BELLE — Belle voters will see two contested races on the ballot along with the marshal running unopposed on April 7 in the upcoming municipal election.

Steven Bedwell has filed for Alderman of Ward 2, challenging incumbent Steve Vogt, while Tracey Creswell has filed for mayor, seeking the seat currently held by James (Pudd) Mitchell.

In an effort to better inform voters ahead of the election, questionnaires were sent to the candidates to provide insight into their priorities, goals and views on key issues facing the city.

Also on the ballot, Marshal Jerry Coborn is running unopposed as he seeks to remain in his current position.

Mayor and Board of Alderman Candidates

1. Why are you running for office?

Mayor Pudd Mitchell:

“I am running for mayor because I care deeply about Belle. I want to finish what I’ve started. I offer the leadership and experience the city deserves. I want to see progress continue with my next term. I want Belle to move forward in a positive way.”

Alderman Steve Vogt:

“Continue efforts to keep a balanced budget and improve and replace all aspects of our infrastructure. The Rock Island Trail will add to the quality of life and tourism, especially after connecting to other cities. Improvements to Belle City Park.”

Tracey Creswell:

“I want to see change in Belle. I want to see Belle cleaned up from the drugs and all trash. I would like to see the city council be more transparent with the public while maintaining a professional decorum with the public.”

Steven Bedwell:

“I want to see change in Belle and see its industry bring in new jobs. See the infrastructure be fixed correctly.”

2. What do you believe is the role of the seat you are running for?

Mayor Pudd Mitchell:

“The mayor’s role is to oversee the daily functions of the city. I help everywhere I can, anytime I am needed. I am available to the city 24 hours a day. I listen to the citizens and try to problem solve and fix what I can. I am also always trying to find ways to help the city and save the taxpayers money.”

Alderman Steve Vogt:

“To use a common sense approach to move the City of Belle forward. To run the City properly and avoid mistakes of the past.”

Tracey Creswell:

“The mayor is the head of the city, enforcing ordinances, overseeing the city’s daily running of public safety and sanitation. The mayor presides over city council meetings making sure that everything is run efficiently by setting the agenda and ensuring the city’s finances keeping everything in order. Correctly.”

Steven Bedwell:

“To bring more people into Belle and fix the houses there for people to live in, make more stuff at the park for kids to do. Get the streets fixed without potholes in them.”

3. What is something you feel the board is doing well or could improve?

Mayor Pudd Mitchell:

“I believe our board has worked hard to address critical needs of our city; however, I do feel there is room for improvement. I would like to encourage our board to remember our focus should always be the city and citizens of Belle, and I encourage respectful discussion that keeps the city moving forward.”

Alderman Steve Vogt:

“The board has made it a strong priority to improve our infrastructure. It also wants to continue to keep our budget balanced.”

Tracey Creswell:

“They are starting to work on the water and sewer which is good. They need to work on being more transparent with the public, and not put them off. If the public brings a concern to the city then they need to address it appropriately right away.”

Steven Bedwell:

“The board is not functioning well at all, the board needs to be replaced to bring change for people who want to see Belle prosper.”

4. What is a specific project you would like to pursue in the future?

Mayor Pudd Mitchell:

“Of course, my priority is the city’s infrastructure, making it better today, but also long-term planning to ensure that Belle is thriving in the future. I also want to bring activities for our youth. The details for that are yet to come, but I have ideas.”

Alderman Steve Vogt:

“Use a multi funding sources approach to improve and replace infrastructure (water, sewer and streets).”

Tracey Creswell:

“I would like to see about bringing more job opportunities back to Belle.”

Steven Bedwell:

“Sewers, more businesses in the vacant buildings. Improve the park more. Pond cleaned and restocked.”

5. How do you believe the situation with the marshal’s salary should be handled?

Mayor Pudd Mitchell:

“I think the topic is one that should be addressed again in the future. I hope the board and marshal can work together and come up with an appropriate decision that is fair and responsible.”

