Meet the candidates: contested Red Oak races
The Red Oak Express is publishing a Meet the Candidates series on the contested races in Montgomery County. The candidates were asked the same questions and the responses are below. We have corrected for spelling, grammar, and punctuation only.
Red Oak Mayor candidates:
Name:
John Haidsiak
Current Job title:
Retired
Family info: Spouse/children/grandchildren (if you want to share}:
Wife: Kim, three children, 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren
Why are you running tor mayor?
There is a vacancy and I believe I can do the job. But mainly, I want to ensure transparency. The citizens of Red Oak elect the city council representatives and mayor to make decisions on their behalf. The citizens therefore deserve to know where we, as a community, stand at all times including financially. That information should be made readily available so that at any given moment, if something is in question, it can be viewed and discussed. This way, when money is spent, the public can be assured that the funds are there to do so.
In what capacity have you served as an elected official in the past?
Councilman Ward 1.
If elected, what are your top two priorities, and why?
1. To ensure that none of the ordinances treat the public unfairly.
2. Always maintain an open door policy to enable me to hear any and all public complaints.
Are you a member of any clubs/organizations/boards?
Fraternal Order of Eagles, American Legion, VFW, AMVETS and DAV.
Former member of the Red Oak Masonic Lodge and Red Oak Kiwanis Club.
What skills will you bring to the mayor’s office if elected?
The ability to listen and make fair and impartial decisions.
Who inspires you?
People who lead to serve the public and not themselves, people who value the needs of others over their own.
Anvthinq else you would like to add?
I’m a Vietnam and Desert Storm veteran with 28 years of service.
Name:
Tim Fridolph
Current Job title:
Licensed Iowa REALTOR®
Family info: Spouse/children/grandchildren (if you want to share):
Married to Kate Fridolph, our children are Lexy (23), Lawson, & Libby (9), Eleanor (2 ½), & Eloise (4 mos.)
Why are you running for mayor?
Red Oak has always been home—and it’s where my wife and I have chosen to raise our family. Over the years, I’ve built strong working relationships with local business owners, civic organizations, and community leaders, including our two largest employers. I take pride in being someone who can work with anyone willing to set differences aside and focus on progress. With a proven record of civic involvement, deep community roots, and a passion for making Red Oak the best it can be, I’m ready to lead with integrity, vision, and civility.
In what capacity have you served as an elected official in the past?
I am currently serving my final year as an At-Large City Councilmember
If elected, what are your top two priorities, and why?
My top priority is expanding Red Oak’s tax base. Over the past 20 years, Red Oak’s tax levy has trended upward, with very minimal periods of decline or stability, while our overall growth has not risen. We’ve seen consistent increases since 2015; although many other small communities are also facing these challenges, it also reflects the growing costs of maintaining services and infrastructure without the benefit of major tax base growth. The good news is that we’re beginning to see positive change. Projects like the StudioOne Townhomes and the 1917 Lofts are adding new value to our community and helping shift the tax burden away from residents. With the right plans in place, I believe we can continue this momentum—encouraging growth, attracting new development, and creating real tax relief for our citizens. I’ve already begun exploring new incentive ideas to support local business expansion, attract new employers, and promote more housing opportunities in Red Oak. My second priority is floodplain mitigation. Too many of our residents and downtown businesses continue to face challenges from flooding along the Red Oak Creek. I’m committed to pursuing every option available to help reduce the size and impact of the current floodplain. Whether that means investing in flood control infrastructure, updating flood maps, improving levees, or exploring green, sustainable solutions, we’ll keep working toward the most effective and affordable ways to protect our community.
Are you a member of any clubs/organizations/boards?
I am currently the President of the Montgomery County Development Corporation; Board Member and Secretary of both the Red Oak Grand Theatre and the Montgomery County Shooting Sports Club; Board Member of the YMCA; 4-H leader; Board Member and Treasurer of the Red Oak Area Partnership; and I have been a member of the Rotary Club of Red Oak for eight years, previously serving as President and Secretary for two years each. In addition, I’ve previously served as Treasurer of the Pregnancy Center of SWIA, Fundraising & Budget chair of the Red Oak RAGBRAI Committee, one of the founding members of Red Oak Community Heart and Soul, and Elder & Treasurer of Crossroads Community Church.
What skills will you bring to the mayor’s office if elected?
With a lifelong connection to Red Oak and a strong record of community leadership, I bring experience in strategic planning and public engagement. Through my service on multiple local boards, and community organizations, I’ve built skills in collaboration, consensus building, and long-term planning, and public speaking.
My professional background — from managing local businesses to my current role as a licensed REALTOR® has strengthened my abilities in operations, customer service, and economic development. Above all, my focus is on bringing people together, solving problems with integrity and civility, and building a thriving Red Oak for generations to come.
Who inspires you?
