Two candidates running for Holyoke Mayor seat
Electors residing within the city limits of Holyoke are presented with a choice for who they think would be the best person to serve as the city’s Mayor for the next four years. Steve Brown and Kevin Scott are each seeking the office.
The Holyoke city offices’ election is incorporated into the November 5 General Election in coordination with the Phillips County Clerk’s office.
Mayoral candidates were each given an opportunity to respond to three questions posed by The Holyoke Enterprise staff. The questions, each with a specific word count limit for equitable coverage, were: Why do you want to serve as Mayor? Why do you think you are qualified to serve as the Mayor? Do you believe the City is facing any particular challenges or priority issues and if so, how would you address them?
Below are the candidates’ responses. They appear in alphabetical order by last name.
STEVE BROWN
Why serve?
We have a great City with a great future, and I would like to represent all people in Holyoke. I want to be a transparent communicator with a vision and budget to match. It is important to provide the best value for water, sewer, trash and electricity services plus amenities, streets, parks, library, airport, golf, tennis, baseball, skate-park, swimming pool etc. I have the time and want to serve.
Why qualified?
I am a past Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem in Holyoke. I am familiar with City structure and will again be active in municipal organizations as resources. I worked for the first GOCO grant for Phillips County for the swimming pool plus assisting new airport runway project and sewer grants. I have multiple experiences working for Jack’s Bean Company and Grace Management Services. I have managed people, budgets/finances, technology and capital projects.
Challenges/Priorities
We must be prepared as challenges arise to use innovative problem-solving techniques, transparency, common sense and with good communication. For example, we know that ground water is declining, so we need to be diligent in saving water and having sufficient water supplies. Rising cost of living effects everyone. I will research to see what can be done for best value. We have a great community and together we can solve any problems as we work to renew the City of Pride and Progress.
KEVIN SCOTT
Why serve?
I want to serve as Mayor of Holyoke because there are things that we have started that I would like to see finished such as construction of the new Holyoke Child Care building, redoing the tennis courts for the Holyoke Recreation, paving and repaving the streets, bring the water from the Stout well south of town into town, and try to get businesses to come into town.
Why qualified?
I feel I am qualified to be Mayor because I’ve been on the city council since July of 2007 when I was appointed to fill a vacancy. Then elected on the council in April 2008 and became Mayor Pro Tem in 2010. I was appointed Mayor October 2022. I feel I’m qualified to be Mayor because of the experience I have being on the city council over the years.
Challenges/Priorities
The challenges we face as a city are our infrastructure needs. We need to start planning and doing some things ahead of time or we will have everything at once needing to be upgraded. Make sure the businesses we have in town stay in town. Make sure we keep our wages competitive to keep our city employees, and when we have to hire new employees. Water is a precious commodity, and we all need to do our part by conserving it. We need to continue to have our recreation district so we can keep our kids involved and active