RIVERSIDE

A Special Election to fill one Riverside City Council seat has drawn three candidates.

And almost a fourth.

Travis Riggan, Levi Schnoebelen and Nickie Nguyen are running for a seat that was vacated earlier this year by 2025 election winner Chris Grinstead, who gave up his seat because of a relocation from Riverside to Washington.

Edgar McGuire, who was appointed to the seat months ago, pulled his campaign last week although he still may appear on the ballot.

“I appreciate everyone who has supported me, encouraged me and taken the time to talk with me throughout this process,” McGuire, a two-time City Councilman, told The News. “Riverside will always matter to me, and if the community needs me again, I’ll be there.”

McGuire endorsed Riggan.

Voting will be conducted 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 8 at Riverside City Hall.

The winner will finish out a four-year term that will go until the end of 2029.

Here is a closer look at the candidates:

Nickie Nguyen

Residence: Riverside

Occupation: Program Coordinator

Age: 30

Family: Partner, Colby Chambers; parents and siblings in Des Moines; pets, Beaker (cat) and Pancake (dog).

The News: Why are you running for City Council?

When I moved to Riverside about a year ago, I fell in love with the nostalgia and possibilities that were kindled whenever Colby and I took a walk around town. I would recommend anyone to live in Riverside! I believe there are many ways being on Council could improve the lives of my neighbors and open doors to many newcomers like myself. The encouragement of neighbors, friends and family gave me the confidence to remember that anyone can take part in making positive change for their community.

The News: If elected, what would be your top priorities?

My priorities are to invest more into community groups like RACC (Riverside Area Community Club) and flagship projects like Trekfest that make our town a destination for residents and visitors while supporting smart, efficient revenue strategies that aren't reliant on property taxes to keep homeownership affordable. 

Travis Riggan

Residence: Riverside

Occupation: Electrical sales

Age: 32

Community work: President, Riverside Area Community Club; Chairman, Trekfest; Head Coach, Highland High School golf teams

Family: Wife, Katie; grandfather was former City Council member.

The News: Why are you running for City Council?

This community has shaped me since I was young, and service has always been at the heart of my life. As an Eagle Scout, I learned early the importance of leadership, responsibility, and giving back — values that continue to guide me every day. My commitment to Riverside began long before adulthood. Growing up, my parents were deeply involved in community events and volunteer efforts, and I spent countless hours helping alongside them. Their example taught me what it means to show up for your town. My grandfather also served on the Riverside City Council for several years, and the chance to follow in his footsteps means a great deal to me.

Since moving back to Riverside, I’ve worked hard to carry that legacy forward. For the past six years — now heading into my seventh — I’ve served as President of the Riverside Area Community Club and Chairman of Trekfest, which is now going into its 42nd year of planning. Trekfest continues to grow because of the incredible volunteers who pour their time, energy, and creativity into making the event successful year after year. I’m extremely thankful for their continued contributions — they’re the heartbeat of what makes our celebration great.

The News: If elected, what would be your top priorities?

Long-Term infrastructure and planning. Ensure roads, utilities and public facilities keep pace with growth; emergency readiness: making sure our RFD and EMS services, as well as our county police department, continue to be supported; maintain a healthy public school system. Providing support and collaboration where needed; capital project oversight, making sure major projects stay on budget and serve residents to their fullest abilities; neighborhood revitalization, continuing to push for improvements to aging areas, for example, on west side roads, streetlights and downtown business areas; partnerships with county and state foundations, leveraging grants in our area for community projects; safe public spaces, parks, trails, gathering areas that continue to feel welcoming and inviting; Wellness Center completion, ensure that the project stays on schedule and within the budget that the citizens voted for, and keeping excitement high while progress is being made; youth/teen/adult recreation, expand on these areas which help keep people submerged within our community; tourism integration/improved tourism strategy, get better as a community by connecting with Trekfest, Future Birthplace and the Star Trek Museum to the makeup of Riverside. This would help both local businesses see tourism dollars and our town's identity; continue to support small businesses, help improve downtown vitality by promoting business through marketing and events; fiscal responsibility, make sure the town's tax dollars are being used wisely; community engagement, find new ways to have a more educated community about things happening in our town.

While Riverside is a smaller community, it has big impact potential. For example, the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort sees on average 1 million visitors annually. So that is a relationship that needs to be maintained to work for both parties. 

Levi Schnoebelen

Residence: Riverside

Family: Lisa and Randy Schoebelen, mother/father; Ralph Schnoebelen, grandfather; Jarad, brother; Amy Magil, sister

Community work: Member, Board of Adjustments

The News: Why are you running for City Council?

I'm wanting to carry on my grandfather's commitment and love for the city of Riverside. Also, I want to be a spokesperson for the younger generation interested in the community.

The News: If elected, what would be your top priorities?

My top priorities will be infrastructure and being open to learning more about city government.  Improvements I would like to see are the finishing of roads and sidewalks, more activities for the community, and the growth of houses and local businesses.