Lester appointed to fill council vacancy

The Red Oak City Council is once again operating at full capacity.
At the regular council meeting on July 7, the council discussed a resolution for the appointment of a Ward One council member. The vacancy was created by the resignation of Ward One Councilman John Haidsiak on May 28, citing an inability to work with the city administrator and tension between himself and a fellow councilman.
Red Oak Mayor Shawnna Silvius said multiple people expressed interest in filling the vacancy, and she gave her thoughts on the applicants.
“We have had three applicants, Levi Franks, Billy Derr, and Jeanice Lester. I feel like all three applications were really nicely done. I think all three individuals would bring a great side to the conversation,” Silvius said. “With this being a two-year term, my suggestion would be Jeanice Lester. As a former councilperson, she ran as a non-registered candidate last time, and I think she lost by a very slim margin. So with her 12 years’ experience on the council, serving as Mayor Pro Tem for several years, and serving under two mayors, myself and Mayor Bill Billings, that would be my recommendation.”
Councilpersons Tim Fridolph, Brian Bills, Sharon Bradley, and Adam Heitbrink were in favor of the appointment. Bradley and Bills in particular felt that Lester’s past experience as a council member would be beneficial in the interim. Bills said he would be glad to assist the other applicants if they wanted to run for public office in the future.
The council approved the resolution appointing Lester to fill the vacancy. However, city administrator Lisa Kotter said the appointment will not be for Haidsiak’’s entire remaining term.
“There is a state law that requires that the Ward 1 position be placed on the ballot in November instead of the old way of letting the appointee take the remainder of the term. In November, it will be the already planned Mayor, Ward 2, at-large and now adding Ward 1,” Kotter advised.”
After being sworn in, Lester said she was honored to once again hold the council position.
“I’m very excited for Red Oak. My husband, Will and I retired here. We raised our kids here. We decided to stay here because we believe in Red Oak,” said Lester.
Lester commented on why she decided to submit her application for the appointment.
“When the Ward 1 seat became available, I wanted to help the city out. I have always been a person that wants to help Red Oak be the best it can be. This consists of serving on committees, volunteer work, and my previous knowledge. I believe I can and will hit the ground running,” commented Lester.
Lester said she’s looking forward to having another chance to do good things in the community.
“I am pleased to have another opportunity to serve on the council.  Many people have reached out to me, which confirmed my decision to step up to the plate once again,” stated Lester.
Also, Lester said she doesn’t believe it will take her long to get up to speed on the city’s current issues.
“I have stayed in touch with a lot of the issues concerning the city council and the city of Red Oak. Also, I have attended several of the council meetings and serve on committees that involve the city. I do not anticipate a real problem being back and transitioning to being full time.  If it takes extra hours on my part to do so, then I am willing to put in those extra hours,” advised Lester.
As she steps into the role, Lester said she had a few goals in mind.
“My focus is to keep moving forward as a city. I am very excited about helping the city with the Lakin Foundation monies that will be available to Red Oak and Southwest Iowa.  This is such a wonderful opportunity for us,” stated Lester.
While she has not yet made an official decision, based on the state law requiring the position be placed on the ballot in November, Lester said she is leaning towards an official declaration to run for the seat. She also had a message for the city’s residents.
“I want to represent Ward 1 as best as I am able. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns as we move forward to November. I cannot answer any questions or concerns if you do not reach out to me personally. I feel honored to have this privilege to be the council member for Ward 1,” Lester explained.