Two vying for council

Editor’s note: This story is the fourth in our series covering the May primary elections, for which early voting begins Wednesday. All  coverage will be available at http://www.thecr.com through the May 5 primary and can be founding by click “Election” at the top of the website.
All seven city council seats are up for election. But only one includes a contested primary race.
Republicans Michele Brewster and Mark Iliff are seeking the Republican nomination for Portland City Council District 3 seat. No Democrats  filed for the seat, which is currently held by Michele’s husband, Michael.
Iliff, an East Race Street resident, has served as an electrician at Portland Forge for 25 years. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Brewster, who lives on East High Street, works as a registered nurse at Jay County Hospital. She is a 2003 graduate of Indiana University.
The candidates were asked to respond to a questionnaire from The Commercial Review. Their answers follow.
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Why are you running for a seat on council?
Brewster: I am running for city council because I care about Portland a great deal. I was born and raised in Portland and now my own children are growing up in Portland as well. I want Portland to continue to grow and flourish as it has recently.
Iliff: To work with the city council so our town can grow and make it more pleasing to our younger generation and people looking for a town to make a life in.
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What are your thoughts about the Portland Water Park project?
Brewster: The Portland Water Park project is a wonderful investment for Portland. Not only will local citizens take advantage of the park, but it will also attract people from surrounding counties as well. Therefore, this will definitely help boost our local economy.
Iliff: It will make a unique contribution to our town.
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Brewster: The biggest issue facing Portland right now is the highway 26 project, which is slated to begin this spring. The addition of the new sewer and water lines, sidewalks and LED lighting will improve our city immensely. Also, with the Portland Water Park project moving forward, I believe all our parks are vital to our community and we should continue to maintain them in the future.
Iliff: Trying to get the projects completed that are on hand at this time (like the sewer and storm separation) and other jobs completed on time.
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What makes you the best candidate for the position?
Brewster: I am the best candidate for the position because I care what happens to Portland. I want my four children to be proud of their home. I believe I can help to continue to make Portland “a place to grow.” I will take this position very seriously and do my best to be available to the citizens of Portland.
Iliff: I try to go to most of the city council meetings. I will stay involved with what the city council has going on in the town. I care for my town. I would like to be involved in any improvements for Portland.