I'm Dan Eidson, and I'm running for Alderman Ward 1, one year term.

My wife Martina and I moved from Southern Florida in 2006. We have six grown children, five grandchildren and one great grandchild, all scattered from coast to coast. We volunteer our time in December bringing joy to the community as Mr. and Mrs. Claus. I served eight years in the U.S. Navy learning electronics, which I still use today in the repair of medical x-ray.

I've been involved with Cuba politics for the last 11 years, attending 95% of council meetings. I've long held the belief that my voice was better served on the citizen side of the council desk, but recent events have me rethinking that decision. One of the most pressing issues is the need for a public works director. We have a new 400 home development going in and our current public works staff is going to need proper leadership.

The current council claims we can't afford one. My question is, how can we not? Without a director, we have grown unstable in key departments. These departments lack proper training for safety. Furthermore, relying on an unqualified mayor to make decisions has grown questionable and frankly poses a liability.

I will have one year to make a difference. That difference will be achieved by aggressive involvement in debate and decision making. In other words, I'm not a seat-warmer. With your help April 7th, we can start making the progress that citizens deserve.

Thank you.