Candidates vie for Guttenberg municipal offices

By Molly Moser

Two candidates have filed for two open positions on the Guttenberg City Council, and two candidates are seeking two seats on the Guttenberg Park Board. Interviews with those candidates follow; interviews with hospital board candidates will appear in next week's issue of The Press. 

* * * 

City Council Candidate 

Justin Trappe

1. Why are you running for city council? I feel like the council needs a new, younger perspective. I want to help out the "average joe" and try to bring new industries/businesses into town.

2. What are your qualifications and background? I'm a Guttenberg citizen. I work and shop locally. My family is from Guttenberg. I've been visiting Guttenberg since I was a kid and now I live and work here.

3. In your vision for Guttenberg, what changes are needed? The way the town spends money. We need to bring new industry and businesses in to attract more people. We can't afford to rely on just tourism. Guttenberg is a growing, expanding community, not a retirement town.

4. What are your budget priorities? Cut back on wasteful spending. Spend money on the things we need, not want. 

5. What would you say are Guttenberg’s most positive traits or successful endeavors? The people, and the local businesses that employ the people and keep the town growing.

City Council Candidate 

Austin Greve

1. Why are you running for city council? I've been interested in city government for many years. I've attended many council meetings since high school and always thought I'd like to serve on the council. It's another way to give back to the community in addition to my other public service.

2. What are your qualification and background? I am a sixth generation born and raised resident of Guttenberg. I graduated in 2001 from Guttenberg High School. I've been a member of the Guttenberg Fire Department since 2003; current member of the Guttenberg City Cable Commission; elected to the Guttenberg City Park Board in November of 2013; current Clayton County Firemen's Association secretary/treasurer; current Guttenberg Fire Department Secretary; member of the Clayton Ridge Dollars for Scholars since 2002. I also was a co-chair of the local RAGBRAI committee in 2014. 

3. In your vision for Guttenberg, what changes are needed? My vision is to promote updating the city's infrastructure. We need better streets — many streets need repair and updated curb and gutter; continue updating water and sewer lines; and nuisance properties need to be looked at. I believe good communication between departments and the council is important. 

4. What are your budget priorities? I would like to keep spending down within our means along with getting done what needs to be done.

5. What would you say are Guttenberg's most positive traits or successful endeavors? Guttenberg's park and riverwalk are big assets to the community. A recent successful endeavor is last year's RAGBRAI event when people worked together to show off our community.

Park Board

Park Board Candidate

MARY STREICH

1. Why are you running for park board? I’m running to preserve the dominant beauty of our parks, not only for today but for future generations as well.

2. What do you see as the most important issues to address as a member of the park board? The most important issue is to maintain the beautiful park that we have. It is also important to oversee the ongoing maintenance of gazebos, benches, trees, and public restrooms.

3. Please list your qualifications for this position. I have served on the park board for the last six years and would like the opportunity to serve on this committee again. I bring the background knowledge from the years that I have already served.

4. What are the most positive aspects of Guttenberg’s parks, as you see them? In my opinion Guttenberg has some of the best parks and river walk anywhere. Preserving this heritage as a re-creation leader is very important to me. One of the most positive aspects that our parks have is that they are right along the Mississippi River. No matter what park bench you sit at you have a magnificent view of the river.  

Park Board Candidate

BETH SADEWASSER

1. Why are you running for park board? Guttenberg is a beautiful  place with a lot of interesting things to do and see. This  small community packs a big punch! I know all the things my family and I have enjoyed over the years did not just happen. Events are planned and things are built because people care and work hard to make Guttenberg the great place it is. Being on the park board is a way I feel I can give back to the community which has given so much to me. 

2. What do you see as the most important issues to address as a member of the park board? Ash bore infestation and the dike are certainly the hot topic items, but I think the overall long-term vision of the park is the most important issue. Careful thought must go into anything we plant or build. 

3. Please list your qualifications for this position. As a life-long resident of Guttenberg I have seen the changes made to the park over the years and I have heard the arguments for and against many of these changes.  It is clear to me the park belongs to all of us and we are all equally proud and protective of it.  I  am qualified for the Park Board position because I can objectively listen to both sides of any issue. I am not afraid to ask questions and I will ask questions until I thoroughly understand the issue.   I will work hard, and any decision I make will be well informed and will reflect what the citizens of Guttenberg want.

4. What are the most positive aspects of Guttenberg’s parks, as you see them? The view of the Mississippi is the most important aspect of the park. The park was established to preserve the view of the river, any changes or additions we make to the park must compliment, not detract from, this view.