Briseno, Weir, Crawford running for trustee seats
There are two open seats up for election Nov. 5 on the Phillips Village Board of Trustees and three candidates seeking to be elected to the board.
Having been appointed to fill an unexpired term on the board, current chairman, Jim Crawford is seeking re-election to the board for a four-year term. Also in the running are Phillips residents John Briseno, Jr. and Deanna Weir.
Recently the News-Register sent each of the candidates a questionnaire seeking biographical information as well as the candidates’ thoughts on issues facing the village and their plans and goals for the position.
At press time, ANR had received responses from Briseno and Weir but not Crawford. Following are their responses presented in alphabetical order:
John Briseno, Jr.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in Grand Island, and graduated from Grand Island Senior High School. I attended UNL in Lincoln, with a major in Business Administration. I moved to Phillips in 1999. I have been married to my wife, Julie, who was raised in Phillips, for 23 years.
I worked for UPS for 32 years and just retired last May. I love spending time with my family, especially our seven granddaughters. Julie and I love playing golf and watching the Huskers in any sport.
Why are you running for this office?
I have learned to appreciate small town living, and realize that the people within the community have to become involved, to keep a community going in the right direction. I will have the town of PhiIlips in their best interest.
What personal strengths and talents do you bring to the position?
I have always enjoyed working with the public, and my 32 years on the job with UPS, and being a union steward for the last 10 years has taught me to listen openly to those speaking to me, working in a timely manner and getting a decision that works within the guidelines presented to you.
What, in your view, are the top three priority issues facing the village?
A. I am concerned about the water problems in Phillips and would like to help in finding the right solution for the community.
B. Continued growth and improvements within Phillips (park & streets).
C. Have the entire community of Phillips unified and working together.
Deanna Weir
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was a born and raised in and around Hamilton County and returned four years ago to where I have always considered home. I work at BonnaVilla as a staff accountant and enjoy the quiet life.
Why are you running for this office?
I always had an interest in community issues and have attended the majority of board meetings over the last four years. I feel my background and experience would greatly contribute to improving the overall quality of the services provided by the board while staying within the budget.
What personal strengths and talents do you bring to the position?
I have been in accounting all my life whether it is manufacturing, construction, etc., and it has sharpened my sense of detail, problem solving, accountability and auditing skills. While working in accounting, I wanted to expand my knowledge of how all the puzzle pieces fit so I worked in purchasing, and inventory; I like to see the big picture. Common sense is one of the qualities I bring to the position.
What, in your view, are the top three priority issues facing the village?
Address the water quality issues, completion of paving the remaining streets and enforcing ordinances.
What goals do you hope to accomplish while serving on the board?
Improve existing amenities of what the village has to offer (park, etc.), assist with new community services (TNR program), make progress and move on the issues that have been deferred month after month and improve accessibility to the village services.