Fort Dodge voters will pick two at-large members of the City Council on Tuesday.

The candidates are Brooke Bickford, Richard Higgins, Quennel McCaleb and Councilwoman Lydia Schuur, who is seeking her second term.

At-large council members serve four year terms.

Here is an introduction to the candidates along with their answers to a pair of questions asked by The Messenger.

Brooke Bickford

Address: 2542 22nd Ave. N.

Occupation: Manages Bickford Realty

Education: Bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa, Iowa City; graduate of Fort Dodge Senior High School

Why do you feel you are the best qualified candidate for City Council?

“Everything I do I put in 110 percent. I have built businesses, hosted radio shows, improved buildings in downtown Fort Dodge, worked to create housing for people of various incomes and I have a firm understanding of what it will take to bring Fort Dodge to the next level. I have spent time talking to business owners and residents in every corner of this community and I can firmly state that I know what needs to be done. I am not afraid to ask questions and speak up for what I believe is right for those I represent. I am ready to make my hometown Fort Dodge proud. I hope I have earned your vote Nov. 2.”

What do you think the City Council can do to combat gun violence in the community?

“There are state laws on the books to prevent most of the gun violence throughout the state. On the local level, community involvement and working with the police and other first responders is the only way we will combat this problem. When working on the budget, which is the main priority of the City Council, I will propose hiring new officers so our men and women in blue are not outnumbered on the streets.”

Richard Higgins

Address: 1661 Ninth Ave. N.

Occupation: Retired from a career in retailing

Education: Graduate of Fort Dodge Senior High School

Why do you feel you are the best qualified candidate for City Council?

“I, Richard Higgins, feel that I am the best candidate for the Fort Dodge City Council at-large because I have a strong desire to serve the citizens of Fort Dodge. Since I moved back to Fort Dodge in 2007, I have attended most of the City Council meetings and feel I am a knowledgeable candidate so I would be an asset to the City Council. I want to help move Fort Dodge forward as a premier community in which to live, work and operate business.

“Since I am retired, I have more time, than the other candidates, to listen to citizen’s concerns and research them before responding to the citizens. Also as a senior citizen, I understand the issues that senior citizens deal with and how it impacts their lives. If elected, I can add insight when the council discusses issues affecting senior citizens.

“I wanted to serve my country so I volunteered for the U.S. Navy. Now as a Navy veteran, I want to serve my city so I am a candidate for the City Council at-large.”

What do you tthink the City Council can do to combat gun violence in the community?

“In regards to combating gun violence in the community, I feel the City Council must work closely with the Police Department, Sheriff’s Department, highway patrol, schools, and state legislatures to keep our community safe. The City Council can host forums with speakers who deal directly with combating the gun violence, citizens can learn about the problems and give their input.”

Quennel McCaleb

Address: 1629 Floral Ave.

Occupation: Student support services/transition specialist, Fort Dodge Community School District

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Buena Vista University, Storm Lake; graduate of Fort Dodge Senior High School

Why do you feel you are the best qualified candidate for City Council?

“I am not the most qualified person. We all bring positive attributes that’s going to help our community keep moving in right direction . But I will tell you that I am willing to listen, I am willing to learn. I’m willing to be the example that with hard work, grit, grind, and being humble enough to show everyone that perseverance, blood, sweat, a never give up attitude. You can make a difference in someone’s life, or whole community’s future.”

What do you think the City Council can do to combat gun violence in the community?

“Working on this gun violence is something I take personally. I plan on working close with the Police Department on this issue so our community can sleep in peace. It has to stop and if that means I sit in some police meeting or sit in some high risk areas. I gladly will. A few bad apples doesn’t speak for who we are.”

Lydia Schuur

Address: 1040 N. 19th St.

Occupation: Communications specialist, Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance

Education: Bachelor’s degree from Buena Vista University, Storm Lake; associate degree from Iowa Central Community College; graduate of St. Edmond High School

Why do you feel you are the best qualified candidate for City Council?

“I have served on City Council for four years and I have learned so much. I have a better understanding on how city government works, what it takes to provide a functional city to its citizens, and I’ve been a part of some tough decisions that I have spent sleepless nights dwelling on. I love Fort Dodge and I feel that I am putting in the work to make us a city our children can be proud of, and people will want to live here. I would be honored to have the opportunity to continue.”

What do you think the City Council can do to combat gun violence in the community?

“I feel that tackling gun violence is larger than what City Council is capable of doing. It takes a good relationship with the Police Department and the citizens. It takes people speaking up when they know something, or when they see something. City Council must make it clear that Fort Dodge is better than this. We are better than this. As we increase the quality of life in our community, and provide more in the form of entertainment and activities, we can offer our youth more to do with more opportunities to get engaged.”