It is officially election season. Cities, school districts and Northwest Iowa Community College have elected officials whose terms are expiring. Voters are asked to take time on November 7, 2023, the first Tuesday in November to vote for the appropriate number of candidates for a full governmental body in their community, and to get the government they would like to have. Sheldon and South O’Brien School Districts also have bonding questions on the ballot. For absentee ballot questions contact the O’Brien County Auditor’s office, 957-3255. Your local newspapers will provide relevant information about the candidates and/or the incumbents. The appropriate questions will also be given coverage by your local media. Get informed before voting.

2023 City/School Candidates & Questions
Cities

Archer
Mayor
*Nathan Mueller
Council at Large – vote for 2
*Steven Meyer
*Aimee Mueller

Calumet
Council at Large – vote for 3
Josie Greathouse
*Kim Mesenbrink
**Heath Negus

Paullina
Mayor
Steve Heeren
John Ihle
Marlin Sjaarda
Council at Large – vote for 3
Jay A. Bootsma
Glenda K. Heithus
Nichole Fintel Jacobs
Kimberly Myers
*Jean A. Unrau
Dennis Werkmeister

Primghar
Mayor
*Kurtis Edwards
Council at Large – vote for 2
*Ryan J. Jenness
Tracy Lenz
*Kevin Buck Smith

Sutherland
Council at Large – vote for 3
*Bruce Engelke
Nancy Kuehl
*Patrick J. Nelson

Schools
South O’Brien
Director District 2
*Joshua Rausch
Director District 4
*Beth A. Sibenaller-Woodall
Director District 5
No candidate
Director District at Large
*John Beck

*Denotes incumbent
**Denotes previously appointed candidate

Question QK – South O’Brien Community School –
Public Measure QK
Summary: To adopt a Revenue Purpose Statement specifying the use of revenues the South O’Brien Community School District will receive from the State of Iowa Secure an Advanced Vision for Education Fund.
In the South O’Brien Community School District, the following Revenue Purpose Statement which specifies the use of revenues the South O’Brien Community School District will receive from the State of Iowa Secure an Advanced Vision for Education Fund shall be adopted.
To provide funds to acquire or install information technology infrastructure (including improving buildings or sites for the purpose of accessing broadband digital telecommunications) and school safety and security infrastructure.
To provide funds to build and furnish a new school building or buildings; to build and furnish addition(s) to school buildings in the District; to remodel, reconstruct, repair, expand, and improve the school buildings in the District; to purchase and improve grounds; for demolition work; to furnish and equip district facilities.
To provide funds for the purchase, lease or lease-purchase of buildings, equipment (including transportation and recreation equipment), or technology and to repair transportation equipment for transporting students as authorized by law, to implement energy conservation measures, sharing or rental of facilities including a joint infrastructure project for the purposes of offering classes under district-to-community college programs as authorized in Iowa Code Section 423F.3(3)(c), procuring or acquisition of libraries, or opening roads to schoolhouses or buildings.
To provide funds to purchase land as part of start-up costs for new student construction program or if the sale of the previous student construction was insufficient to purchase land, and to purchase construction materials and supplies for a student-constructed building or shed intended to be retained by and used by the District.
To provide funds to make payments to a municipality or other entity as required under Iowa Code Section 403.19(2).
To provide funds for demolition, cleanup, and other costs if such costs are necessitated by, and incurred within two years of, a disaster.
To provide funds to establish and maintain public recreation places and playgrounds; provide for supervision and instruction for recreational activities; or for community education purposes.
To provide funds for the payment of principal and interest or retirement of general obligation bonds issued for school infrastructure purposes, energy improvement loans, loan agreements authorized by Iowa Code Section 297.36, sales, service and use tax revenue bonds issued under Iowa Code Section 423E.5 or Iowa Code Section 423F.4.
To provide funds for property tax relief; and
To provide funds for other authorized expenditures and purposes as now or hereafter permitted by law and designated by the South O’Brien Community School District.
It being understood that if this proposition should fail to be approved by the voters, such failure shall not be construed to terminate or restrict authority previously granted by the voters to expend receipts from the Secure an Advanced Vision for Education Fund.
If approved, this Revenue Purpose Statement shall remain in effect until replaced or amended by the South O’Brien Community School District.
If a majority of eligible electors voting on the question fail to approve this Revenue Purpose Statement, then upon expiration of the current Revenue Purpose Statement, revenues received by the School District from the Secure an Advanced Vision for Education fund shall be expended in the following order:
The payment of bonds for which SAVE Revenue has been pledged;
Reduction of bond levies under Iowa Code Sections 298.18 and 298.18A and all other debt levies;
Reduction of the regular and voter-approved physical plant and equipment levy under Iowa Code Section 298.2;
Reduction of the public educational and recreational levy under Iowa Code Section 300.2;
For any authorized infrastructure purpose of the school district as defined in Iowa Code Section 423F.3(6); and
For the payment of principal and interest on bonds issued under Iowa Code Sections 423E.5 and 423F.4