Royal Candidate Q&A

What did we ask?

The Sentinel-News sent questionnaires to each candidate in the Nov. 7 election. Questions included:

1. Please provide background information about yourself (i.e. family, career, etc.).

2. Please detail any past experience in local government or other community organizations.

3. Why are you running?

4. Do you have any concerns about your city/school district or issues affecting it?

5. What goals do you have for your city, and how would you go about achieving them?

6. Is there anything you'd like to add?

Editor's Note: Candidate Jim Virelli did not return his answers.

Josh Toft, Mayor

1. Married to Iesha Toft. Four children: Livon, Liam, Dorothy and Vera. Graduate of CC/E. Grew up in Royal; been living back in town since 2012. Work with the family business, Toft Electric.

2. This will be my third term as mayor, if elected. I was on council prior to that. I have been a member of the Royal Lions Club for 11 years.

3. I am running again because the council has been working hard to make improvements in/for Royal and I would like to see some of the projects completed and look at new projects to keep Royal great.

4. My biggest concern for Royal is that we are limited to being able to bring much industry or commercial opportunities to town, so we need to stay positive and take care of what we have now and make the best of that. Our council has been tightening up our nuisance violations because keeping the town looking good and orderly is a big first step.

5. It would be nice if Alliant would finally finish their job. Streets would be nice to do, but that isn't just a one-and-done project. We have many spots in town where the street needs to be repaired, and places that the street needs to be replaced. That will be ongoing, and it will take a lot of money. We will need to constantly explore grant options and search for as many resources as we can.

6. If you like nice people, if you like a clean town, if you have young kids looking to go to a great school, if you enjoy taking pride in your town and your neighborhood, then move to Royal. If you can't make that work, then come visit anyway, you're always welcome in Royal.

Alec Nielsen, City Council

1. I am 23 years old and I was born and raised in Okoboji. I went to Okoboji Community Schools K-12 and graduated in 2019. I am a farmer.

I have worked for Gary and Greg Toft since I was 9 years old. The Tofts' farm is west of Royal, so I have always been around the Royal area since I was just a young kid.

Growing up, some of my best memories are around Royal in the spring and fall of the year. I have always had a passion for farming and being around agriculture. When I was 11 years old, the Tofts bought a new John Deere combine and I got to go to Moline, Ill., to watch it be built start to finish. It is called the "Gold Key Tour" because at the end they give you a gold key and you get to start your machine. Ever since then I have been a big fan of John Deere equipment.

I am not married and I do not have any kids. I bought a house in Royal in August of 2020 and have lived here ever since.

2. I am currently a member of the following: Iowa Corn, Iowa Cattlemen Association, Iowa Soybean Association, AgState, Royal Lions Club and NFIB.

3. I am running because I like to be involved with the community and share my inputs and opinions on what I think and what other people think.

4. I don't have any specific concerns for the town of Royal. There are a few things that maybe could improve, but every town in America has some things they could improve.

5. If elected to the Royal City Council, a goal of mine would be to serve the community in the best way I can. My goal is to keep Royal a nice and peaceful town in rural America.

6. N/A

Jeff Van Westen, Royal City Council

1. Moved to Royal in 1977 and graduated from Clay Central in 1982. Married in 1986, and I have two grown children, a son-in-law and grandson.

I worked for 19 years as a veterinary assistant, 24 years as an insurance adjuster and almost two years as a parts man a Galen's Pro Mow.

2. Several terms on city council.

3. I care about my community.

4. I have no specific concerns, and will address problems as they arise.

5. No specific goals.

6. I really like our little town and hope we can continue to maintain and grow.