Candidates Discuss Their Vision For Oskaloosa

A coin toss determined the order for the Oskaloosa At-Large race for the most recent public forum.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – There are two contested races in Oskaloosa this year, and candidates had their first chance to speak directly with voters this past week.

The first race that is being contested is the two at-large seats currently held by Scottie Moore and Tom Walling. They are being challenged by Wyatt Russell and Charlie Comfort.

Incumbent Tom Walling was the first to give an opening statement, where he thanked those in attendance for coming. Walling shared his connection to the community, and that his experience as a Sr. Vice President for Cunningham’s, he’s learned how to budget, generate jobs, and payroll, “which makes a town run.”

“I’ve always been an advocate of business. I’m an advocate for all of you, but business is what it’s about,” said Walling in closing.

Scotty Moore, also an at-large incumbent was next to inform the crowd about her life in Oskaloosa. Moore was a long time teacher at the Oskaloosa School District. “I’ve had the pleasure to serve on the council for eight years. I’d like the opportunity to be there for four more years to complete some projects we’ve started.”

“When I ran eight years ago, I promised to be a good steward of your money. The city financially is in the best shape it’s ever been in,” said Moore. “We are the envy of many towns around because of our financial situation.”

Challenger Charlie Comfort was the next candidate to talk about why voters should consider him for the position, and his vision for the Oskaloosa community.

Comfort, who is a former Oskaloosa School Board member, is currently employed in Ottumwa in the banking industry. Comfort said he decided that it was the right time for new leaders to be serving in the city of Oskaloosa.

“I think we are at a perfect opportunity where we can present a new vision and a new perspective on how to move the city forward.”

Wyatt Russell is the other challenger for the at-large seats and is a former building inspector for the city of Oskaloosa. Russell ran an unsuccessful campaign four years for the city council, ultimately defeated by the incumbents.

Russell said that everyone running for the seat has a common goal of doing the best possible things for the city. “We may all vary on how to get there, but our differences are what make the system work.”

Russell said that the current city codes should be reviewed, and if portions are not working, “take it out or make it better.”

“We need to look at making it easier to build or rebuild in our community while still maintaining a more consistent path for everyone to follow.”

For the job of Mayor of Oskaloosa, incumbent Dave Krutzfeldt is being challenged by Jeff Lorentzen. The position is up for reelection every two years.

Krutzfeldt is the chief financial officer for Interpower Corporation and financial controller for Tassel Ridge Winery. “I think I bring a unique combination of business and political experience to the mayoral position.”

Krutzfeldt spoke about the initiatives currently underway in the city of Oskaloosa, including an early childhood development center, Highway 63 bypass, and the sanitary sewer system updates. Krutzfeldt said those projects and more have him putting in upwards of 20 hours per week working for the city.

Lorentzen is a government teacher with the Oskaloosa School District and thanked all of the candidates that spoke before him, saying, “I think we’re in good hands no matter what.”

“It takes a lot of heart and courage to put yourself out there in the public,” added Lorentzen.

Lorentzen said that when he’s not working or spending time with his young family, he likes to be active, and is a physical person.

Lorentzen said it’s always been a dream of his to represent the city of Oskaloosa.

Elections will take place on November 7th.