Fremont District 79 candidates list qualifications

Five candidates are seeking four open seats on the Fremont Elementary District 79 school board. Each seat carries a four-year term.

Each candidate believes they have the qualifications and deserve to be elected April 7.

We asked them to briefly summarize their strengths.

Incumbent David Natzke says five years of school board experience and his leadership as chairman of the finance committee qualifies him to be re-elected to the job.

"My number one priority is to continue work hard with the board and administration to ensure we are managing our district's precious tax dollars in a very effective way," he said. "We are consistently awarded by the State of Illinois for our strong financial condition. I want to make sure that continues."

Eric Dahlinger is an incumbent who says he has a proven record of balanced leadership.

"I am an active and contributing member of the Fremont Board of Education," he said. "I try to maintain the balance between fiscal responsibility and meeting the changing education needs within our district."

Anticipating what might be a rocky financial future, candidate Glen Gustafson touts his corporate management skills and financial background.

"I have 22 years of business experience with leadership and management roles," he said. "I have worked with organizations that have had to weather tough times. I have experience making tough decisions and have worked to sustain operations under difficult scenarios."

Julie Testin said she'll bring a rookie spirit and enthusiasm to the board.

"I care about my child's school and want to be part of the team that keeps it running smoothly," she said. "I'm new to all this so I'd be a fresh pair of eyes and ears with unjaded views. I'm ready to settle in and get to work."

Candidate Jason Bonds says he understands the seriousness of responsibility, and he would be a team player.

"It is of the utmost importance to understand that I am representing one of the most valuable and sacred assets in the community," he said. "I am completely confident in my abilities to work as a member of the team with an open mind when engaged in the issues brought before the board."

Incumbent Arthur Weller is running unopposed for a two-year term.