On Tuesday November 4, voters throughout Hamilton County will be going to the polls. In Stanhope, there are two candidates for the Mayoral race, and three running for city council.

Stanhope Candidates

Roger Hayes

Mayoral candidate

What is the most serious problem in Stanhope today?

Financial debt. Enormous debt coupled with continued wasteful spending with the mindset of “We can always tax people more, or we can raise rates on the services they need.” because bad decisions were made on how the city manages our money.

What is your strongest qualification to serve as mayor in Stanhope?

As a successful business owner, a Lean practitioner, project manager, and leader/manager for over 40 years at large million/billion dollar corporations, where I had to plan, prepare, and align our spending with multi-million dollar budgets, I’m confident that we will find and eliminate wasteful spending in our local city government. We will also improve efficiency in delivering services to the residents of Stanhope and increase the effectiveness of how we spend the taxpayers’ money to provide those services. The Mayor needs to be open-minded and willing to listen to all the residents and taxpayers.

What is the top responsibility of the mayor?

Is to ensure that the policies set by the city council are implemented as efficiently and effectively as possible. Some elected officials believe they’re entitled to take more and more of the taxpayers’ hard-earned money whenever they wastefully spend money. They are not entitled to that money, and part of the responsibility of the mayor is to point out projects or spending that is not creating value for the residents of Stanhope, and to share that information so voters can hold them accountable and understand the “why,” “what” and “when” behind difficult decisions before they are made.

How would people who know you well describe you?

The biggest waste of time, money, energy and passion is to build or do something that nobody wants or needs. I don’t like to waste time or money on something that doesn’t provide value to those whose money we are spending.

What is your background in Stanhope? Were you born, raised here? How long have you lived here? Do you have children in school, and where do they attend?

I was born and raised in Webster City. Graduated from WCHS in 1980, joined the U.S. Navy. After both my wife and I served in the U.S. Navy living abroad and in Washington D.C., we moved back to Webster City in 1990 to raise our three kids with those great midwest values that exemplifies community, family, country and integrity. All our kids have finished their college and have started their own families blessing us with six grandchildren.

Tell voters anything else you feel they should know about the issues and your hopes in being elected as the mayor of Stanhope.

As a small business owner in Stanhope, (Polly’s Garden Center) Polly and I both want Stanhope to be that wholesome, thriving rural community where we can enjoy all those benefits of rural living. Let’s start the conversation about how we can improve our city together, and then take action to actually implement those changes. We were both blessed to be able to serve this great country of ours in the United States Navy. We will always stand for our flag and our country.

Jeff Schroeder

Mayoral candidate

What is the most serious problem in Stanhope today?

The decline in state budget revenue will be a long-term challenge for all forms of local government in Iowa and we as a city need to think about priorities relative to future revenue projections. Whether schools or cities, we will have a better handle on fiscal year 2027 revenues most likely in April this year.

What is your strongest qualification to serve as mayor in Stanhope?

I have served on the council and a short term as interim mayor. I have overseas managerial experience in logistics based out of Korea for a firm that is now a division of UPS. My current employment as a professor at DMACC (Des Moines Area Community College) has led me to serve in multiple leadership roles including planning, salaries among many issue areas. As a college we are governed by many of the same rules as the city in terms of transparency and open meeting laws, for example. Transparency is a key to good governance.

What is the top responsibility of the mayor ?

Leading civil discourse at the Council meetings. Executing the decisions of the Council as voted. Serve as a tie-breaking vote when called upon. Supervise employees of the city.

What is your background in Stanhope? Were you born, raised here? How long have you lived here? Do you have children in school, and where do they attend?

I have lived in Stanhope for over 20 years. Born in Ames, grew up on a farm near Estherville. I am married and I have four children with three of them in South Hamilton Schools.

Tell voters anything else you feel they should know about the issues and your hopes in being elected as the mayor of Stanhope.

All things can be fixed, it just takes time to figure it out sometimes.

City Council candidates

Devin Hensley

What is the most serious problem in Stanhope today?

Stanhope faces a multitude of financial challenges and must focus on strict fiscal discipline for the next several years to climb out of this precarious position. Cost pressures have risen in every category over the past several years and tax revenue alone cannot be the solution to restore the balance sheet.

What is your strongest qualification for serving on the City Council in Stanhope?

Perhaps the best quality I can offer is that I am focused on the long-term health of the town and not on benefitting a particular individual over the town as a whole. In addition, I spend my workdays reviewing mortgage files for underwriting, have a BBA from Campbell University, and spent four years on active duty in the U.S. Army.

What is the top responsibility of the City Council members ?

Council members must weigh the needs and desires of the whole town against the limited revenue sources the town budget has access to. The Council needs to make sure and perform due diligence to obtain lowest realistic costs for every project. Sometimes that may not be the lowest quoted price, but it certainly ought to be a fair and transparent process that maximizes benefit to the whole town. The city needs to finish the year better off than the previous year.

