Western Nebraska Observer Candidate Forum

The Observer sent a list of questions to candidates whose names will be on the Primary Election ballot in May. We are printing their answers as we received them.

City Council

Stephanie Pedersen

1. Tell me about yourself.

I have lived in Kimball the majority of my life. I am married with 3 children and 2 grandchildren. I have witnessed the good and the bad times of Kimball.

2. For which office are you running and why?

I am running for City Council to be a voice and advocate for the citizens of Kimball, with an honest and common sense approach.

3. If elected, what do you hope to achieve while in office?

I hope to help Kimball get back on the right track for growth and betterment. The community needs to revamp in order to continue to grow and we need to work together on cleaning up our community and bringing new businesses and housing to Kimball.

4. From your perspective, what makes you the best candidate for this position?

I know our community can be great, as I have witnessed and have had the privilege to enjoy it. I will be open to everyone in the community and will bring all concerns and ideas before the City Council. I will also work hard to get everyone involved. Unfortunately, the City Council cannot fix it without support and input of the community.

5. How will you represent your constituents?

With an honest and common sense approach.

6. Is there a message you wish to relay to the constituents?

Please educate yourself, get involved in your community and let your voice be heard.

Jim Calvin

1. Tell me about yourself.

I am 58 years old, am married and have four grown children and seven grandchildren. I have lived in Kimball for almost two years. I work at the Kimball County Courthouse as the Building and Grounds Superintendant. I am a member of Calvary Memorial Church in Gering, where I serve as a greeter and usher.

2. For which office are you running and why?

I am running for City Council. The reason I am running is that I have been involved in the past and feel it is time to get involved in Kimball.

3. If elected, what do you hope to achieve while in office?

If I am elected, it won’t be about me, but the people of Kimball who elect me. I want to be a spokespoerson for the concerns of the people. I would also like to see more jobs come to Kimball so that Kimball can grow.

4. From your perspective, what makes you the best candidate for this position?

I believe what makes me the best cnadidate for this position is my experience serving 8.5 years on the Gurley Village Board. Also serving on several church boards and being secretary/treasurer of a church. I am also a former Lion’s Club member.

5. How will you represent your constituents?

I will represent my constituents by being a good listener to their concerns. I will present their concerns to the council and be their spokesperson .

6. Is there a message you wish to relay to the constituents?

My message to the constituents is if you want someone who is reliable, honest, has integrity and is conservative, then I am that person. I will listen to your concerns and be your spokesperson. Please let me be your voice and vote for Jim Calvin, City Council.

School Board

Matt Shoup

1. Tell me about yourself.

I was born and raised south of Bushnell on a farm and ranch. I went to school in Kimball and graduated from Kimball High School in 1999. After school I left, and joined the Army and served for approx. 9.5 years. I did three tours overseas in 2001-2002 in Afghanistan, 2003-2004 in Iraq and once again in 2009-2010 in Iraq. I moved back to Kimball in 2010 and got married to Stephanie, we have three kids Landen (Sophmore), Cole (8th grade) and Kalli (Pre-K). I am currently on the Board of Education, Airport Board Authority, VFW and the Eagles. I am very happy to raise our kids here in Kimball.

2. For which office are you running and why?

I am running for the Board of Education. I believe that the education we provide our children is the cornerstone of their future. I want to do what I can to help to provide that for them with this opportunity.

3. If elected, what do you hope to achieve while in office?

I do not have an agenda for why I would like to be elected. While on the School Board I have learned that it takes time and persistence to achieve anything of substance. We have many projects going on right now and I would like to continue to be apart of those and see them through.

4. From your perspective, what makes you the best candidate for this position?

I am young and have an open outlook to new ideas for how our school system can work. We are a fast growing world and we need to keep up with the changing technology and philosophies of education. I am not afraid to make hard decisions and will always at all times do my job with the up most integrity.

5. How will you represent your constituents?

I am an open person who will listen to anybody that needs an ear. I will always do my best to do what is best for our children.

6. Is there a message you wish to relay to the constituents?

Children are our future. They are the next leaders of the world. We need to give them the best head start in life that we can as a community. Lets not fail them, we all as a community need to get involved in our future leaders.

Renee Castagna

1. Tell me about yourself.

My name is Renee Castagna and I was born and raised in Kimball, NE. My husband, Shawn and I are both graduates of Kimball Jr/Sr High School. We have been married 7 years and have two young daughters. Our oldest, McKenzie will be starting Kindergarten in the Fall and our youngest, Layla, is 2 years old. I work at FirsTier Bank and my husband works at Clean Harbors.

2. For which office are you running and why?

I am running for a position on the school board.

With my girls being so young and starting school I want to make sure I’m involved and understand the school system not only for them but all the student and faculty members. I want to be an advocate for our students and help them get the best possible education.

3. If elected, what do you hope to achieve while in office?

If elected, I hope to better assister in achieving the students and teachers being proud of the education and school system. I want to bring the pride back to the school system.

4. From your perspective, what makes you the best candidate for this position?

I have a background in accounting and planning so I feel that will be very beneficial to bring to the school board. I am also very open to change and hearing new ideas that need to be discussed. I will always put the students of Kimball Public Schools first and foremost.

5. How will you represent your constituents?

I want to help be that voice for the students so I will work with the administrators to achieve the best possible education for our students.

6. Is there a message you wish to relay to the constituents?

I really want our school system to be the best out there for our students. It would be an honor to be a part of the school board and help be that voice and help push for results. I would greatly appreciate your votes. Thank you.

Jared Reich and Travis Cook were unable to respond prior to press time and, though they will be listed on the primary ballot, their answers are not displayed in this forum.