Shawna Bindle was born and reared in Falls City. She graduated from Falls City High School in 1995. She is 42 years old, and has been married to Brian Bindle for 22 years. The couple has two children who are now young adults.
Shawna is certified in para-medicine, critical care para-medicine, and Emergency Medical Services management. She works as the assistant EMS chief for the Atchison-Holt (MO) Ambulance District, and serves one 24-hour shift on the ambulance crew. She spends the rest of her work week at her home ffice in Falls City or in the EMS office, doing paperwork and preparing training sessions for emergency services. She also serves as an EMS instructor, and speaks at conferences and meetings.
“Other than the 24-hour time period that I’m on the ambulance crew, I am available and accessible any time,” Shawna said. “My employer is 100% behind my candidacy, otherwise I wouldn’t be running.”
“At my job, I supervise employees, and am in charge of budgeting, scheduling, training, and conflict resolution,” she said, “I also make life-and-death decisions in split seconds, every day, so I am calm under pressure, and can think clearly even if others around me are panicking.
“I believe in servant leadership, which means I earn respect by rolling up my sleeves and serving right alongside my employees. Regarding the position of mayor, I believe that my critical-thinking and listening skills make me the best choice for this position. I will listen to everyone, research his or her complaints, and do everything I can to help solve the issue. ”
Carla Rhodd is a 34-year-old banker, volunteer, and mother of two children, ages five, and two-and-a-half. She grew up on a farm near Rulo, graduated from Falls City High School in 2003, and has been married to Josh Rhodd for eight years. She and her family attend Zion United Church of Christ east of Falls City.
After high school, Carla earned her bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology and conservation, through Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO. She worked for three years as the administrative assistant at Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise (EDGE), Falls City Chamber and Main Street. She has been with F&M Bank for the past four years, working her way up to the position of assistant cashier.
“I oversee the new accounts department as well as marketing,” she said. “I also oversee the implementation of new products for the bank.”
In addition, she is involved in different volunteer activities and currently serves on the EDGE investor and community relations committee.
“I think it’s important for people to get involved in our community, especially the younger generation,” Carla said. “I learned so much about economic growth and development through working at EDGE and it’s now my turn to really get involved. I love Falls City, and want to help recruit businesses and young families to our community. I want to do my part to keep Falls City progressively moving forward.”
Mark Harkendorff is a 66-year-old retired business owner, veteran, and former Falls City city council member. He was born and raised here, and graduated from Falls City High School in 1970.
“I went straight into the U.S. Navy Seabees (a naval construction battalion),” he said. He served a four-year term, then returned to his hometown to settle down. He and his wife, Pam, have been married for 43 years, have four children, 13 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Throughout the past 17 years, the two have been raising five of their grandchildren. The family attends the Church of the Nazarene.
“I threw my hat in the ring as a write-in candidate because I heard a lot of people say there wasn’t a choice who had experience,” Mark said. “I’m a veteran, and a past commander of the American Legion. I’ve owned and operated Falls City Sanitation for 40 years so I know how to run a business, meet a budget, and deal with employees. And several years ago, I served one term on the city council, so I know how the city government works.
“I’m a conservative, definitely, but more than anything else, I believe in honesty and fairness. I’m easy to get along with, but I’ll only take so much. I won’t be manipulated, and I will push for the truth no matter who it offends.
“The bottom line with me is, I am who I am, and I won’t be any different as mayor. I’ll treat the guy on the street the same as I do the guy in the big, fancy house. Everybody’s voice will be heard.”
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SHAWNA BINDLE: What do you feel are the top three issues that Falls City faces, and how will you address those issues?
1) Declining population. I’ll talk with people in the younger generation, and ask what they are looking for that we don’t have. I’ll also talk to those who have come here to raise their families, and ask about the things that attracted them.
2) Drugs and crime. Drug dealers are reaching our kids at much younger ages, so we have to do so, as well. Also, the organization TBOC (Taking Back Our Community) has a lot of leadership and good ideas, so working with them is important.
3) Support for police, fire, and EMS services. They are the backbone of our community, so we need to give them the tools they need to be successful. Also, I would hold meetings with the county commissioners to see how we could solve continuous conflicts between the police department and the sheriff’s office.
What about dilapidated properties?
We need to enforce city codes that are already in place, and possibly make the fines higher. If there are grants that help communities demolish dilapidated buildings, we need to apply.
How do you address concerns from some people that a woman is not strong enough to stand up to the strong personalities in this city when contentious issues are involved?
EMS is pretty much a man’s world, and I’ve worked hard to earn the respect and support of my colleagues. I make life-and-death decisions every day, so anything less than that will be easier than what I do every day.
What are the three things in your history or character that make you qualified to lead this city?
1) I’ve raised two kids here so I know the battles and joys of raising kids in a small town.
2) I am a good listener. I not only listen, I care.
3) I am empathetic. I will consider the other person’s point of view before making a decision.
What is your top budgetary concern?
I would have to talk to the different departments before giving an answer to that question
If you were giving a speech to a group of people looking for a place to open a business, what would your selling points be for Falls City?
1) This community supports its own. Families are willing to spend money here.
2) Our recent improvements like the library, swimming pool, ball fields, and hospital.
3) Even though we do have drug and crime issues here, just like every community, I have never felt that my kids were unsafe here. So I would highlight the safety.
What do you think the mayor’s role is in economic development?
To make sure that those who work in that field have the tools they need to do their jobs.
How do you answer critics who say it will be difficult to fulfill the mayoral responsibilities when you work out of town?
My hours are very flexible, and the only time I am required to be out of town is during the 24 hours that I am on call with the ambulance crew. I am the second in command at my job, and I do all of the scheduling, so if I have notice of an event or meeting, I’ll be there.
