GAYLE NELSON
CITY/TOWN: Persia
CANDIDATE FOR: City Council
EXPLAIN WHO YOU ARE: I am somewhat a middle child from a family of 10 children, the Kosmacek family of Persia. We first moved to Persia for my Sophomore year at Tri-Center. After graduation in 1977, I moved to Omaha and then to Dallas for my job. I moved back to Persia in 1991. I met my husband, Bobby, in June 1992 and we were married in July 1994. Since returning to Iowa, I have worked for First Data Corporation for 20 years, Edward Jones for 2 1/2 years, Underwood Schools for 2 years and then Harlan Schools for 5 years. I have worked in management positions, as well as, janitorial duties. My jobs have always included some level of customer service and care, of which I feel I am very successful. I care about our community and would love to work with town officials to see it grow.
WHY DID YOU RUN FOR THIS POSITION? Our town is in need of growth opportunities and we are slowly becoming a town of no businesses. We need to rejuvenate our town, our citizens and welcome new entrepreneurs. We also have a challenge with our current water provider. I believe we need to revisit the contract that the town signed and investigate our options for better service. Currently it seems that not all city ordinances are being enforced. It may be as simple as supply new residences a brief overview pamphlet when the join our town, as well as follow-up when rules are not complied with no matter how long a resident.
WHAT FROM YOUR BACKGROUND QUALIFIES YOU FOR THIS POSITION? I have held management positions in large corporations for 30 plus years of my life. This experience gave me insights on how to run projects, communicate with people on all levels, and look for opportunities for improvement no matter the project. I am proud to be a resident of Persia and have seen the good and the not so good happenings of our town.
WHAT ARE YOU GOALS IF ELECTED? I would like to see our town come together and become a welcoming place that neighboring towns would want to visit. Our American Legion group and Fire Department do a great job of creating events that people attend. We need to include more of our citizens so we can put Persia back on the map as a part of the bigger community.