My faith is my greatest source of inspiration. I know without a doubt that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Lord’s guidance and intervention in my life more than 20 years ago. My family also motivates me every day to be the best husband and father I can be. I’m continually inspired by the many volunteers who give their time and energy to make our community stronger and ensure that residents and visitors alike can enjoy all that Red Oak has to offer.
Anything else you would like to add?
Red Oak has always been home for me, and I’ve spent years giving back to the place that’s given me so much. Whether it’s serving on local boards, helping small businesses grow, or volunteering alongside friends and neighbors, I’ve learned what it takes to make things happen when people work together. My background in business and real estate has taught me how to plan, listen, and find solutions that move our community forward. I’m passionate about seeing Red Oak thrive—for us today, and for generations to come.
Red Oak Council Member At-Large candidates:
Name:
John Gross
Current Job title:
Parts Sales
Why are you running for city council?
To change the way the city is being run and save our businesses and bring in new jobs.
In what capacity have you served as an elected official in the past?
None.
If elected, what are your top two priorities, and why?
Needless spending. The city has spent money in some of the worst ways . We have water leaks all over town and have been leaking for months. This is only one of the neglected issues. There are plenty more to be addressed.
Get back to common sense. Red Oak is not a major city and we should not be trying to be a major city . A lot of Red Oak citizens still want and like small town values.
Are you a member of any clubs/organizations/boards?
No.
What skills will you bring to the council if elected?
Not sure about skills. But I will bring the fight to set things right, like I did against mandatory garbage, and help keep our small businesses in business.
Who inspires you?
I have lived most my whole life in Red Oak. Myself and son graduated from Red Oak and I have grandson in school now To me Red Oak is home I lived in Omaha during college and couldn’t wait to get back home.
Anything else you would like to add?
If the great citizens of Red Oak elect me to councilman and those running with me, we will make changes and we will talk to and listen to the very people that elect us. Because that is who we work for and that has been forgotten.
Name:
Jeanice Lester
Current Job title:
Retired from the Red Oak Community School District.
Family info: Spouse/children/grandchildren (if you want to share):
Married to Will Lester. We have three adult sons and families. Jason (June) Hannah and Jack. Clint (Jen) Norah. Andy (Calli) Leo and Eli.
Why are you running for city council?
I believe I have a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer the council. I’ve always believed in Red Oak and in doing my part to help it become the best it can be. After retirement, Will and I chose to stay here because this community means so much to us. Our sons graduated from Red Oak Schools and have grown into outstanding young men—something that makes us proud every single day.
In what capacity have you served as an elected official in the past?
12 years as a council member for the at-large position. Currently I am serving as an appointed council member for Ward 1.
If elected, what are your top 2 priorities, and why?
One of my top priorities is helping the Lakin Foundation project become a reality for Red Oak. With $18 million dedicated to our community, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity we can’t afford to let pass us by.
Red Oak has already seen encouraging growth through new housing developments, and I want to continue building on that progress — ensuring housing options are available for everyone, whether through new construction or the rehabilitation of existing homes.
Both developments are expected to benefit Red Oak, while still considering existing businesses and potential opportunities for others to establish themselves in Red Oak.
Are you a member of any clubs/organizations/boards?
Since moving to Red Oak in 1978, I’ve had the privilege of serving on many local boards and committees that have shaped our community. I began with the PTO — first as a member, then as president (fun fact: the Red Oak PTO trash bags originated with the Lester family!). From there, I joined Friends of the Trails, helping develop the city’s first trail system, and later served as a YMCA board member and president. I also played a role in developing the current Wilson Performing Arts Center location, served as a board member and past president of the Red Oak Grand Theatre (adding a second screen and improvements to the original theatre room), and held leadership roles with RAGBRAI and the Red Oak Tourism and Recreation Committee, where I’ve been involved for more than 12 years and now serve in an advisory role. Since the hotel/motel tax was established in 2011, more than $1 million has been awarded to enhance local projects and events. I’ve also been involved with the Montgomery County Development Corporation, continuing my commitment to Red Oak’s growth and vitality.
What skills will you bring to the council if elected?
I’ve proven that I can work with anyone and will continue to do so. I had the honor of serving as Mayor Pro-Tem under two different mayors, which gave me valuable insight into city operations and teamwork. That experience, along with my long-standing commitment to our community, has prepared me to be a steady, dependable voice on the City Council. I’m not running with any hidden agenda—only the desire to see Red Oak continue to grow and remain a wonderful place to call home.
Who inspires you?
My family inspires me the most. They are great human beings and support me every day. Even when life can throw a curve, I know they will have my back, always.
Anything else you would like to add?
Red Oak has been my home since 1978, and I can’t imagine a better place to have raised our sons. Though we had opportunities to move elsewhere, we chose to stay here because Red Oak truly feels like home. I’m proud of the ways I’ve been able to give back to this community and the progress we’ve made together. As we look to the future, I hope to continue that work—with your support in the upcoming election on November 4, 2025. Together, we can do what’s best for Red Oak and keep our community moving forward. In closing, please know that I am here to listen, to learn, and to take ideas back to the full council.