Meet the Candidates for city council and mayor
Local elections in Le Mars are just days away, and in the run-up to November 4th, KLEM has interviewed every candidate for mayor and City Council. Scroll down to hear from nine different candidates looking to represent the citizens of Le Mars.
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City Council Ward 1
Brian Bruns (incumbent)
Bruns moved to Le Mars in 2011, and has worked for Kemps for over 20 years. He was first elected to City Council in 2021, and says he wishes to continue representing the needs of taxpayers on the council.
On Vision 2045, Bruns says he’s in favor in some parts of the Community Development Plan, but doesn’t support others.
On the firehouse bond issue, he says he supports residents being able to directly vote on the issue.
Jaqueline Perez
Perez was born and raised in Le Mars, and moved back to town 15 years ago after living in Boston for several years. She has four young children, and has been the CEO of the Le Mars Family YMCA since 2023. Perez says that she’s contemplated running for City Council for over a year.
On Vision 2045, Perez says that she encourages citizens to read the plan and to attend Council meetings.
On the firehouse bond issue, Perez says she’s currently undecided, but acknowledges the need for improved conditions. If elected, Perez says she’ll bring a different perspective to the Council.
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City Council Ward 3
Mark Sturgeon (incumbent)
Originally from Leeds, Iowa, Sturgeon has resided in Le Mars for over four decades, and has served as a certified court reporter for a similar amount of time. Sturgeon says he’s always wanted to involve himself in politics early on.
On Vision 2045, Sturgeon says he likes having a plan in place for Le Mars’ future.
On the firehouse bond issue, Sturgeon says he supports the issue, highlighting the space constraints of the current facilities.
Sturgeon says he hopes to earn another opportunity to represent the citizens of Le Mars.
Dan Dembinski
Dembinski is an Air Force veteran originally from southern Iowa, and has three children and seven grandchildren with his wife Jeanette. This is the fourth time Dembinski is running for office.
On Vision 2045, Dembinski says he’s against doubling the population of Le Mars.
On the firehouse bond issue, Dembinski says he’s unsure, but says it’s up to the citizens.
Dembinski says if elected, his goal is to support Le Mars in whatever way he can.
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City Council At-large
Beth Meyer
Meyer and her husband have lived in Le Mars for over 20 years, and together they have five children. She originally considered running for City Council two years ago, but decided it wasn’t the right time.
On Vision 2045, Meyer says she supports the Community Development Plan.
On the firehouse bond issue, Meyer says she’s glad the issue is on the ballot, and calls for a “Plan B” if the issue doesn’t pass.
Meyer says that her goal is to be a champion for the city of Le Mars.
Derek Conyers
Conyers has lived in Le Mars since childhood, and is married to his wife Taylor. Having been involved in the community over the last two decades, Conyers says the idea of running for office has always been in his mind.
On Vision 2045, Conyers says that, while he likes having a plan for Le Mars’ future, he has his concerns about its contents.
On the firehouse bond issue, Conyers supports having the issue be voted on by the public.
Conyers says that he’s not a politician, but someone who cares about the people of Le Mars.
Lenny Flack
Flack is a former member of law enforcement, and enjoys fishing, golfing, and spending time with friends and family, including his wife Kelli Flack and his two children. He says the idea to run for office came from conversations with friends.
On Vision 2045, Flack says he believes “there’s good to it”, but that it needs some restructuring to better fit citizen’s needs.
On the firehouse bond issue, Flack says he supports a new building, but that $16 million dollars is “rubbing people the wrong way.”
Flack says his experience in law enforcement would help him on the City Council.
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Mayor
Rob Bixenman (incumbent)
Bixenman is the president of Ambank Company and Perspective Insurance, as well as serving on the boards of three local non-profits. Serving as mayor since 2021, he says he’s running for a third term to build on the progress Le Mars has made since he’s been in office.
On Vision 2045, Bixenman says he’s pleased with progress so far, and its reception amongst local businesses, and says he wants to keep the city “thinking outside the box” when it comes to growth.
On the firehouse bond issue, Bixenman says he “completely supports” the issue, and the fire department.
Bixenman says his goal is to support the people who grew up in Le Mars, as well as attract those who work in town, but live elsewhere.
Brian Hughes
Hughes has lived in Le Mars since 1994, having previously resided in southern California, and has owned his own plumbing business for over 47 years. He says he was encouraged by friends and community members to run for mayor.
On Vision 2045, Hughes says he’s against “speeding up” the growth of Le Mars.
On the firehouse bond issue, Hughes says he doesn’t believe a new firehouse is necessary at this time.
Hughes says he wants to accurately represent the taxpayers of Le Mars.
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For more information on November 4th’s elections, click here.
