Melrose City Council candidates

The Star Post is featuring candidates in its coverage area where there are city council races in the Nov. 3 election in a question-and-answer format that candidates choose to participate in. Three people are vying to fill two open Melrose councilor seats in the Nov. 3 election — Holly Berscheit, Jade Massmann and incumbent Travis Frieler. The Star Post confirmed Sarah Dyrseth, who originally filed for candidacy, has chosen not to run for the position, but her name may still be on the ballot.

Holly Berscheit

What has motivated you to run for a seat on the city council? I believe it’s up to each of us to support our community. When Joelene Wieling moved out of town, leaving a vacant seat, I thought I could help out.

What personal or professional experiences have prepared you for governmental service? I am willing to learn. Whether it was working as a homemaker, EMT, paraprofessional or my current position as assistant activities director/assistant community education director at Melrose Area Public Schools, I strive to keep an open mind and am ready to learn more.

If elected, what are your top priorities during your term, and how do you plan to address them? I believe the goal of the government is to serve the people. My priorities are to listen and learn. I will do my best for the people of Melrose each day.

What changes, if any, would you like to implement as a member of city council, and how do you plan to address those concerns? I believe the city is currently on a good track; however, I believe the city council can aid in the growth and further development of residential, commercial and industrial spaces within the city.

How do you believe residents should be involved in the council’s decision-making process? As a city council member, I would represent the citizens of Melrose. I hope residents will bring concerns forward and offer solutions, which would allow council members to see situations from multiple viewpoints. The decisions made by the council should continue to benefit the people in Melrose.

Travis Frieler

What has motivated you to run for a seat on the city council? My main motivation is to finish out a few projects that I have been involved with over the past two terms.

What personal or professional experiences have prepared you for governmental service? Currently, I’m serving as a city council member, and being a business owner is helpful.

If elected, what are your top priorities during your term, and how do you plan to address them? I would like to continue to advocate for new business and help existing businesses where they need it. This can be done through city programs that new or existing businesses qualify for. Another priority is improving things in the city while keeping taxes appropriate to the areas around us.

How do you believe residents should be involved in the council’s decision-making process? I would encourage residents to call and ask questions about projects that interest them, bring their concerns to city hall and get them addressed, and attend council meetings to get educated on the topics of concern and ask questions.

Jade Massmann

What has motivated you to run for a seat on the city council? I am motivated to give back to the community that has given me so much. I want to foster positive change that honors our diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Together, we can grow while staying rooted in the values and community spirit that make our town special.

What personal or professional experiences have prepared you for governmental service? Through my various work experiences, I have developed strong skills in actively listening to others, understanding their needs and finding solutions that work for individuals while also considering what is best for our community as a whole. I value collaboration, open communication and finding common ground to move forward together.

If elected, what are your top priorities during your term, and how do you plan to address them?  If elected, my priorities would be to strengthen communication between residents and the city, support responsible growth, and help maintain the quality of life that makes our community a great place to live. I would work to create more opportunities for residents to share concerns and ideas while making city information and decisions easier to understand and access. I also want to support thoughtful planning that balances growth with our community’s values, infrastructure and resources. Most importantly, I would approach each issue by listening to residents, considering different perspectives, asking questions and working collaboratively to find practical solutions that serve our community as a whole.

What changes, if any, would you like to implement as a member of city council, and how do you plan to address those concerns? I want our city council to be a place where residents feel comfortable voicing concerns, asking questions and knowing they will be heard without an agenda. I believe local government works best when communication is open, respectful and accessible. My goal is to listen to the needs and ideas of our community, understand different perspectives and work collaboratively to find practical solutions. I want decisions to reflect our shared values while allowing our town to grow and move forward. By listening first and working together, we can build a stronger, connected community where everyone feels valued and represented.

How do you believe residents should be involved in the council’s decision-making process? I believe residents should have meaningful opportunities to be involved throughout the decision-making process, not just when a final decision is being made. Community input should be actively sought, encouraged and valued before important decisions are made. My plan is to set aside one day each month to meet with residents at a local coffee shop or meeting space, creating an informal opportunity to listen, answer questions and start conversations. Open communication should make information accessible and encourage residents to share concerns, ideas and perspectives.

While not every decision will satisfy everyone, residents should feel heard, respected and represented.