Two city council seats contested in Hampton

Election Day is fast approaching and could result in some new faces on the Hampton City Council.

Representing Ward 2 on the city council, incumbent Barry Lamos is facing a challenge from newcomer Amanda Fender. Likewise, incumbent At-Large council member Pat Palmer is facing a challenge against Scott Stillwell.

Also on the ballot, Hampton Mayor Russell Wood is running unopposed for re-election and incumbent councilmember Steve Birdsall is running unopposed for re-election in Ward 4.

Barry Lamos

Ward 2

What made you decide to run for city council?

I wanted to help make decisions to improve Hampton because I have been frustrated with some of the decisions previous councils had made. Instead of just complaining about the decisions, when a vacancy opened on the city council, I was elected to fill the seat of Jesse Mollenbeck.

What qualifications and experiences do you bring that would be helpful to Hampton?

I served on the council from 2001 - 2006 and again from 2019 until today so I have experience. Past work experiences have also been beneficial during my tenure. I am familiar with many aspects of construction and utilities.

What are the biggest issues that you are looking to address?

Issues I am continuing to address include street repair and updating Hampton's infrastructure. Blighted properties are also a concern of mine. Many properties in Hampton need improvements. Since my first tenure as a council member, many houses, or their surrounding properties, have deteriorated.

What programs or projects would you like to see pursued to improve the city?

I believe the water main needs to be replaced and well number 3 needs work so it can be put back in service. An outdoor rec facility, a dog park, lighting on the bike path, sidewalk repair, homelessness, and drug activity need to be addressed as well.

Amanda Fender

Ward 2

What made you decide to run for city government?

I have been regularly participating in city council meetings and believe I can add a unique perspective that will assist in moving the community forward. Giving a voice to the people who feel unheard and unrepresented by the demographics of our current council while listening to all of Hampton. Creating change can only happen when new ideas are brought to the table and we work together to see them through to completion, I believe I can be that change for our town.

What qualifications and experiences do you bring that would be helpful to the city?

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. I have the experience of working for a large company as well as running a small business with my husband all while raising 4 children. Throughout my adulthood, I have organized and lead multiple events for different groups in our community including 5ks for football, Relay for Life team Omnium, and a diversity & inclusion learning day. I care about the people in Hampton and want to improve the quality of life for all individuals who live here.

What are the biggest issues that you are looking to address?

Making sure that “shop local” starts with the city council. Creating a culture where everyone feels welcome no matter their demographics. Addressing the potential safety hazard for our children to play soccer in Hampton at a facility that can no longer accommodate the program’s increasing numbers. Upgrading our vicious dog laws by including microchipping and insurance requirements for offenders. Safety concerns at our local parks combatted by installing cameras. Addressing the lack of childcare available to working families.

What programs or projects would you like to see pursued to improve the city?

I would like to increase our municipal amenities with projects like a dog park, sports complex, public wifi, and adaptive playgrounds where all children can play. Taking advantage of all available grants to offset costs to the public. Reinstallation of the fence at Progress park’s basketball court. Increasing incentives for business owners who employee people in Hampton. I would like to create an inclusive community where we all can grow and connect.

Patrick Palmer

At Large

What made you decide to run for city government?

I wanted to give back to our town and leave Hampton better then I found it. We owe so much to those who came before us and we owe those who follow us a nice community in which to reside. I’ve always been a team player in making things better. It’s so easy to sit back in a comfy chair and criticize things about our city on Facebook, and it takes someone who can take a few slings and arrows to deal with people. I’m sort of a “put up or shut up” kind of person. If criticize, then you better give me a couple of ways to make it better.

What qualifications and experiences do you bring that would be helpful to the city?

First of all, the willingness to serve others. I’ve known people who would do the job for a dollar and I know those who wouldn’t do it for $100,000. I’ve always had an interest in City Government, even before my father ran for City Council and then Mayor in the early 90’s.

What are the biggest issues that you are looking to address?

Our Police Chief is retiring in 2022, I want to be a part of the team that hires a new chief as it seems as enforcement is a bit of an issue. I think that cleaning up our town of nuisance properties, whether through our court system or though a group of organized volunteers is key as well. We have to take more pride in our community. Our survey showed us that this is important to do.

What programs or projects would you like to see pursued to improve the city?

Elma has a program to help people improve their properties. They have a fund that is put up by the city, a bank and a non profit to help people get needed improvements to their homes and garages. In 4 years, over 600 properties have been improved. They will even pitch in money to tear your house down if it has come to that. For us, we have a LOT of property that could torn down, improved with paint or siding and the key is that it can be either owner occupied or a rental property. The BIG caveat is that all materials and labor MUST be purchased within a 20 mile radius of Elma. For the Hampton, Dumont and CAL areas that could be newly generated cash for contractors, painters, or folks who do that sort of work, not to mention the hardware stores or lumberyards that sell paint. I think it’s worth looking into because as we all know, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.

Scott Stillwell

At Large

What made you decide to run for city government?

I have seen a rapid decline in our city all the way from blight issues to escalated drug trafficking and criminal activity. Being a firm believer in the rule of Constitutional law, a veteran, and parent I feel it’s my oathbound duty to step up and help the community become a safer for our families and a better example of a county seat city. What better a way can you do this than by carrying the concerns and voices of the people to local government?

What qualifications and experiences do you bring that would be helpful to the city?

I have traveled all over this globe, serving with the best of every race, creed and color. I have encountered varied cultures and customs most will never get to experience and have taken away the best of it. I know how good we have it here in the United States and want to apply my skills at critical thinking, legal interpretation, leadership, contract review, budgeting, and direct reporting to help strengthen the foundation of our republic at ground level.

What are the biggest issues that you are looking to address?

Top of my list is to get the citizens of Hampton involved in city politics. Without the voices and input from the citizens of Hampton, decisions are made by the few for the many. Many times that leads to frustration and anger. Only by taking responsibility for your neighborhood, your ward, your city, working together tackling the issues of blight, the escalation of criminal activities, and the obvious frustrations relayed to me by concerned constituents will we make Hampton shine again.

What programs or projects would you like to see pursued to improve the city?

A review of all city ordinances is underway on my free time and I do believe some will need tweaking to catch up with the changing times. But I do fully believe too much government is a bad thing. For example, nuisance orders. Proposals sent to planning and zoning such as the concrete/asphalt/rock base for campers and trailers, in my opinion, is an effort in futility and should be weighed and measured before proposing. If people are not going to follow nuisance orders for one infraction, why would they follow another. I do have some ideas to help rectify this blight issue but am still working out some liability kinks. Ultimately the process should be a community process and not just the brainchild of one man. I am only another voice among the many.