How would people who know you well describe you?

Detail-oriented, analytical, logical.

What is your background in Stanhope? Were you born, raised here? How long have you lived here? Do you have children in school, and where do they attend?

My wife and I moved to town in March of 2022. Our two children attend South Hamilton Elementary and we can frequently be found across town visiting my grandmother.

Tell voters anything else you feel they should know about the issues and your hopes in being elected on the Stanhope City Council.

I hope to join the Council and contribute my experience scrutinizing financials to get the town back on track so water, sewer and electrical repairs, among other necessary unexpected costs, no longer threaten the long-term viability of the town. Like everyone else in town, my property taxes have doubled since we moved here almost four years ago. We need to reduce the tax burden as soon as we can because much of the town’s residents are retired or quickly approaching that stage of life. Not everyone has the luxury of “just working more” to make up for the ever growing property tax burden. We must find creative solutions and climb out of this financial hole.

Thomas Stupp

What is the most serious problem in Stanhope today?

The most serious problem I believe we have today is that the cost of living has gone up and we struggle with having to potentially raise utility costs.

What is your strongest qualification for serving on the City Council in Stanhope?

My strongest qualification is that I have lived in Stanhope for 43 years.

What is the top responsibility of the City Council members ?

The top responsibility for a City Council member is to look at facts, listen to the people of the community and vote for what is best for the community.

How would people who know you well describe you?

People who know me well would say I am honest.

What is your background in Stanhope?

I am 47 years old and have lived here for 43 years of my life. I was raised here and moved away for just a few years after college. I have a wife and three sons. My two oldest are in college, one at Iowa Central Community College, the other at Des Moines Area Community College. My youngest goes to school at South Hamilton in Jewell.

Mindy Hetland

I reside with my husband, Paul Hetland. We have two grown children. Keaton and his wife Brandy and their daughter Nayeli (6 months old). Our daughter Kristen Hetland is a student at UNI (University of Northern Iowa). She will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in social work in the spring of 2026. She will then further her education to receive her master’s degree in school counseling. We have a dog, Waylon, and a cat, Koby.

What is your professional experience?

As of September 2, 2025, I chose to change jobs and accepted a position as a para-educator with South Hamilton High School. I previously worked for Mainstream Living for 30 years.

Why are you running for City Council?

I am running for Council because I take great pride in our town. I want to hear what the community as a whole would like to see happen for our town to prosper and grow. I would like to bring back the positive for our town.

What are your goals as a City Council member?

My goals would be to have stability in our town government. To work on revitalizing our town to prosper new business and economic growth. Work on getting our town infrastructure in good working order and keeping this maintained.

Have you ever held office before?

Yes, I have been appointed to the City Council for the last year and four months.

Are you involved in any professional or service organization memberships?

I am currently an EMT and EMS service director for Stanhope Fire and Rescue. I am a current City Council member. I hold a seat on the Police Board and also EMS Commission’s board. I am also working with Stanhope Lion’s Club to start a Community Cares Volunteer Program. This volunteer group is known as “Seeds of Hope”; our group is in the very early stages, but we have already helped two community members.

What are your hobbies and activities?

I love spending time with my family, spoiling my granddaughter and enjoy flower gardening, concerts, Iowa Hawkeye football, watching movies, baking and remodeling our home.

Stratford

Stratford has an unopposed candidate running for mayor and four candidates running for three positions on the city council.

Brian Ouverson

Mayoral candidate

What is the most serious problem in Stratford today?

Getting more voters out to vote. Junk in yards and junk and unlicensed vehicles

What is your strongest qualification to serve as mayor in Stratford?

I care about our community and the people who live here.

What is the top responsibility of the mayor ?

Listening to the residents and helping those in the community who need help or have questions. Be available for the residents anytime.

How would people who know you well describe you? strong faith, loves his family, and is a hard worker. Do anything for anyone.

What is your background in Stratford?

I was born in Mason City, Iowa. I work at the local bank. I coach boys basketball at the Stratford Elementary school. I have lived in Stratford for 19 years. Moved here the year we had the tornado. No children in school. I have 5 kids and 12 grandkids. 2 grandkids go the elementary school and 2 of our kids went to Stratford when we moved here.

Tell voters anything else you feel they should know about the issues and your hopes in being elected as the Mayor of Stratford. Continue working to clean up our town. And be available to listen to our residents with any concerns.

Catherine Bergman

What is the most serious problem in Stratford today?

I think that the issues that are facing Stratford right now are very similar to those facing small towns across Iowa and the nation. How do we remain viable as schools consolidate, people move to larger population centers and commerce has moved to the Internet? With the loss of downtown businesses over the years there seems as though there is little left to attract people to our community, but the quality of life here hasn’t dropped. What we DO need is additional housing to accommodate the growing industry in nearby communities. We need housing of all kinds. We need rentals and new housing. We have needs for different age groups and income brackets.

