Editor’s Note: This is the last in a series of responses by those vying for the mayor’s post and three city council seats in Ottumwa. All the candidates were asked to submit biographical information and answer the same two questions. Council candidate Jimmie Peterson did not respond to the Courier’s request in time, and candidates Chris Jack and Joshua Myers have withdrawn from the race. The city primary is Oct. 6.

Question 1: What are the top two concerns you would like to work on?

Question 2: Bridge View numbers are in the red. What steps should the city take to improve the BV financial figures?

David L. Sels

Age: 64

Years in Ottumwa: 42

Education: Pella Community Schools; Centerville Community College; Central College, BA; Truman State University, master’s; Post-master’s work: Drake University, University of Iowa, Morningside College

Employment: Construction (summers), Canning factory (summers), School bus driver, Teacher — Ottumwa High School, 33 years — Psych, Soc, Modern problems

Family: Wife, Sarah, married 44 years; two adult children, two grandchildren.

Question 1: Potholes, potholes, potholes. I know funds are limited .... I’d be willing to pick up a shovel and volunteer to learn the nuances of filling potholes. I’ll bet there are others who would volunteers.

Work for cost-effective government that collaborates with other entities in the community:

a. Since small business creates about 90 percent of new jobs the city should work closely with the business community to see if there are things the city can do to help them expand.

b. Work with feds, state, county and private secter to develop the bypass loop and the airport.