Copperas Cove city council to see new faces in November
By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press
Place 4 on the Copperas Cove city council will be held by a brand-new member to public office in November, and two longtime Copperas Cove residents are in the running for the position.
The Leader-Press submitted questions to both candidates in order to introduce them to voters.
John Hale
How long have you lived in Copperas Cove?
I have lived in Copperas Cove since 1999, I moved here after getting out the United States Army.
What is your educational and professional background?
When I was in the US Army, I was part of Task Force XXI where I was a test technician for future Army hardware and software. Task Force XXI led me into my current career where I started as a computer bench technician and worked my up to a Systems Engineer, I have been in the computer field for the past 22 years with the same company. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Why did you decide to run for Copperas Cove city council?
I decided to run for City Council because I served my Country at one point, spent 22 years at my current employer and feel that it is time I serve my community.
I don’t think that I have much right to complain unless I get involved and try to get some future actions in place. I believe that the City Council does a good job of managing the day to day and year to year activities of the city, I would like to lend my experience and skillset by being a part of this team, to focus on the plans for 5-year, 10-year and beyond.
What clubs, churches, and/or other organizations are you a member of/involved with locally?
I not affiliated with a church, but my relationship with God is strong. For over a decade I have been a member of the Copperas Cove Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association where I have served as the President, Secretary, and a member at large on the board. I have been with this organization for over a decade and worked many support events to include Rabbit Fest and Kris Kindl Markt. I also volunteer for Keep Copperas Cove Beautiful, Pink Warrior Angels. I have also volunteered at the Animal Shelter, local nursing homes. I am a sponsor at the Chamber’s Military Affairs Dinners, and also served as a Judge for DECA over the past few years. I support many events throughout the community. I am a huge supporter of the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, through annual weight gain with cookies and popcorn, finishing it off with support of Lemonade Day to wash it all down.
Tell us about your family, hobbies, and other interests that our readers might like to know about.
I am married to my beautiful wife Dawn and we have 5 children, and 6 grandchildren. I like camping and building things. I Like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain. I like Rock, Country and Rap music from several decades.
Edith Natividad:
How long have you lived in Copperas Cove?
29 years.
What is your educational and professional background?
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. Certified Teacher’s aide.
Why did you decide to run for Copperas Cove city council?
I believe that serving for Copperas Cove City Council is my calling. I want to be apart of all the planning, decisions making to better our community. I like to see a new Family Community and Senior Center Building. A family Park with water splash pads.
What clubs, churches, and/or other organizations are you a member of/involved with locally?
I am active member at Holy Family Church for 29 years. I am a volunteer Sunday School teacher for 28 years. Pastoral Council, Welcome Committee, Eucharistic Minister, one of the Youth Leader, Fundraising Chairperson for Youth Group for Holy Family. Member of Filipino-American Association of Central Texas. I was the Fundraising Chairperson for CCISD Soccer Varsity 2005-2007. Fundraising Chairperson for CCISD Cheerleaders 2006-07. Member of Polynesian Micronesian Group. Aloha Pomaika’i Dance Group. A volunteer at CCISD. One of Keep Copperas Cove Beautiful Commissioners. Member of ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL (Copperas Cove) Fort Hood Family Support Group Leader. Member of Fort Hood Santa’s Workshop. A Committee Chairperson for Entertainment for Holy Family Fall Fest for 8 consecutive years.
Tell us about your family, hobbies, and other interests that our readers might like to know about.
Married to my hero Phillip Natividad for 38 years. Being my husband was in the military. Travel Europe for over 10 years. My husband retired and made Copperas Cove “Home Sweet Home”. We have 4 good looking kids, 8 loving grandchildren and more to come. I like to organize multi-cultural family events.
I love to cook, go walking, do Zumba with my fellow Senior citizens, and dance hula. I am a family center, go getter and finisher. I am very active in our community since 1993. I volunteered in so many events, activities and causes. I am active volunteer at “My Brother’s House Food Pantry”. I installed 2 “Blessing Box” a 24 hour Food Pantry.
I want to wish Mr. Hale good luck on his candidacy.
For Copperas Cove city council Place 3, incumbent Shawn Alzona is running unopposed and thus will get to serve his first full three-year term of office.
For Place 5, current councilmember Dianne Yoho Campbell withdrew from the race and will continue to serve until her term ends in November. The other candidate, Copperas Cove veteran and restauranteur Manuel “Monty” Montanez, will step into the position in November.
The last day to register to vote in the November election is Tuesday, Oct. 11.
Early voting for the Nov. 8 election will begin on Monday, Oct. 24.