What is your strongest qualification to serve

I have been on the Council for six years. I began by filling in a seat vacated by someone who moved out of town. Then I ran on the next election. I served Stratford and Hamilton County in economic development for almost twenty years, and then as the daycare director for nine years. I’m a life-long resident of the Stratford area, and I know Stratford well. I’ve served on various boards and communities over the years.

I have two daughters and one granddaughter. One completed high school last Spring, and one is a junior in high school. My granddaughter is one year old. My girls attended Stratford elementary school and Webster City Middle/High School. Amiya has been enrolled at the Stratford Early Learning Center. Both Yasmine and Dezzaray work at the ELC.

I believe that a City Council member has the responsibility to use good judgement in dealing with the issues of the City. When making decisions they should weigh the pros and cons of the issue before voting for or against. They shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions and should listen to all opinions with an open mind. At times that is very difficult, especially when someone is voicing their opinions in negative ways. But I always try to understand where they are coming from and try to see the issue from their perspective. Then, I try to help them understand my opinion and why I think it is the best one for the City. As a council member it is not my job to make decisions to personally benefit myself or my family, but to see the community as a whole and when helps Stratford.

Doug Timmons

What is the most serious problem in Stratford today?

I think that the issues that are facing Stratford right now are very similar to those facing small towns across Iowa and the nation. How do we remain viable as schools consolidate, people move to larger population centers and commerce has moved to the Internet? With the loss of downtown businesses over the years there seems as though there is little left to attract people to our community, but the quality of life here hasn’t dropped. What we DO need is additional housing to accommodate the growing industry in nearby communities. We need housing of all kinds. We need rentals and new housing. We have needs for different age groups and income brackets.

What is your strongest qualification to serve

I have been on the Council for six years. I began by filling in a seat vacated by someone who moved out of town. Then I ran on the next election. I served Stratford and Hamilton County in economic development for almost twenty years, and then as the daycare director for nine years. I’m a life-long resident of the Stratford area, and I know Stratford well. I’ve served on various boards and communities over the years.

I have two daughters and one granddaughter. One completed high school last Spring, and one is a junior in high school. My granddaughter is one year old. My girls attended Stratford elementary school and Webster City Middle/High School. Amiya has been enrolled at the Stratford Early Learning Center. Both Yasmine and Dezzaray work at the ELC.

I believe that a City Council member has the responsibility to use good judgement in dealing with the issues of the City. When making decisions they should weigh the pros and cons of the issue before voting for or against. They shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions and should listen to all opinions with an open mind. At times that is very difficult, especially when someone is voicing their opinions in negative ways. But I always try to understand where they are coming from and try to see the issue from their perspective. Then, I try to help them understand my opinion and why I think it is the best one for the City. As a council member it is not my job to make decisions to personally benefit myself or my family, but to see the community as a whole and when helps Stratford.

Mark Scott

My name is Mark Scott I am running for city council in Stratford

I have lived in Stratford for 66 years, built my house on Dryden street over 43 years ago and still live in it. Graduated from Stratford Community High School in1978. After graduation I worked for my father in a plumbing business until his retirement in1989. During that time I volunteered as a Boy Scout Master for 6 years and 10 years in the Stratford Volunteer Fire Department. Worked 33 years for Hamilton County Secondary Roads until my retirement in 2022. For my first 10 years I operated heavy equipment,18 years as the county’s sign foreman, and the last 5 years became the Maintenance Superintendent overseeing all work on the county roads.

In 2013 I was elected to Stratfords City Council working with other members creating and enforcing the city ordinances. We worked on yearly budgets and overseen the everyday operations.

As other cities we have problems to solve all the time. Our swimming pool developed a leak in the pool’s water circulation system. Our sanitary sewer system during heavy rains has infiltrating water from ground water or storm sewer water entering. Both need our attention to resolve the problems.

Family will say I am hard working, dedicated to my work, willing to help people in need, and an honest citizen of Stratford. Now retired I have the time to dedicate to the city of Stratford.

With your vote I can serve once again to help keep Stratford a safe and affordable place to call home.

Chase Haman

Chase Haman is a self-employed auctioneer with Haman Auction Services. He is a graduate of World Wide College of Auctioneering. My wife is Melanie, and we have two daughters, Rowynn and Collins.

Why are you running for city council?

Serving the community of Stratford has been such a privilege and I remain committed to working hard for the people of Stratford. With your continued support, I hope to build on the progress and keep Stratford a great place to live and raise a family.

What are your goals as a member of the city council?

To maintain safe, lean and welcoming neighborhoods

Continue to contribute careful and responsible decisions about city spending

Support development that benefits local residents and businesses

Support small businesses and attract new opportunities to town

Plan for long-term needs of our community.

Have you ever held office before? Yes, for 10+ years

I am a member of SCDC and Gym board member. I enjoy hunting and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and making memories with my wife and children and spending time with our extended families.