Alderman Steve Vogt:

“There is an ongoing struggle to have a quality police department while battling yearly budget shortfalls. The other City funds cannot continue to support being tens of thousands of dollars in the red. A lot of other projects could be accomplished with that money.”

Tracey Creswell:

“I believe the marshal should be allowed a raise in pay like anyone else. I feel he should be allowed more employee hours to help him be able to allow for him to fulfill all his duties without the council always telling him he needs to do more.”

Steven Bedwell:

“He needs more help, personnel wise. Better equipment, lighten marshal load. He deserves a raise.”

6. Free space. Use 50 words or less to share anything you think voters should know.

Mayor Pudd Mitchell:

“Experience and knowledge matter in local government. I bring knowledge of city operations, infrastructure and proven leadership skills. I will work to ensure that decisions are thoughtful, responsible and in the best interest of Belle. I will work every day to prove to you that I appreciate your vote.”

Alderman Steve Vogt:

“I hope the citizens of Belle will support our efforts to overcome internal and external attempts to create distracting information and rumors. We need to work together going in the same direction. Chaos and drama is not needed. Finally, my 40-plus years of experience does make a difference.”

Tracey Creswell:

“If elected mayor I will do my very best for the city of Belle. I will be transparent with the public at all times. I will treat everyone the same with respect. No matter the outcome of the election I will still respect the authority of Belle with class.”

Steven Bedwell:

“I am very passionate about everything I do, so I will give the city of Belle 100 percent of my attention. I will work for the town with the whole council, the police and the mayor to clean up Belle. I will do my best to serve with integrity and respect.”

City Marshal Candidates

1. Why are you running for office?

Marshal Jerry Coborn:

“I’m running for re-election as Belle City Marshall because I believe in the progress we have made in the last 2 1/2 years and I am committed to continuing that momentum. Over the past term community safety has improved and I have worked hard to strengthen trust between my office and the residents of the City of Belle. I want to continue to build on that foundation and ensure every corner of Belle stays safe and prosperous.”

2. What do you believe is the role of the position you are running for?

Marshal Jerry Coborn:

“I believe the role of the Belle City Marshall is to be a dedicated bridge between law enforcement and this community that has elected me. It’s about ensuring the safety of the public and building on that through fostering trust, fairness and transparency. The Marshall should serve as a leader, a problem solver and a partner to the people of Belle, maintaining a professional standard to make sure justice is applied fairly and every resident feels heard and protected.”

3. What do you believe that office needs to increase or sustain public safety?

Marshal Jerry Coborn:

“We need at a bare minimum this half-cent sales tax to pass. That money is for the Police Department and is used for equipment and training to help sustain a police department you can depend on. I believe this office needs to continue proactive policing, staying involved in the community, building relationships and trust.”

4. What is a specific project you would like to pursue in the future?

Marshal Jerry Coborn:

“I would like to start a junior cadet program and pursue a youth mentorship and leadership program, partnering with the local school and community organizations. Reach our youth early and give our kids positive role models and a chance for them to engage with law enforcement. Provide a safe supportive atmosphere and give our youth connections that can open doors of opportunity for the next generation.”

5. How do you believe the situation with the marshal’s salary should be handled?

Marshal Jerry Coborn:

“I believe the Marshall salary should reflect the demands and responsibilities of the position. I have always worked with the City Council. They should realize and understand my position is also an elected one and I answer the people first. There is a sustainable solution to my salary. It needs to reflect the different hats that I wear outside of just the elected Marshall position. I want a fair salary, while also being fair to the taxpayers. The Marshall salary needs fixed and the position shouldn’t be dictated by anything other than the people who vote the Marshall in. The Marshall’s salary should be a livable income that is set and secured by statute. One hundred dollars is a flat slap in the face.”

6. Free space. Use 50 words or less to share anything you think voters should know.

Marshal Jerry Coborn:

“I want every resident of Belle to know that I am here for them. My top priority is keeping our town safe, but also making sure you feel heard and respected. I’m always available to listen, whether it is a concern or an idea. It’s only together we can build a stronger, safer community for everyone.”