Do you believe in county-wide law enforcement?
I do. Any time we can pool our resources is a good thing. I believe in county-wide dispatch as well, and would work with the county to solve the issues that recently surfaced regarding 911 dispatch. We have some of the best dispatchers in the business here. Why not use them?
Why do you want this position?
I love Falls City and want to see it continue to grow. Like any community, we have some dark clouds, but we just need to sort through them so the good can shine.
CARLA RHODD: What do you feel are the top three issues that Falls City faces, and how will you address those issues?
1) Public safety. The drug and criminal activity in our area is an issue. I’ll make sure the city and police department are doing everything they can to make sure our community is safe.
2) Business/resident recruitment. I will encourage a pro-business climate along with promoting the great qualities of our community.
3) Community involvement. I will encourage people of all ages to get involved with community organizations as well as our city boards, fire department and ambulance squad.
What about dilapidated properties?
I think allowing the city to continue to assist with property demolition each year will improve this issue. Cleaning up those properties will improve safety and also create lots for new construction.
How do you address concerns from some people that a woman is not strong enough to stand up to the strong personalities in this city when contentious issues are involved?
I am just as strong as those individuals. I will stand up for what I think is right for the community. I’ve worked with many individuals with strong personalities and I know that I will stand up for what I believe in.
What are the three things in your history or character that make you qualified to lead this city?
1) My determination. When I set my sights on something, I work hard to get it and I’m not afraid to take risks.
2) My communication skills. I’ll listen to people and be present in our community.
3) My past experience with EDGE and the chamber. I feel like those experiences helped me transform as a business person.
What is your top budgetary concern?
The 911 system, and the county’s decision to discontinue its dispatch agreement with the city. The equipment and dispatch services are costly, so I would work to find out what we can do to solve the issue.
If you were giving a speech to a group of people looking for a place to open a business, what would your selling points be for Falls City?
1) Our quality of life. Falls City is a great place to work, live and raise a family. We have safe and friendly neighborhoods, great school systems, an excellent hospital, and many other great assets. Falls City is also a supportive community that welcomes new residents and businesses with open arms.
2) Our low cost of living. Falls City’s low cost of living allows business owners to save and invest money into their businesses.
3) Our location. Falls City is in a great location for our businesses to serve patrons from the tri-state area of Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas.
Do you believe in county-wide law enforcement?
I need to know the pros and cons of combining the police and sheriff’s departments before I could make a decision on whether or not it’s a good idea for our community.
What do you believe is the mayor’s role in economic development?
I believe the mayor and city need to continue to work alongside EDGE and support their efforts by encouraging a pro-business climate to enhance our future growth.
How do you answer critics who say it will be difficult to fulfill the mayoral responsibilities when you have two small children at home?
I spoke with members of the city council, our current mayor and other individuals to discuss mayoral responsibilities and I am confident that I will do a good job. I will have to multi-task, and as a working mother, I do that on a daily basis and things get done.
Why do you want this position?
Falls City is a great community to be a part of and the investments this town has made over the years are amazing. I want to be part of that continuing success.
MARK HARKENDORFF: What do you feel are the top three issues that Falls City faces, and how will you address those issues?
1) Funding the fire department. We need a full-time driver again, and we need a lot of new equipment.
2) I would have two council members in charge of every committee, like the tree board, library board, etc. And every board member would live in the city limits.
3) Fairness in the bidding process for city jobs and projects. When bids are let for jobs, we need to pick the local contractor whenever possible.
What about dilapidated properties? And drug issues?
For dilapidated properties, we need to enforce city ordinances. I would condemn every property that qualifies, then make sure that the bidding process for demolition is fair across the board.
Regarding drugs, I’ve lived that nightmare with a family member, so if I’m elected, I will do everything within the law to handle the dealers. Secondly, this community has to be more involved. If you see something suspicious, call the police. If there’s a house next to you with a revolving door, call the police. Write down license plate numbers and turn them in. Put pressure on the judges by showing up in court. And don’t give up.
How do you address concerns from some people that you won’t fulfill the traditional responsibilities of this position, like attending banquets and ribbon-cuttings?
I believe it’s more important for me to fight drug dealers and crime, and make sure our city government is running above board, than it is for me to have my picture taken at a ribbon cutting. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll be at events when I can be, but I won’t ever be there in a suit and tie.
What do you feel is the mayor’s role in economic development?
Oversight. I would want a report every month rather than quarterly. And secondly, if we’re going to shop Falls City, then let’s shop Falls City with everything, including bids for city jobs.
What are the three things in your history or character that make you qualified to lead this city?
1) I have the life experience. I’ve owned a business for 40 years, served on the city council, and served my country.
2) I’m old-school conservative. This is a small town, so I believe it should be governed that way, not treated like we’re Lincoln or Omaha.
3) Honesty and fairness. I’ll make sure that city business is conducted above board, and that everyone has a fair shot.
What is your top budgetary concern?
Funding for the fire department. We need at least one full-time fireman, and money for equipment. Some of the firemen told me that their yearly fuel budget is $500, and the fire at the Mexican place took that. Come on. Seriously?
If you were giving a speech to a group of people looking for a place to open a business, what would your selling points be for Falls City?
1) We’re a small, safe community. We just need to govern it that way.
2) I believe we have a sinking fund to invest in small businesses.
3) Actually, the city itself needs to be friendlier to new businesses. For example, we need to stop charging huge sums of money for them to hook up to utilities. Yes, we have to charge something, but new businesses are investing a lot of money here, so let’s do everything we can to make it easier on them.
Do you believe in county-wide law enforcement?
I don’t know enough about it to answer that, but I will research it a lot before making a decision.
Why do you want this position?
I just felt like too many people didn’t like the choices they had. We need a strong mayor who won’t back down, and one who has experience.
