By Bruce Rolfe
Two candidates will be on the November 3 ballot running for the City of Galesburg mayor position and three candidates will be on the ballot running unopposed for three expiring council seats.
Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. November 3.
Current City of Galesburg council members Ryan Harnden and Glen Hawes will be running for a two-year term as City of Galesburg mayor.
Judy Finnie, Alejandro S Gonzalez, and Guillermina Harnden will be running for three, four-year council member terms.
The terms of current Mayor Linda Marble and council members Carol Wortinger, Ryan Harnden, and Stanley Chovanec end December 31, 2026. The council seat Hawes currently holds expires December 31, 2028.
Absentee voting (voting by mail):
The following information is from the Kalamazoo County Clerk and Register of Deeds office.
Friday, October 30, at 5 p.m.: Deadline to request an absentee ballot online or by mail for delivery by mail.
Monday, November 2, at 4 p.m.: Deadline for registered voters to request an absentee ballot in person at their city or township clerk’s office.
Tuesday, November 3, at 8 p.m.: Deadline for completed absentee ballots to be received by the voter’s local clerk or deposited in an authorized ballot drop box.
According to the Kalamazoo County Clerk and Register of Deeds office, although voters can request a ballot by mail through October 30, the County Clerk and Register of Deeds office strongly encourage voters to make their request well in advance to allow sufficient time for mailing and returning their ballot. If returning an absentee ballot within two weeks of Election Day, voters may want to consider taking it to their local jurisdiction’s drop-box or bringing it to an Early Voting site or their precinct on Election Day to avoid any potential mail delays.
Early voting:
Early in-person voting will take place Saturday, October 24, through Sunday, November 1, for nine consecutive days. Voters must use the early voting location designated for their city or township. Locations and additional information are available at https://www.kalcounty.gov/451/Early-Voting.
Voters can also visit Michigan.gov/Vote to check their registration, find their polling place, request or track an absentee ballot, and view their sample ballot.
Because the City of Galesburg mayor race is contested, the Climax Crescent put together a series of questions each candidate was offered an opportunity to answer.
Each candidate received the same questions to answer. Each candidate was offered the opportunity to submit a photo as well.
The candidate’s answers are in their own words.
Each candidate was offered the opportunity to review the copy if they wanted to make any adjustments before the article was submitted for publication.
Two candidates will be on the November 3 ballot running for the City of Galesburg mayor position and three candidates will be on the ballot running unopposed for three expiring council seats.
Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. November 3.
Current City of Galesburg council members Ryan Harnden and Glen Hawes will be running for a two-year term as City of Galesburg mayor.
Judy Finnie, Alejandro S Gonzalez, and Guillermina Harnden will be running for three, four-year council member terms.
The terms of current Mayor Linda Marble and council members Carol Wortinger, Ryan Harnden, and Stanley Chovanec end December 31, 2026. The council seat Hawes currently holds expires December 31, 2028.
Absentee voting (voting by mail):
The following information is from the Kalamazoo County Clerk and Register of Deeds office.
Friday, October 30, at 5 p.m.: Deadline to request an absentee ballot online or by mail for delivery by mail.
Monday, November 2, at 4 p.m.: Deadline for registered voters to request an absentee ballot in person at their city or township clerk’s office.
Tuesday, November 3, at 8 p.m.: Deadline for completed absentee ballots to be received by the voter’s local clerk or deposited in an authorized ballot drop box.
According to the Kalamazoo County Clerk and Register of Deeds office, although voters can request a ballot by mail through October 30, the County Clerk and Register of Deeds office strongly encourage voters to make their request well in advance to allow sufficient time for mailing and returning their ballot. If returning an absentee ballot within two weeks of Election Day, voters may want to consider taking it to their local jurisdiction’s drop-box or bringing it to an Early Voting site or their precinct on Election Day to avoid any potential mail delays.
Early voting:
Early in-person voting will take place Saturday, October 24, through Sunday, November 1, for nine consecutive days. Voters must use the early voting location designated for their city or township. Locations and additional information are available at https://www.kalcounty.gov/451/Early-Voting.
