Area candidates discuss, motivation, objectives

McCOOK Neb. - The McCook Gazette reached out to the six candidates in our local contested races. Four are vying for two seats on the McCook City Council, and two are running for a position on the board of the Middle Republican Natural Resources District. Each candidate was asked 1) why they are running for office, 2) what they plan to do when they get there, and 3) if there is anything the readers of the McCook Gazette should know about their candidacy. Five of the six candidates responded.

With a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to his community, Jerry Calvin, a dedicated public servant and incumbent candidate running for re-election to the McCook City Council, has played a vital role in the growth and development of McCook during his time in office.

Jerry explains why he is running for re-election, “I have been very fortunate to have been involved with some of the projects and administration involving the City of McCook during my previous term. The people of McCook have benefitted from these efforts, yet we have more that can be realized. We are experiencing a wave of growth and citizen involvement like nothing I have seen during my service to the people. I believe I can continue to be an effective part of these movements.”

As he looks ahead, Calvin’s first initiative will be collaborating with city administration on the 2025/2026 city budget. He acknowledges the difficulties posed by recent mandates from the Nebraska Legislature, which create significant challenges for municipal and county governments. “It will be a very difficult task balancing the needs and services of the community against the dollars requested from the taxpayers. Our options are very limited, which will require a great deal of thought and collaboration to find the solutions,” he explains.

Jerry’s focus is unwavering: “My focus has always been, and will continue to be, on the people of McCook and how best to meet their needs.” He emphasizes the importance of transparency and communication: “If necessary, difficult decisions may need to be discussed with the people of McCook before they are finalized. I remain committed to doing what is best for our citizens.”

With a robust background in public service, Jerry has devoted much of his adult life to serving his community. He served four years in the Marine Corps and twenty-two years with the McCook Police Department. In his fourteenth year on the City Council, Jerry has made public service a cornerstone of his identity. “I truly enjoy public service,” he shares.

Jerry was born and raised in McCook and chose to return home with his wife, Robin, to raise their family here. His love for McCook and its residents shines through in his words: “I firmly believe in our community and our people who make McCook a beautiful place in which to live.”

As Jerry seeks another term on the City Council, he respectfully asks for the opportunity to continue serving the people of McCook. With his experience and dedication, Jerry Calvin is ready to help guide McCook through its next chapter of growth and success.

Jackson Dellevoet, a freshman at McCook Community College, is eager to impact the city positively. Dellevoet’s journey in community involvement began in high school, where he actively participated in groups like Youth Change Reaction and Student Council. As he graduated, he strongly desired to continue his engagement with McCook. “I realized that being part of these clubs was just the beginning,” he shares. “Running for City Council presents an opportunity to influence my community directly and bring in young families to ensure the future of our town.”

Jackson’s vision for McCook includes several impactful initiatives. He hopes to celebrate the passing of the school bond issue and recognize the hard work of students who have endured learning in less-than-ideal conditions. “Without adequate learning spaces, sustaining growth and attracting young families becomes significantly harder,” he explains.

He also plans to collaborate closely with city leaders and community organizations. He says he would like to sit down with City Manager Nate Schnieder and department heads to discuss what’s working and where we can grow. Jackson emphasizes. Building on McCook’s recent spirit of cooperation, he aims to ensure that the city council plays a central role in fostering collaboration among community leaders.

Moreover, Jackson believes in transforming criticism into constructive solutions. He intends to engage with voices from the McCook Concerns and Complaints Facebook Page to harness creative energy in addressing community issues. “It takes real effort to create solutions rather than just complain about problems,” he states.

Importantly, Jackson acknowledges that he cannot guarantee he will complete his term while dedicated to serving his constituents. “I love this town, and so many people have supported me in my journey,” he says. “However, as I explore my academic opportunities, there’s a chance I may need to move away for a time. If elected, I promise to work hard for as long as I can to fulfill my commitment to the community.”

Jackson Dellevoet is ready to bring fresh perspectives and energy to the McCook City Council. With his dedication to collaboration and community growth, he aims to inspire others and drive meaningful change in our beloved city. Join us in supporting Jackson’s candidacy as he seeks to make McCook an even better place for all residents.

As a dedicated community member who understands the value of service and giving back, Josiah Hegwood is running as a candidate for City Council in McCook. Reflecting on his journey, Hegwood shares, “The community of McCook has given so much to me and my family over the years. It’s been a place of support, opportunity, and belonging.

