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Four people are seeking election to two open seats on the Beaver Creek City Council.
Council members Jeff Dysthe and Pat Bender did not file for re-election, and Heidi Freese, Joe Conger, Jacob Conger and Madison Conger filed for their open seats.
Mayor Josh Teune is running unopposed for re-election.
The Star Herald reached out to the candidates for information about themselves, why they’re seeking election to the council, and what they see as important for Beaver Creek.
Following are their responses.
Heidi Freese
How long have you lived in the community, what do you do for a living and who are your family members?
I have lived in Beaver Creek for two years. Our children are grown and my family now consists of me, my husband and my mother-in-law. I teach eighth-grade language arts at George McGovern Middle School in Sioux Falls.
Why are you seeking election to the Beaver Creek City Council?
I absolutely love Beaver Creek. Moving here was the best decision we've made. Because of this, I want to do whatever I can to help the community. I want to make sure that Beaver Creek continues to be the safest, best environment for everyone to live in.
What would be your strengths as a city leader?
I have been in the education field for 29 years. I make decisions constantly at my job that affect many people. Those decisions are made for the well-being of others. I also have to deal with difficult situations regularly. I believe this is a strength. I think another strength is my age. I'm at a point in my life where I can devote time to the community. Our children are grown, so this gives me more time to give back to my town.
What do you see as the primary challenges facing the community?
As our town grows, I feel like it’s important to manage that growth. As an educator, I see how important it is to have the facilities needed to educate our students.
Anytime growth happens, there are challenges that go along with it. What I have experienced in Beaver Creek is that the community works hard to make it a great place to live and thrive. I hope to be part of that continued practice.
Joe Conger
How long have you lived in the community, what do you do for a living and who are your family members?
I have lived in Beaver Creek all of my life. I own and operate a small trucking company based in Beaver Creek. Mandy is my wife, and we have three kids, Austin Cameron and Kaitlin.
Why are you seeking election to the Beaver Creek City Council?
To serve and help improve our community.
What would be your strengths as a city leader?
The experience I have along with the ability to lead.
What do you see as the primary challenges facing the community?
Beaver Creek is a great town. There is a lot potential for growth. We need to help the town grow.
Jacob Conger
How long have you lived in the community, what do you do for a living, and who are your family?
I grew up in Beaver Creek and have lived here my whole life other than while I was gone serving in the military. I run my own mobile mechanic business based out of Beaver Creek. My wife, Madison Conger, and I are expecting our first child around the beginning of the year.
Why are you seeking election to the Beaver Creek City Council?
I grew up in this community and it is my home. When I started my business, the people of this community played a big role in supporting me.
When I was homesick on my first deployment, the people of this community sent care packages and letters and even went as far as driving around and taking pictures of the town to make me feel closer to home.
The people of Beaver Creek have given me so much over the years, and I want to give back.
What would be your strengths as a city leader?
My strength as a city leader would be helping make responsible decisions for the city. And by helping make decisions to maintain and make the most out of the city’s equipment.
What do you see as the primary challenges facing the community?
I believe Beaver Creek could grow by population and by helping each other in times of need.
Madison Conger
How long have you lived in the community, what do you do for a living and who are your family?
I moved to Beaver Creek in 2018 from California with my now husband Jacob Conger. I run customer experience for a company in Sioux Falls that builds and maintains water towers. My husband and I are expecting our first baby in January 2023 and we couldn’t be more excited.
Why are you seeking election to the Beaver Creek City Council?
Since moving here I have always wanted to be a part of the community. I know it’s a little unconventional to run with your significant other, but with a little one on the way, we want to provide the best community for him and the children of Beaver Creek’s future.
What would be your strengths as a city leader?
In my current job, I am known as the voice of the customer. I play the middle man between my company and city officials all over the United States. I believe I could apply that to my position on the council and be a voice for the community.
What do you see as the primary challenges facing the community?
I would love to see more opportunities for Beaver Creek to grow, whether it be by population or town events. I love our small town and I want what’s best for it.