Voters can also visit Michigan.gov/Vote to check their registration, find their polling place, request or track an absentee ballot, and view their sample ballot.
Because the City of Galesburg mayor race is contested, the Climax Crescent put together a series of questions each candidate was offered an opportunity to answer.
Each candidate received the same questions to answer. Each candidate was offered the opportunity to submit a photo as well.
The candidate’s answers are in their own words.
Each candidate was offered the opportunity to review the copy if they wanted to make any adjustments before the article was submitted for publication.
Ryan Harnden
City of Galesburg
1. Do you have any previous experience serving on a council, board, commission or as the head of a council. If so for how many years?
Yes. I have served as a member of the Galesburg City Council since 2022. During that time, I have gained firsthand experience in local government, including understanding the responsibilities of the city, working with residents and fellow council members, evaluating community needs, and making decisions that impact our taxpayers and our community.
In addition to my service on the City Council, I bring more than 20 years of leadership experience in automotive engineering. That experience has taught me the importance of accountability, teamwork, problem-solving, planning, and making informed decisions.
2. Why are you running for city mayor?
I am running because I care deeply about Galesburg and believe our community has a great future ahead of it. My family and I have called this community home for more than 10 years, and I want to help make sure Galesburg remains a safe, welcoming, and financially responsible place to live, raise a family, operate a business, and build a future.
Serving on City Council has given me a better understanding of both the opportunities and challenges facing our community. I believe local government works best when residents feel heard and represented. My goal is to bring a practical, transparent, and responsible approach to the mayor’s office while working with residents, businesses, the school district, and surrounding communities.
3. What are some challenges the City of Galesburg faces and how would you address those challenges?
Like many small communities, Galesburg has limited financial resources while still needing to maintain roads, sidewalks, public services, and other infrastructure. We also need to continue supporting public safety and maintaining the character of our community while preparing responsibly for future growth.
I would focus on prioritizing our needs, being responsible with taxpayer dollars, and looking for opportunities to work with the county and other partners when it makes financial sense. I also believe communication is critical. Residents should understand what projects are being considered, why they are needed, what they will cost, and how decisions affect the community.
4-On the flip side, a new housing development is under way in the City of Galesburg. The developers said 46 single family homes and six duplex units will be available when completed. This will bring potential growth to the G-A School District, along with potential economic benefit for local businesses.
Do you have any other initiatives or suggestions to help the city be an even more enjoyable place to work and live in and possibly bring more growth?
The new housing development is an exciting opportunity for Galesburg. Growth can strengthen our community, support local businesses, and potentially bring additional students and families into the G-A School District.
I would like to see us continue looking for responsible opportunities to attract families and businesses while maintaining the small-town character that makes Galesburg special. A vibrant downtown, well-maintained roads and sidewalks, safe neighborhoods, community events, and strong relationships with local businesses all contribute to making a community attractive.
I also believe we should continue promoting Galesburg and the opportunities available here. Growth should be intentional and sustainable—not growth simply for the sake of growth.
5. Would you favor considering a city-operated police department again or do you feel police service is adequate under the current arrangement with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department?
Public safety is one of my priorities. I believe the current partnership with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department provides an important service to our community, and I would want to evaluate the arrangement based on the level of service residents receive and the cost to taxpayers.
I would not support returning to a city-operated police department simply because we had one in the past. I would want to look at the facts, including coverage, response times, costs, staffing, and the needs of our community. If the current arrangement provides effective service and is financially responsible, we should continue it. If there are opportunities to improve coverage or service, I would be open to exploring those options.
Ultimately, my goal is simple: to serve Galesburg responsibly, listen to its residents, protect our community, and help build a strong future while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.
1. Do you have any previous experience serving on a council, board, commission or as the head of a council. If so for how many years?
Yes. I have served as a member of the Galesburg City Council since 2022. During that time, I have gained firsthand experience in local government, including understanding the responsibilities of the city, working with residents and fellow council members, evaluating community needs, and making decisions that impact our taxpayers and our community.
In addition to my service on the City Council, I bring more than 20 years of leadership experience in automotive engineering. That experience has taught me the importance of accountability, teamwork, problem-solving, planning, and making informed decisions.
