabbing/expanding/better utilize our existing home and storefronts. If we can utilize what our town has and bring the curb appeal of our town to a more appealing and quainter place to live, then the building of new homes and the expansion of businesses will just fall in place.
Hagen: I feel that Watson needs to try to attract businesses.
How do you plan to involve residents in decision making in Watson?
Fergus: Our residents are always welcome to attend our village meetings. We have a standing agenda item of hearing from our guests at the beginning of each meeting. I think we could make sure our residents are aware of this opportunity to have their voices heard. On top of that, I am always open to hear from our village residents so I can help them thrive in Watson as well.
Goeckner: Come to a Village meeting. I would like to hear your ideas, insights, and what you would like to see for the future of our community. I am open to new ideas, and love to hear about past ones. Because our future is built on the foundation of our past.
Hagen: Watson residents can be involved by voting for the right people. Most residents probably are not aware when the elections are held and who is running for the seats.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for the village any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
Fergus: To the earlier question, I would get our warning siren placed and our roads rehabbed. A million dollars would go a long way to bringing this important infrastructure up to speed.
Goeckner: I would start with our city roads. I believe a few of them could use work. I would also like to see a gas station or store in our town. The nearest convenient store is either in Heartville or Edgewood. Nearest gas station is Effingham or Edgewood. I would like to see our community have all the convenience they deserve, and it is not convenient for our citizens to have to drive 10 to 15 minutes out of their way to get that.
Hagen: I’m not sure … would have to see what has been in the works for the Village and then evaluate.
Why should residents vote for you?
Fergus: I suppose the best reasons to vote for me are that I love our village and care deeply about its future. Additionally, I have a lot of experience working with committees and groups to accomplish significant goals. And I have experience as a Watson trustee. I think Watson is a great place to live. I am proud of our village!
Goeckner: I am compassionate, open-minded and understand the needs of others. Watson may not be my hometown, but it is my children’s, and I want them to be proud of where they come from and to strive to help their community. I am a good listener, I want to hear what our community has to say and want to implement their ideas in any way I can. Without our community and their involvement, we wouldn’t have a wonderful little town.
Hagen: I’m honest and caring.