The upcoming City and School election on November 7th, 2023, will see many changes throughout differing boards and councils.
Southeastern Community College, best known as SCC, will see three candidates wrestle for one position on the board. The man currently in that position is not running.
Mark Hempen has received awards such as volunteer of the year in Mt. Pleasant, worked in the radio industry for many years, and served on the New London City Council for 12 years. Hempen wants to directly support the successful initiatives currently going on at the college, as well as future initiatives to promote quality higher education in the southeast Iowa region.
He faces tough competition from First Sergeant Jesse Howard, a marine-turned Army National Guard soldier, who has faithfully served his country for 21 years. Howard currently serves as the Board President for the New London Community School District. Jesse strives to be a strong advocate for expanding Career and Technical Education opportunities and increasing continuing education opportunities in Henry County.
Also on the ticket is newcomer Ryan Coop, who has turned to historical ways of campaigning. Coop, and a group of volunteers, have walked around the community in a door-knocking campaign to raise support and help get his name out there. Coop has spent two years serving as Clerk at the State Legislature. He is eager to expand live classes and other educational opportunities at the SCC Mt. Pleasant Center and other regional SCC offices.
You will have the chance to hear from all three of them through KILJ on Friday, October 27th, for a special episode of “Generation Gap.” Paul and Kadie will interview the three candidates for thirty minutes and ask questions that many community members have been asking. Tune into 105.5FM, 98.5FM, 1130AM, or KILJ.com on Friday to hear directly from the three men.
All three candidates are fighting for a single seat in District One. Early voting is already available through your local county auditor’s office, and the polls will be open for day-of voting on Tuesday, November 7th, 2023.