Three write-in candidates will vie for one seat on the Decorah Parks and Recreation Board

One one person--Cindy Albers--filed nomination papers for a spot on the ballot in next Tuesday's election to pick two members of the Decorah Parks & Recreation Board.  That means the second board position will be decided by write-in candidates.

On October 10th we told you of the candidacy of Shirley Vermace of Decorah.  Our article about her candidacy is linked here

Now we can tell you two other people will be conducting write-in campaigns for the second open spot on the Park-Rec Board: Nori Hadley and Kirk Johnson.

Hadley says she is running because "We are so fortunate to live in an area with immense scenic beauty, and the Decorah Park Rec Department does a wonderful job of maintaining and utilizing our public parks.  I want to help.  It must take a lot of foresight and planning to keep our Parks beautiful, and I'd like to be involved in a meaningful way.  The Decorah Park Rec program also offers an incredible variety of activities for every age, fitness level, and season.  Serving on the Board would be a chance to help choose, promote, and organize some of these great events.  Furthermore, The Park Rec Department is  considering some ambitious projects over the next few years, and it would be a privilege to assist in them.  Plans for a community Recreation Center may be on the Board's docket, as well as improvements to existing facilities throughout Decorah.  It would be fantastic to learn firsthand what people in our town envision for the Park Rec's future."

Johnson says he is running because, "I had a number of people in the community (people I respect) ask if I was interested in serving after they realized that no one had filed papers for the seat. I thought about it a bit and decided it is something that I would like to do. Kerry and I will be empty-nesters soon, so I have a little more time to dedicate to public service."  He adds, "Decorah's parks and trails are, I think, among our most important resources.  We have one of the largest park systems of any community in the upper Midwest, and we should be very proud of our park system.  We are a healthier community because of our parks and the recreational activities available to us. We are the envy of many communities because of the beauty of our parks that are part and parcel of who we are as a city.  My priorities would be to make sure our current parks continue to be preserved and are well-cared for... and that we look toward the future and plan our priorities and finances accordingly.  We need to continue to have appropriate planned recreational activities and facilities for our citizens, particularly, our children.  Our relationship with the schools in the community are vitally important, as they provide many of the spaces our citizens use for recreation.  We are so very lucky to have the land, facilities and resources that we share with one another and those positive relationships need to be continued."

Johnson recently served on Decorah's Planning and Zoning Commission while it updated the Comprehensive Development Plan for the city.  He also served on the Board of Adjustment for several years and served two terms on the City Council before that.  He has been an active member of Trails of Winneshiek County (TOW) for many years, and also served as a member of the Trout Run Trail committee. Johnson is an avid cyclist and a frequent user of Decorah's trails and parks and is currently Secretary/Treasurer for Decorah Human Powered Trails.

Hadley has worked for The Laura Ingalls Wilder Park and Museum in Burr Oak, Sunflower Child Care, Downtown Decorah Betterment, and The St Benedict Parent-School Association in Decorah, and the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra Committee in La Crosse.  She adds, "While experience counts for a lot, I think the right attitude can be just as important.  Sure, I have some ideas for Decorah's Park-Rec Department, but so do many other people. And their suggestions may be better than mine.  Approaching every Board meeting with an open mind allows creativity and cooperation to flourish. Those two traits make for meaningful discussions, and meaningful discussions lead to good choices for our community and its parks."