BEATRICE – Five council candidates running for two contested positions this year fielded questions in a Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce forum Tuesday night.


Incumbent Third Ward Councilman Rich Kerr is facing two challengers. Kerr, a veteran councilman, says a lot has been accomplished in city government, in business, industry and recreation. "We've done this while maintaining a constant property tax mill levy rate of 35-cents for every dollar. We've not raised the electrical rates in over eight years, or water rates in over three years. This had been done because of good stewardship of our tax dollars and keeping a close eye on the budget."


Third Ward Challenger Dana Hydo emphasized her small business experience and working with organizations interested in community growth.
"I believe my experience working with my family in a small business and working in the area of accounting has given me a unique perspective, on every dollar counts. Also, all of the work with nonprofits that I've done and being a treasurer, has allowed me to work with budgets and create financial statements. I believe I'm a really good listener....and that I'm good at consensus-building and compromise."


A third candidate running in the Third Ward race is Chris Ulrick, who has worked in corrections and emergency management. "To draw individuals into our town, has been stagnant for many, many years. What I would like to see is the city council give more incentives to draw businesses in and draw families in. I would say the starting point, for us, is to take care of the citizens we have now."


Current 4th Ward City Councilman Gary Barnard is now seeking the First Ward position where he’ll reside. Barnard said the community has a lot to offer, with its school system, trail system, water park and library. "We're really poised to attract young people, and I hope we're going to be able to do so, in the future."


First Ward incumbent Tim Fralin is seeking reelection. "What I bring to you is leadership, youth and enthusiasm. I want to see this city prosper, I want to see downtown prosper as well as the outlying areas that don't get talked about, besides Main Street Beatrice. We have other areas of business within the city limits."


Ward one Council candidate Chelsey Thompson did not attend Tuesday’s forum. Two candidates do not face opposition in this year’s election…..Second Ward veteran Council incumbent Ted Fairbanks…and Fourth Ward Council candidate Alex Eckhoff.