2. Why are you running for city mayor?
I am running because I care deeply about Galesburg and believe our community has a great future ahead of it. My family and I have called this community home for more than 10 years, and I want to help make sure Galesburg remains a safe, welcoming, and financially responsible place to live, raise a family, operate a business, and build a future.
Serving on City Council has given me a better understanding of both the opportunities and challenges facing our community. I believe local government works best when residents feel heard and represented. My goal is to bring a practical, transparent, and responsible approach to the mayor’s office while working with residents, businesses, the school district, and surrounding communities.
3. What are some challenges the City of Galesburg faces and how would you address those challenges?
Like many small communities, Galesburg has limited financial resources while still needing to maintain roads, sidewalks, public services, and other infrastructure. We also need to continue supporting public safety and maintaining the character of our community while preparing responsibly for future growth.
I would focus on prioritizing our needs, being responsible with taxpayer dollars, and looking for opportunities to work with the county and other partners when it makes financial sense. I also believe communication is critical. Residents should understand what projects are being considered, why they are needed, what they will cost, and how decisions affect the community.
4-On the flip side, a new housing development is under way in the City of Galesburg. The developers said 46 single family homes and six duplex units will be available when completed. This will bring potential growth to the G-A School District, along with potential economic benefit for local businesses.
Do you have any other initiatives or suggestions to help the city be an even more enjoyable place to work and live in and possibly bring more growth?
The new housing development is an exciting opportunity for Galesburg. Growth can strengthen our community, support local businesses, and potentially bring additional students and families into the G-A School District.
I would like to see us continue looking for responsible opportunities to attract families and businesses while maintaining the small-town character that makes Galesburg special. A vibrant downtown, well-maintained roads and sidewalks, safe neighborhoods, community events, and strong relationships with local businesses all contribute to making a community attractive.
I also believe we should continue promoting Galesburg and the opportunities available here. Growth should be intentional and sustainable—not growth simply for the sake of growth.
5. Would you favor considering a city-operated police department again or do you feel police service is adequate under the current arrangement with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department?
Public safety is one of my priorities. I believe the current partnership with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department provides an important service to our community, and I would want to evaluate the arrangement based on the level of service residents receive and the cost to taxpayers.
I would not support returning to a city-operated police department simply because we had one in the past. I would want to look at the facts, including coverage, response times, costs, staffing, and the needs of our community. If the current arrangement provides effective service and is financially responsible, we should continue it. If there are opportunities to improve coverage or service, I would be open to exploring those options.
Ultimately, my goal is simple: to serve Galesburg responsibly, listen to its residents, protect our community, and help build a strong future while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.
Glen Hawes
City of Galesburg
1. Do you have any previous experience serving on a council, board, commission or as the head of a council? If so, for how many years?
I have served on the Galesburg City Council for the past four years. During that time, I’ve also served on the Planning Commission, Personnel Committee, and Charter Committee. I’ve participated in discussions and negotiations involving fire services with Charleston Township and attended county meetings to stay informed about issues affecting our community.
These experiences have given me a better understanding of how local government operates, the challenges our city faces, and the importance of working together to make decisions that benefit residents.
2. Why are you running for city mayor?
I’m running for mayor because I care about Galesburg and its future. I’ve spent the last four years learning how our city operates, listening to residents, and asking questions about decisions that affect our community.
I believe residents deserve open communication, responsible spending, and a city government that listens to their concerns. I don’t believe the mayor’s job is to run the city alone. It’s about working with fellow council members, city staff, and residents to move Galesburg forward.
3. What are some challenges the City of Galesburg faces and how would you address those challenges?
Some of our biggest challenges are aging infrastructure, road and sidewalk conditions, speeding, and making the best use of limited financial resources.
I believe we need to prioritize essential improvements and develop realistic plans to address them. That means examining our budget carefully, identifying where money can be better allocated, and planning for future infrastructure needs rather than continually putting them off.
Communication is another area where we can improve. Residents should know what’s happening in their city, why decisions are being made, and how those decisions affect them.
