St. Stephen mayoral candidate: Cindy VenderWeyst

Cindy VanderWeyst
Family: Husband: Mark. Children: Chelsey, 21; Chase, 19; Alexis, 17; and Tucker, 7
I am a daycare provider.
I have been serving as mayor for St. Stephen for the past four years. In those four years I have enjoyed getting to know the residents of our community, being involved in community events and most of all putting forth 100 percent to serve the City of St. Stephen. I will continue to make St. Stephen my home and a great place to live.
What is the major issue facing St. Stephen?
I don’t believe there is a major issue in St. Stephen. I believe it’s important for residents to feel comfortable in approaching the council with any comments or concerns they may have and feel the council will do their best to review issues and make decisions that are best for the city.
What are your priorities for St. Stephen?
One priority are the needs of senior citizens. The city council is currently looking into options for an assisted-living community for our aging population in and around the city. We are excited to continue on this quest with hopes the city is able to continue with the project.
Another priority is road construction and repairs. As the city continues to move forward, there are some repairs/construction that will need to be addressed.
Another priority is the need for more youth activities. I am pleased to say within the city, thanks to various groups, there are some fantastic opportunities for children, and I would like to see that continue and expand in the future.
A city community center is another need. I do believe there could one day be a community center in St. Stephen. Great ideas often take time to develop.
Ongoing needs include the fire department, park board and planning commission. I would like to continue to work with the departments to offer the support of the city.
Do you think city taxes are too high, too low or just about right?
I do believe the St. Stephen City Council has done an exceptional job at being able to maintain the functioning of the city while sustaining our current tax rate.
What is St. Stephen’s greatest strength? Its greatest weakness?
One of St. Stephen’s greatest strengths is the residents of St. Stephen. Without residents who volunteer their time, there wouldn’t be many new activities that have taken place in the past few years (Easter Egg Hunt, Fire Department Breakfast, Haunted Maze). Residents volunteer their time on the park board, planning commission and the fire department, which is outstanding for our small community.
After serving St. Stephen the last four years, I don’t feel there is any great weakness of St. Stephen.
Feel free to add any additional comments.
I am very proud to say I live in St. Stephen and look forward to working with everyone in the future.