RIVERSIDE

Four candidates, including three current City Council members, are running for three City Council seats in the Nov. 7 election.

Each seat carries a four-year term, beginning Jan. 1, 2024. Kevin Kiene, Edgar McGuire and Lois Schneider are seeking re-election; Ryan Rogerson, who has served as chair of the Riverside’s Planning & Zoning Commission, is seeking election.

The News asked a series of questions as the election draws nearer.

Kevin Kiene

Age: 71

Family:  Wife, Barb; children,  Brett and Kari; granddaughters Ellie, Callie and Rylie

Past public service: Riverside City Council; Riverside Fire Department, one of the founding members of the Riverside First Responders; Washington County Special Deputies, RACC, Chair of Riverside Planning and Zoning, CPR instructor.

Community service: State Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board.

The News: Why are you running for re-election?

Kiene: We have projects that I will outline below, and I would like to see them through. Riverside is headed in the right direction, and I want to be a part of seeing the city move forward.

The News: What are some of the accomplishments you are most proud of as a City Councilperson?

Kiene: Finishing the playground in Railroad Park and completing the 2^nd and 3^rd street project. Starting the grant process for the Downtown revitalization project.

The News: What are improvements you would like to see in Riverside?

Kiene: Improvement to Hall Park. Get a kayak, canoe and boat access to the English River. Once we get access, work to get the English River included on the DNR Water Trails.

The News: What project(s) will you focus on during the next four years of a new term?

Kiene: During the first two years of the term, I would concentrate on the Hall Park improvements and downtown revitalization.

The News: What is the top priority, in your view?

Kiene: We have vendor/supplier contracts coming due in the next two years. I will concentrate on whether the city is getting the best goods and services from our suppliers.

Edgar McGuire

Age: 44

Residence: Riverside

Family: Brother, Clark, lives in North Liberty; mother, Katherine, lives in Iowa City.

Past public service: Riverside City Council for 5 years.

The News: Why are you running for re-election?

McGuire: I am running for re-election because I feel like we have done a lot in the last five years and I want to continue to see it through. I think it is important to keep things moving forward, we as a council have been working together and doing exactly that.

The News: What are some of the accomplishments you are most proud of as a City Councilperson?

McGuire: Everything. I am very proud of all that we do, no matter how small or how big. I think it's wonderful that we can have different ideas and perspectives and at the end of the day, we will do what is best for the community. I am so proud to represent the people of Riverside!

The News: What improvements you would like to see in Riverside?

McGuire: Well, it has been an expensive endeavor to work on, but infrastructure is priority. The Wastewater plant, the Water Treatment plant, closing old wells and improving roads. I think when you are on the council, you want to split your time between future and current issues. Current issues can and often surprise you, so you want to have goals but don't go overboard. It's a balance of “what would be nice” and “what is really needed.”

The News: What project(s) will you focus on during the next four years of a new term?

McGuire: Projects that I really care about are public safety projects. I think we could do better. We have had talks about an ambulance being in town. Hiring a paramedic. We need to do something sooner than later. We have a large casino that has special needs and if we can, why wouldn't we improve the survival rates of our guests and citizens? As our town grows, we need to meet the needs when it comes to public safety, and I feel like we make it a financial issue when we are missing the point. We have such a wonderful volunteer fire Department, and they have concerns that are brought up and as we all know with government ... things move slowly. Hopefully, we can work together and see the need.

Ryan Rogerson

Age: 45

Residence: Riverside

Family: Daughter, Piper Rogerson; son, Jack Rogerson

Past public service: Chair, Riverside Planning & Zoning

Community service: Multiple times, Children’s Miracle Network telethon; multiple times, Iowa Giving Crew Give Birds

The News: Why are you running for City Council?

Rogerson: I feel it is important to participate in my community. I have lived in Riverside most of my life and it is time to give back.

The News: What are improvements you would like to see in Riverside?

Rogerson: Continued improvement to infrastructure and the overall aesthetics. Attract more businesses to town. Build on our relationships with existing businesses and residents.

The News: What project(s) will you focus on during four years of your term?

Rogerson: Community. Making sure every voice is heard and opinions are considered in decisions. Infrastructure and growth.

The News: What is the top priority, in your view?

Rogerson: I believe growth is the top priority for Riverside.

Lois Schneider

Residence: Riverside

Family: Husband, Robert Schneider Jr.; children include Riverside Mayor Allen Schneider

Past public service: Current City Councilperson; previously, Highland School Board

Community service: Member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church; volunteer, Trek Fest.

The News: Why are you running for reelection?

Schneider: I enjoy working with our new city administrator whose energy is taking the City of Riverside in a positive direction. I see a lot of changes coming for the betterment of Riverside. I would like to be a part of helping promote the city!

The News: What are some of the accomplishments you are most proud of as a City Councilperson?

Schneider: Encouraging applications for Washington County Riverboat Foundation grants to improve the Railroad Park playground area; working with community members and trying to be a voice for their concerns.

The News: What are three improvements you would like to see in Riverside?

Schneider: Continue to support improvements to the store fronts of downtown businesses; help promote Community Building with space for activities for all ages; work with all entities (school, churches, museum, RACC, FD , etc.) of the community trying to work together for the future success of Riverside.

The News: What projects would you focus on during the next four years of a new term?

Schneider: Downtown; Community Building; residential growth in Riverside.

The News: What is the top priority, in your view?

Schneider: My top priority is to see the improvements to downtown store fronts and helping to promote businesses for both owners and businesses who are renting their space.