4. On the flip side, a new housing development is under way in the City of Galesburg. The developers said 46 single family homes and six duplex units will be available when completed. This will bring potential growth to the G-A School District, along with potential economic benefit for local businesses.
Do you have any other initiatives or suggestions to help the city be an even more enjoyable place to work and live in and possibly bring more growth?
I welcome growth and new families coming to Galesburg. However, I believe development agreements must also make financial sense for existing taxpayers. We need to consider not only the immediate benefits of new housing but also the long-term costs of roads, utilities, and infrastructure maintenance.
I’d like to see continued investment in our downtown, support for local businesses, improvements to our parks, and stronger partnerships with the Galesburg-Augusta School District.
I also believe community events and activities bring people together and help make Galesburg a place where families want to stay and new residents want to settle.
Growth should benefit the entire community while protecting the character of our small town.
5. Would you favor considering a city-operated police department again or do you feel police service is adequate under the current arrangement with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department?
My priority is making sure Galesburg residents have dependable police coverage while being responsible with taxpayer dollars.
I’m open to considering a city police department, but I would want to carefully compare the costs, staffing, response times, and coverage with what we’re currently receiving through the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department.
Public safety is too important to make decisions based on nostalgia or assumptions. If there’s a better way to provide coverage that makes financial sense for our city, I believe we owe it to residents to explore it.
Ultimately, I want what’s best for Galesburg, both in keeping our community safe and protecting its financial future.
1. Do you have any previous experience serving on a council, board, commission or as the head of a council? If so, for how many years?
I have served on the Galesburg City Council for the past four years. During that time, I’ve also served on the Planning Commission, Personnel Committee, and Charter Committee. I’ve participated in discussions and negotiations involving fire services with Charleston Township and attended county meetings to stay informed about issues affecting our community.
These experiences have given me a better understanding of how local government operates, the challenges our city faces, and the importance of working together to make decisions that benefit residents.
2. Why are you running for city mayor?
I’m running for mayor because I care about Galesburg and its future. I’ve spent the last four years learning how our city operates, listening to residents, and asking questions about decisions that affect our community.
I believe residents deserve open communication, responsible spending, and a city government that listens to their concerns. I don’t believe the mayor’s job is to run the city alone. It’s about working with fellow council members, city staff, and residents to move Galesburg forward.
3. What are some challenges the City of Galesburg faces and how would you address those challenges?
Some of our biggest challenges are aging infrastructure, road and sidewalk conditions, speeding, and making the best use of limited financial resources.
I believe we need to prioritize essential improvements and develop realistic plans to address them. That means examining our budget carefully, identifying where money can be better allocated, and planning for future infrastructure needs rather than continually putting them off.
Communication is another area where we can improve. Residents should know what’s happening in their city, why decisions are being made, and how those decisions affect them.
4. On the flip side, a new housing development is under way in the City of Galesburg. The developers said 46 single family homes and six duplex units will be available when completed. This will bring potential growth to the G-A School District, along with potential economic benefit for local businesses.
Do you have any other initiatives or suggestions to help the city be an even more enjoyable place to work and live in and possibly bring more growth?
I welcome growth and new families coming to Galesburg. However, I believe development agreements must also make financial sense for existing taxpayers. We need to consider not only the immediate benefits of new housing but also the long-term costs of roads, utilities, and infrastructure maintenance.
I’d like to see continued investment in our downtown, support for local businesses, improvements to our parks, and stronger partnerships with the Galesburg-Augusta School District.
I also believe community events and activities bring people together and help make Galesburg a place where families want to stay and new residents want to settle.
Growth should benefit the entire community while protecting the character of our small town.
5. Would you favor considering a city-operated police department again or do you feel police service is adequate under the current arrangement with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department?
My priority is making sure Galesburg residents have dependable police coverage while being responsible with taxpayer dollars.
I’m open to considering a city police department, but I would want to carefully compare the costs, staffing, response times, and coverage with what we’re currently receiving through the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department.
Public safety is too important to make decisions based on nostalgia or assumptions. If there’s a better way to provide coverage that makes financial sense for our city, I believe we owe it to residents to explore it.
Ultimately, I want what’s best for Galesburg, both in keeping our community safe and protecting its financial future.
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