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NILES — Listed below are Q&As with candidates for Niles City Council who are running for four open seats in the Nov. 5 primary election.

Georgia Boggs, the longest-serving member of the city council, is running for re-election to the city council to represent the first ward for a seventh term.

Why do you want to be on the city council? 

I am dedicated to making the City of Niles a better place.

What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the city council?

To collaborate closely with community members, ensuring that the City of Niles remains a place where everyone feels proud to call it home.

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position on the Niles City Council?

I have dedicated my life to serving the Niles Community through education, church stewardship, and local organizations, advocating for what is right and ensuring that our community serves everyone effectively.

Jamie Bennett, a quality control chemist, is running for election to the City Council to represent the first ward.

Why do you want to be on the city council? 

I love my community. I feel I have the right skill set to help our community be the best it can be.

What do you hope to accomplish as a city council member?

I plan to make city management decisions which benefit all of Niles. My hope is to engage residents of Ward 1 to become more active in city government.  Many don’t realize most of the engagement of our city government is by city employees. The desires and goals of those two groups don’t always match.  To change that requires more engagement from residents.

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

I am a working class mom trying to raise my family. As a scientist, I have strong research and organizational skills.  I’m a fast learner. I work wonderfully with coworkers, clients, and suppliers from a mixture of backgrounds. I developed strong listening skills. I belong to the Niles Planning Commission and the FSJAV.  I don’t just stay here. I live in our community at our library book clubs, restaurants, businesses, parks, and events. 

Sheila Koebel, owner of the Underground Laugh Lounge and The Study,  is running for election to the City Council to represent the second ward.

Why do you want to be on the city council?  

I feel that much like a marriage, we must work together.  We need to communicate, appreciate the similarities, respect the differences, and in the process, have a sense of humor and work together to achieve goals that are best for our community.  

What do you hope to accomplish as a city council member?  

I will be the voice for WARD 2 to keep progress moving forward and having the communication lines open so that people feel they have a contact that will listen to them and be a part of the solution and not part of the problem.  

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position? 

My husband and I are both from Niles and recently purchased the old Carnegie Library and we have worked hard to transform it to a place for people to visit, laugh, relax and make memories. We have generated revenue and brought people to our community that would have never visited Niles.   

We are active in our community with non-profits and other businesses working TOGETHER to make our small space in this world a better place. 

Josiah Bliss, a diesel technician, is running for election to the City Council to represent the second ward. Bliss is the nephew of fourth ward councilmember Michael Thompson.

Why do you want to be on the city council?  

My goal is to serve my community.

What do you hope to accomplish as a city council member?  

There are many streets and sidewalks that need attention. Even fire hydrants are out of service. I want to see that the money the city has been given is put to good use.

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position? 

Growing up in a Baptist Christian home, community service was always an important teaching. I am a hardworking average Joe who simply wants to see Niles recognize the voice of the people.

Kenneth Thompson, a construction worker, is running for election to the City Council to represent the third ward. Thompson is the brother of fourth ward councilmember Michael Thompson.

Why do you want to be on the city council? 

As an almost lifetime resident of Niles, I believe I can represent the values and expectations of our city’s community. In today’s world, a sense of stability is needed and I believe I can provide this quality.

What do you hope to accomplish as a city council member?

Funding for city roads and sidewalks have continued to be reduced each year. I believe this should change and I will work with the other council members to ensure this happens. 

There is also a shortage of housing in Niles. By making a few changes to the city codes, we could reduce the cost of renting, increase the number of available properties and make it easier for renters to find housing in Niles. 

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

I am a graduate of Northern Michigan University, a local business owner and a church trustee. I have had many years of experience working with my local community in many positive ways. I believe these experiences will make me a great candidate to represent the citizens of Niles.  

Charlie McAfee, who has worked as a public servant on and off since 1972 at both the state and local levels, is running for re-election to the city council to represent the third ward for a fourth term.

Why do you want to be on the city council? 

I am running for reelection because I have a continuous track record of empowering and encouraging and building personal relationships with individuals and families to help realize their potential for, and in this community.

What do you hope to accomplish as a city council member?

I hope it is always said that I was a staunch supporting voice for the community, always putting the constituent needs, and opinions above my own

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

Throughout my three terms as a city councilmember, I have tried to serve as a voice for my constituents, refusing to let my personal political or religious beliefs interfere in my quest to make Niles an exceptional place to live.

Joel Rogers, a toolmaker and machinist, is running for election to the City Council to represent the fourth ward. 

Why do you want to be on the city council?

To get a true representative of the 4th ward and Niles city. Something that I feel is often lost in government these days.

What do you hope to accomplish as a city council member?

To reach out and engage the 4th ward residents and provide assistance to their needs. Streets are a priority. 

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

I am a 30-plus year city resident and lifetime Berrien County resident. I was always chosen to be a leader, from high school,  college, and the workplace. I am a problem solver, and I have engaged city councilmen and city employees in the past when important issues arose.

Jessica Nelson, VP Global Business Operations at Fluent Commerce, is running for election to the City Council to represent the fourth ward. Nelson previously represented the ward from 2018 to 2022.

Why do you want to be on the Niles City Council? 

To be a bridge between the citizens and the city staff. Providing information to the community and making sure that decisions that are made by the city staff are well thought out and balance the needs of everyone in the community, not just the loudest voices in the room.

What do you hope to accomplish as a city council member?

To build trust between the city staff, local government officials and the citizens of Niles. Spend the taxpayer’s money wisely. And to continue to build a safe and thriving community we are proud of.

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position? 

I’ve already served a term on City Council from 2018-2022. So on day one, I’ll already know how everything works. In addition, my Bachelor’s degree is in Political Science. Most importantly, I’m not using this opportunity as a way to progress my own agenda. I only wish to serve so that we can all thrive in our community.