My desire to run stems from a deep commitment to giving back. I believe that public service is one of the highest forms of gratitude, and I want to help ensure that McCook continues to thrive for generations to come.”

Hegwood’s vision for McCook is rooted in a strong sense of community and a commitment to sustainable growth. He emphasizes, “Like many of you, I want to see McCook flourish and grow, but I believe the first step is to ensure we are taking care of what we already have. It’s not just about new projects; it’s about maintaining and improving the amenities, programs, and infrastructure we currently rely on. My first initiative would be to focus on enhancing what makes McCook strong today so that we can set the foundation for thoughtful and sustainable growth tomorrow.”

With a heart for service and a clear understanding of our community’s strengths, Hegwood recognizes the unique qualities that make McCook special. He reflects, “The more I learn and grow, the more I recognize how special McCook is—not just because of where we are located or what we offer, but because of who we are as a community. Whether during my high school days on the sports field or in my professional efforts to bring new businesses here, McCook has always supported me and my family. I’m grateful for that, and I look forward to the opportunity to give back and serve in a greater capacity. Together, we can continue to build a bright future for all of us.”

As Josiah Hegwood embarks on this campaign for City Council, he brings with him a commitment to service, a focus on community improvement, and a passion for fostering sustainable growth in McCook.

A passion for community service and a proven track record of dedication has driven Darcy Rambali to be instrumental in our city’s progress. Rambali currently serves on the McCook City Council as an incumbent candidate for reelection.

Reflecting on his time in office, Rambali says, “I am running for reelection because, as an elected official, I have seen the work of our Council take a very positive turn for our future. I want to see the initiatives started during my term come to fruition, but I know this cannot be accomplished alone. It will take the entire community working together to grow our future.”

Darcey emphasizes the trust that comes with being elected: “If reelected, it means our community is entrusting me to do what’s best for everyone. I hope we can continue on the path that our Council has set. McCook hasn’t seen this much growth since my family moved here in 2009. I’m proud to say that in the last four years, we have experienced significant development, with even more opportunities on the horizon.”

He acknowledges a vital issue facing our city: “McCook has had challenges retaining its young people, but I believe we are moving in a direction where our kids can come back, raise their families here, and enjoy great schools, recreation, and job opportunities.”

Having invested deeply in our community since arriving, Rambali adds, “I hope that the voters understand my love for McCook and knot I will always prioritize what’s right for our city. While none of us can predict the future, we can commit to keeping the needs and voices of our residents at the forefront of our decision-making.”

Rambali asks that you join him in building a brighter future for McCook—one that reflects the values and aspirations of our entire community.

As a dedicated advocate for our community and candidate for Sub-District One of the Middle Republican Natural Resources District (MRNRD), Rose Weskamp’s journey into public service began with a personal quest for answers about McCook’s water quality, leading her to discover the vital work of the MRNRD.

“I am running for office to continue the valuable work of the MRNRD,” Rose states. Her concern for the community’s water prompted her to contact the Environmental Protection Agency, the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, and the MRNRD after encountering difficulties in addressing the issue with the city. “After submitting a letter of intent, I was honored to be interviewed and voted in to fill an open position on the board.” Since then, Rose has been actively involved, attending all board meetings, statewide conferences, and tours to deepen her understanding of our natural resources.

If elected, Rose’s top priority will be to advance the new technologies and information being gathered by the MRNRD. “We have made tremendous progress on irrigation monitoring, and now we need to focus on the quality of our water supplies,” she explains. This effort includes collaboration among the MRNRD, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and AEM, which uses helicopters to measure water levels and soil samples. Rose aims to serve as a liaison between the agricultural community and the City of McCook, fostering open communication and forming a coalition of concerned citizens to address water supply issues head-on. “I plan to speak monthly at city council meetings to establish preventative measures for our water systems,” she adds.

What sets Rose apart is her unique perspective as the only non-farmer/rancher on the MRNRD board. “I believe diversity is key to finding innovative solutions,” she shares. Rose is deeply committed to her community, working tirelessly for the greater good. She volunteers weekly as the chair of the McCook Cares Community Bread Giveaway, sits on the Southwest Nebraska Family Resource Center board, and is an active member of Pheasants Forever. Additionally, she supports several churches and nonprofits in the area.

Rose Weskamp is passionate about serving McCook and would greatly appreciate your vote to help protect and enhance our natural resources.