Dear Editor, I would like to use this platform to introduce myself to the good people of Gladbrook as a candidate for the office of Mayor. It is important for the folks here in ‘Happy Creek’ to get to know me, my family and what this small, but mighty city means to me. My name is Chris Hackett. I am 54 years old and originally from the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. My husband, Joe, and I moved to Gladbrook in mid-December as Pastor of Peace United Church of Christ. Our journey to Gladbrook has been filled with great joys, heartbreaks, adventure and now, a sense of belonging that can only come from the people who welcomed us here. Joe and I are a blended family. We have three boys between us. Matt, almost 25, is in the Fire Training Academy in Memphis, Tennessee. Nick, 24, is a specialty welder on a traveling field service team. Matthew, 22, is a medical technologist working at St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee. Since we have no daughters, Matthew’s girlfriend, Lauren, fills that spot in our hearts. She teaches second grade at an elementary school in Racine, Wisconsin. My undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Marquette University. I spent my career with Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare working both in the Laboratory and Information Services. When I left Milwaukee, I was the System Supervisor for the Microbiology, Virology, Serology and Molecular Biology department in Southeastern Wisconsin. I led multiple Quality Improvement initiatives, implemented workflow changes and new construction projects. I was responsible for a budget of over a million dollars. Currently, I am a Lead Application Analyst for Ascension Technologies supporting laboratory applications in several states. I am fortunate to be able to work at home taking the stress out of driving in the Iowa snow. My home church, St.Alphonsus in Greendale, was the second largest parish in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. I served as chair of the Pastoral Council working closely with the pastor as a lay leader for the 2500 families at the parish. I also held a position on the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council as advisor to the Archbishop of Milwaukee. Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Servant Leadership at Viterbo University in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. I have one more class to complete and am looking forward to graduation next May. Servant Leadership is engaging and inspiring others to work for the greater good every day. As a servant leader, it is my job to help you become the best you; help the city become the best city and meet the needs of all who live here. Active listening, ethical decision-making, honest communication and strategic planning are all part of a servant leader’s toolbox. Leading with heart and the best interests of this community are priority. Working together toward practical solutions is key. Mother Theresa said the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Both Joe and I are passionate about volunteering. Before we officially moved here, we attended the Tree Lighting Ceremony and helped out with Kids Shopping Day at Peace. A short time after moving in, I started a Book Club where members of the community come together each month to discuss a book selection. I introduced a Prayer Bead Ministry. So far, our prayer beads have reached folks here in Gladbrook, St. Louis and Nebraska and were gifted to those at Nicole Clapp’s Homecoming in the Heartland last week. I serve on the Gladbrook Community Foundation representing the Lions Club. Joe and I have started Cub Scout Pack 327 here in Gladbrook as well as Scout Troop 27. I teach Adult Sunday School at Peace and help out with Confirmation. I chaired Bingo at the Corn Carnival. Joe and I transferred our membership to the Gladbrook Lions Club where I am serving as Vice President this year. At the District level, I am the Women and Family Specialist and just held a Women’s Symposium in Gladbrook at the end of September. At the State level, I serve as an Iowa Lions Foundation Trustee. We will be bringing the 9MC Lions District Convention to Gladbrook in March, 2020. After Joe accepted the call to come to Gladbrook, we were having dinner at Spanky’s. Someone came and welcomed us then said, “Too bad this town is dying’. Joe and I looked at each other and wondered where we agreed to come. The sign on Highway 96 says this town is Alive and Growing. I agree with this sign wholeheartedly. There is life here. There are folks with history and special gifts here. There are children and families here. People are moving in here. What do you envision Gladbrook to be? Let’s talk, let’s plan, let’s go! Gladbrook IS Alive and Growing! Stop in at Spanky’s Restaurant on Wednesday, October 23 and Tuesday, October 29 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm to say hello, ask questions or just be friendly. See you then!