HOPE — The two candidates vying to represent Ward 2 on the Hope Town Council have a few things in common — they are the same age and have both spent much of their careers in retail management.
Democrat Nellie Meek, who co-owned and managed Meek’s Grocery in Hope for 10 years in the late 1970s and 1980s, is seeking her second term on the council.
She is facing a challenge from John Walstad, a Republican who spent much of his career managing home improvement stores before becoming a manager at the Dollar General Store in Hope.
Ward 2 is basically the eastern part of historic Hope, running from Maple Street on the west east to the town limits. This is the only contested race in Hope, with council members Ed Johnson and Ohmer Miller, as well as clerk-treasurer Diane Burton, all running unopposed.
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Meek and Walstad voiced support for sidewalk improvements in different areas of town, as well as economic development.
Walstad said he would ideally like to attract more small businesses, especially to downtown Hope, but would welcome a large company to town.
“The more people we have working here, the better our tax breaks,” Walstad said.
Meek said she would also work to recruit new businesses and industry while supporting Hope’s existing businesses.
Her other goals include examining ways to lower the town’s water and sewer bills, consulting police and fire departments regarding their future needs, and increasing financial support to Hope’s food pantry.
For Walstad, priorities include luring a grocery store with fresh fruit and produce to town. He also favors stronger support to Heritage of Hope, Inc., for the annual Hope Heritage Days celebration because the fall celebration is the major fundraiser for most of the town’s nonprofits. This year’s festival was canceled due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Both candidates were asked two additional questions.
Q: Hope has enacted a trash, fence, wall and housing ordinances over a relatively short period of time. Has the Hope Town Council tried to do too much, too little or just about the right amount?
Walstad: I think the steps that have been taken have been just about right. We needed to have the community-wide mandatory trash pickup, because it was starting to look pretty shoddy around here. I’m also glad to see Hope sponsor clean-up days with the assistance of trash vendors, which really helps us take care of the town. We need to have more of those in the future.
Meek: As a member of the council I have worked hard to improve the quality of life for all residents. The fence and housing ordinances were needed to protect everyone’s property, and keep everyone accountable. They should have been done several years ago, so yes, it was time.
Q: Does Hope need a town manager?
Walstad: While I’m not sure at this time, I would probably lean towards having a town manager. We need to secure more grants, because our sidewalks are notorious. There are some problems along Jackson, Washington, Harrison and Seminary streets. My wife likes to take walks around town, but I’ve seen her walk in the streets, rather than on some sections of sidewalks.
Meek: My husband always said if the clerk/treasurer and council will do their jobs, then Hope does not need a town manager, and I agree. We members of the council might need to take on a little more responsibility. (The) town manager salary and benefit package is expensive, and the money could be put to better use to support the needs of our residents, especially right now.
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Name: John Walstad
Residence: Hope
Age: 72
Party: Republican
Occupation: Worked 28 years as a manager with Menards Home Improvement stores at various locations. Managed the Dollar General Store in Hope for four years. Still works at the retailer on a part-time basis.
Education: Graduated from Farmington High School (Minnesota) in 1966, obtained his bachelor of arts degree in St. Cloud University in Minnesota with a degree in geography, with a minor in anthropology.
Community involvement: Serves on the town council’s EDIT committee, the Hope Police oversight committee and the Hope Plan Commission.
Family: Wife, Marsha. Two sons, three grandchildren.
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Name: Nellie Meek
Residence: Hope
Age: 72
Party: Democrat
Previous offices sought: Completing first term representing Ward 2 on the Hope Town Council.
Occupation: Retired. Formerly owned and operated Meek’s Grocery. Has also worked as office manager at Empire Gas Co.
Education: Graduated from Columbus High School. Have received certificate from Rod and Staff Ministries Biblical Counseling. Have also completed some nursing courses at Ivy Tech Community College.
Professional Honors and Associations: Awarded by Empire Gas for having the best accounts receivables from more than 200 stores.
Community Involvement: Served three years on the Hope Board of Zoning Appeals, as well as a volunteer police dispatcher, teaching assistant and assistant with the Hope Bike Ride. Volunteer tax prepared for low income people. Served on building committee for First Baptist Church of Hope, which obtained the property now used as the Gathering Fields of Hope. Served over the Prayer Partners during the church’s Faith Outreach program, as well as other ministries. Supporter of Hauser Jr.-Sr. High athletics.
Family: Widowed. Two sons and five grandchildren.
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