Clarion council candidates answer questions

In the upcoming election on November 2, there are three Clarion City Council seats up for grabs. Six candidates have thrown their hat in the ring to run. Because this is a contested election, the Monitor asked the candidates to answer some questions to inform voters of their backgrounds and positions. Their responses are reproduced below in their entirety with little to no editing.

Last week, three candidates’ responses were shared. Here are the remaining three.

Dave Flurer

1. Why are you running for Clarion City Council?

I am running for city council because Clarion needs councilmembers who exhibit integrity, common sense, and strong leadership skills. As a councilmember I would provide the above as well as a fresh set of eyes for community improvement. As a resident, Clarion is in my blood and I want nothing but the best for the community and those who visit our town. As a business owner, I have taken a chance on Clarion. I am committed to Clarion for what it has provided my family and I and want to give back to those who have made this possible.

2. What background or skill set do you have that makes you qualified for city council?

As a business owner in the community, I have shown that I want to be a part of the solution to our community. I have progressed through my 9-year career with Hagie Manufacturing from technician to a team leader in multiple areas of the business. In these roles, I have proven the ability to make sound decisions utilizing strategic ambitions, building relationships with a diverse team, ensuring my team is protected from health and safety risks and modeled the Hagie Family Values of which integrity, respect and trust are exhibited. I am currently a member of the Hagie Foundation which is committed to enhancing our community, feeding the hungry and the school district, year after year.

3. What do you feel are the biggest issues facing Clarion today?

Clarion needs to continue to focus on our budget strategy to ensure our community is set up for success not only today but for tomorrow as well. We need to continue to grow our community, retain local businesses and provide opportunities for all residents to excel in the community. We need to provide solutions to retain the people we have within the community and not let work be the only reason people are coming to town.

4. What does the city need to do to address those issues and how would you help with that effort?

I am committed to listening to the residents of the community and providing a voice for change. We need to focus on thoughtful spending and ensure that we pick our core competencies and drive these as hard as we can. I am also confident in my ability to offer sound solutions to the issues we face and to proactively avoid issues our city may face.

5. If you are elected, what are your three biggest goals for your term?

If I am elected for Clarion city council I want to focus on the following:

1. Local businesses - Not only do I want to support new businesses coming to town, but I also want to ensure we are doing everything in our power to retain the businesses that Clarion has today.

2. Public Safety - As my wife and I raise our children within the community, I want to ensure we continue to focus on keeping Clarion safe. I am committed to maintain the safe environment I grew up with in Clarion by continuing to provide all the essential services which Clarion is known for (police, ambulance and fire department).

3. Community Services - I want to ensure residents in town not only have the available amenities for their children (positive school experience, daycare, events etc.) but I also want to ensure that adults in the community have opportunities to enjoy the same.

Nick McOllough

1. Why are you running for Clarion City Council?

My wife and I were both born and raised in this community and returned here to raise our family. I want to help the city and its citizens to become the best community possible; including improvement to the local parks, activities for youth and adults, and creating a community we can all be proud of.

2. What background or skill set do you have that makes you qualified for city council?

Through my career as a production supervisor and project manager, I have gained experience in servant leadership, budgeting, and project management. These are skills that would help me be successful in a city council role.

3. What do you feel are the biggest issues facing Clarion today?

I feel the biggest issues facing Clarion are a stagnate/negative population trend which I believe is, in part, driven by a lack of amenities and activities for families and affordable housing. By empowering our city to execute on the needs of the citizens, we can start to reverse that trend.

4. What does the city need to do to address those issues and how would you help with that effort?

I would help enable the city to execute on key initiatives and programs that would draw more families to the community. We need to understand what the citizens of Clarion are needing/wanting and investigate how to fill those needs/wants. I will engage others to help and drive projects to completion.

5. If you are elected, what are your three biggest goals for your term?

Improved city parks and amenities, high quality and affordable early childcare learning center, and building a highly committed and engaged community.

Dan Hennigar

1. Why are you seeking re-election to the city council?

I am seeking re-election to Clarion City Council as I have enjoyed my current term serving our community in all aspects. My family, businesses, and entire life are in this community. I have always known Clarion is a great place for business and an even better place to raise a family. I own businesses in Clarion and want to see Clarion grow. We have a lot of businesses within our community that need the citizens and city support to stay open or grow.

2. What background or skill set do you have that makes you qualified for city council?

I made my home in Clarion when I turned 17. My entire family was born and raised here. I currently serve on the council and feel that my experience with business and public relations are very important roles in community involvement. Over the last few years I have learned a lot being on council and the responsibilities of listening to our citizens and bringing their concerns to the table. I feel I have kept communication open to anyone that has or have had questions or concerns about the city and get answers to them to the best of my knowledge or connect them with someone else that could help.

3. What do you feel are the biggest issues facing Clarion today?

I believe Clarion is struggling just as much as most towns our size. Daycare is a big issue our families are facing and this has been addressed to the city on multiple occasions and efforts are in place for this.

Housing is another issue Clarion is facing, I have personally purchased homes to fix them up and make them livable on both selling and renting them. We have some really great landlords in our community trying to provide better and more housing every day. I personally know of some plans for more housing that would be a great addition to us but unfortunately with COVID, things have been pushed back.

As I have said before, Clarion has a lot of great businesses in place, and I have seen more come in the last couple of months. We have room to grow, and I would like to see that happen.

4. What does the city need to do to address those issues and how would you help with that effort?

I feel that the city has been working toward its goals with daycare, housing, and business efforts but this all takes time and money.

5. If you are elected, what are your three biggest goals for your term?

-Daycare

-Housing

-New business development