NYSSA – Pat Oliver wants to make Nyssa a better place to live.
Bill Savage, Patricia Esplin and Betty Holcomb want to help their community while Ross Ballard wanted to give city politics one more try.
They all have one thing in common: They each are seeking a slot on the Nyssa City Council.
Four slots are open on the council including three four-year terms and one two-year term. The candidates that garner the most votes win the four-year terms while the individuals who get the fourth-highest number will fill the two-year slot. Once the election is over, the council then convenes and elects a mayor.
Ballard – who is mayor – and Oliver are the incumbents.
Ballard said he thought he would “throw my hat in one more time.”
“Will I change the course of mighty rivers? No. But I would like to get this trainload thing started,” said Ballard.
He was referring to the $26 million rail reload facility planned north of Nyssa. Ballard has been on the council six years, including four as mayor.
Oliver said she, too, wants the rail reload facility to become operational.
“And see if we can do something about getting some housing into Nyssa,” Oliver said.
Oliver has the longest tenure – 12 years – on the city council and she touted that experience as a key reason residents should vote for her.
“I have lived here for 44 years and I care about the citizens of Nyssa,” said Oliver.
Savage, a retired school superintendent and longtime county and Nyssa resident, said he is running because he wants to give back to his town.
“I think we could do more for young people,” said Savage. A splash pad in Nyssa for youth is an idea he would support.
He also said his time as a superintendent would be an asset.
“I know about budgeting and applying for grants and so on. I am 78 and will represent the seniors of this community. I have the same problems they have,” said Savage.
Holcomb, who is preparing to retire from the U.S. Postal Service, said the time was right to get involved in local politics.
Holcomb said residents should vote for her because she cares about people and wants to listen to residents. She said she is also keenly aware of the challenges seniors in the community face.
“I would like to lower the water bill. I see a lot of elderly people at the post office and it is a big deal to them to have a $100 water bill. I don’t know if I can change that but I just want to help the people of Nyssa,” said Holcomb.
Esplin, who operates TLC Hair Design in Nyssa, said it is just “her turn” to help Nyssa.
“I think I can help. I’ve had people ask me in the past to run. I will give 100 percent and be completely devoted,” said Esplin.
Candidate Morganne L. DeLeon could not be reached for comment regarding her campaign for city council.