Two candidates are vying for one open seat in the Holden Ward 1 race in the 2026 Municipal Election on April 7.
The community member voted into the position will serve a two-year term. Candidates include incumbent Guy Barwick and Julie Getz.
Each candidate was asked to fill out a questionnaire. Answers were limited to 150 words and are listed in alphabetical order by last name. The candidates' responses have only been edited for grammar, clarity and punctuation.
Why are you running for office?
Barwick: One of the main reasons I am running for office again is for the future of our town. I want to help create a brighter future for our families, businesses and community as a whole. Holden is a special place, and it deserves leaders who will listen to its residents and work toward positive growth. I believe our town needs strong representation that keeps our community moving in the right direction. By serving again, I hope to continue supporting progress while protecting the values that make Holden a great place to live. My goal is to help ensure that future generations can enjoy a safe, thriving and connected community.
Getz: I am running because I believe in the potential of Holden and the importance of transparent, accessible leadership. Having previously served on the council, I understand the commitment required to do right by our residents. My goal is to be a reliable representative who is available for every meeting and open to hearing the concerns of everyone in my ward. I want to help our council move forward with integrity, standing strong as a team to address our city’s challenges and supporting our next mayor in fostering a more unified local government.
What are your qualifications?
Barwick: I have proudly served our community for several years in local leadership roles. I have been a member of the Holden Park Board for six years and have served on the City Council for the past two years. During that time, I have also worked on both the Public Works Committee and the Park Board Committee for the last two years. These roles have allowed me to gain valuable experience in city planning, infrastructure and community development. Through this service, I have learned how local government works and how important it is to listen to the needs of residents. My experience has prepared me to continue serving Holden with dedication, responsibility and a focus on improving our community.
Getz: I bring two years of prior city council experience and a lifetime of dedication to the Holden community. My involvement spans several local organizations, including serving as President of the Holden United Methodist Women and the local PEO chapter. I have volunteered for Johnson County Hospice, the Arbors in Warrensburg, and served in various roles within the PTO and the Johnson County Republican Women. From coordinating the kite festival at the lake to my work with the Kappa Nu Sorority on service projects, I have consistently stepped up to lead and serve our community in many capacities.
What would be your top priorities in office?
Barwick: My top priority in office would be making sure the people of Holden have a strong voice in their local government. I want residents to feel heard and represented in the decisions that affect our community. I also want to focus on safer streets for our children and families, ensuring that our neighborhoods remain safe places to live and grow. Supporting smart growth and encouraging strong local businesses is another key priority, as thriving businesses help strengthen our entire community. In addition, I want to continue improving our parks and community spaces so families have safe, welcoming places to gather, play and enjoy time together.
Getz: My primary focus will be ensuring a smooth transition with the new BPW company while working to keep our water rates stable. I am also committed to improving our infrastructure; I want to ensure our street department has the equipment necessary to maintain our roads effectively in-house. Additionally, I will prioritize progress on the 20-acre park project, specifically the walking trail, and work diligently to find the funding and resources needed to complete the Streets Addition project for our residents.
What goals do you have for office if you are elected?
Barwick: If elected, one of my goals is to bring our community together and focus on what is best for the citizens of Holden—not just the interests of one individual or political agenda. I want to encourage more community involvement and create additional family-friendly events that bring people together. I would also like to continue improving our parks, including developing a walking trail throughout the city park that connects 14th Street on the south side to 9th Street on the north side. Another goal is to continue improving the streets throughout town. I was part of the committee that helped get many long-neglected roads paved, and I want to keep that progress moving forward. By continuing to improve infrastructure, parks and community events, we can keep making Holden a better place for everyone.
Getz: My main goal is to restore transparency and teamwork within the council. I want to see our city projects, like the park trail and street improvements, move from the planning stages to completion. By working closely with the mayor and fellow council members, I aim to create a more efficient government that puts the needs of Holden’s citizens first and ensures that every voice in the community is heard.
Why should people vote for you?
Barwick: I have lived in Holden my entire life and care deeply about our community. Over the years, I have dedicated a great deal of time and effort to making our town a place people can be proud of. Many people know me through the Christmas on Clay light display I host each year, as well as my involvement in Christmas in the Park and the downtown holiday lights. I donate much of my time to these projects because seeing families enjoy them and come together brings joy to our community. I believe community spirit matters, and I work hard to help create that for Holden. I am asking for your vote so I can continue serving our town and helping make Holden a place where families feel connected, proud and excited about the future.
Getz: People should vote for me because I have the experience to hit the ground running and the work ethic to get things done. I have lived in Holden my entire life and am not afraid to advocate firmly for our residents. I believe in putting the city and its people first, and I have a proven track record of service that reflects that commitment. I am ready to work hard to bring out the best in Holden.
Compiled by Hasina Shah.
