The upcoming City and School Election will feature several local races for voters to decide at the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 4. This week, The Union is highlighting Ossian’s mayoral candidate Arnold Kriener, who is running unopposed for the office.
Three city council seats will also be determined next week as Ryan Becker is seeking one of the vacant at large seats. A second expired term also up for election, along with as a third at large seat to fill a vacancy (term up for reelection through the 2027 City Election) – both of which will be filled by the person who receives the most write-in votes.
The South Winneshiek Board of Education will have several terms up for election, including a new District 3 director and three additional director seats featuring unopposed incumbents, each of which were highlighted in last week’s edition of The Union.
Voters will also decide the fate of South Winn’s bond referendum, which requires at least 60 percent to be in favor of the high school renovation and expansion project.
Ossian voters will cast their Precinct 10 ballots, which includes Frankville, Bloomfield, and Military Townships, at the Ossian Community Center, which is located at 123 Main Street. Polls will be open countywide from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Mayor
Arnold C. Kriener
Q: Family:
A: Wife Tanya and six children between the two of us – Kyleigh, Jared, Skylar, Allanda, Madison, and Kroix. I also have two grandchildren, Mirielle and Nora.
Q: How long have you been an Ossian resident?
A: I have been living in the Ossian area for the past 30, including the last 13 years living officially inside the city limits.
Q: What do you do for a living?
A: I have been an agent with Farm Bureau Financial Services and Offices in Cresco for the past 23 years and I also have a small farming operation.
Q: Have you previously served on a city council or as mayor before? If so, how many years/terms?
A: I have not served on the city council or as Mayor before.
Q: Have you previously or do you currently serve on any other boards/ committees/etc.?
A: I served for eight years on the South Winneshiek School Board, as well as State President of Iowa Agents Association and as a Regional Director with Agents Association.
Q: How are you involved within the Ossian or other area communities?
A: My involvement in the past few years has been more limited with our children getting older, seeing them make their way through college and getting started in the world has been keeping us pretty busy the past few years as I’m sure many of you can understand. When the children were younger, we were involved with coaching, booster clubs and bleacher butt.
Q: What would you consider to be the best part about being an Ossian resident?
A: The best part of being an Ossian resident in my experience, good neighbors, good friends and a nice clean place to live where you can raise your children safely. The city has always taken pride in the upkeep and appearance of the whole town. Ossian is a town where everyone takes a lot of pride in how Ossian looks to non-residents and provides great services to its residents.
Q: Why, personally, did you choose to seek election?
A: I would say it starts with service, knowing there are many ways to serve. When you look around town you will see so many good people doing service for our town. Some examples are past and current councils or watering lower baskets or donating time to work on city celebrations. The way people show their commitment and service to town is too numerous to mention. So, the simple answer is it is my turn to serve, and I will accept it if asked.
Q: What are some of your goals if you are elected? And what are some specific projects and/or other items that you hope to address during your term?
A: I will not enter office with any preconceived to do list, I believe it is important to first listen and take some time to understand the financial situation of our town, look at future financial obligations and look for future growth opportunities for Ossian.
Q: Why should people consider giving you their vote?
A: I believe I can do the job and have had success in similar roles on other boards. I will look for opportunities to help grow Ossian without forgetting about what makes it a great place to live.