Two candidates are competing to hold the Holden Mayoral position in the 2026 Municipal Election on April 7.
The person voted in as mayor will serve a four-year term. Candidates include Dave Chastain and Allen Mensch.
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?
Chastain: I am running for office because I believe the people of Holden deserve an honest, transparent government where every citizen has a real opportunity to be heard. Too often, public input is limited or rushed. I want to create an open meeting environment where residents can share their concerns and ideas without feeling pressured by strict time limits. Local government works best when it listens first. My goal is to ensure decisions are made with the community, not just for the community. Holden is growing, and we need leadership that values communication, fairness and accountability. I’m running to make sure every voice matters and that our town’s future is shaped by the people who call it home.
Mensch: I am running for mayor because I care deeply about Holden and believe our community has tremendous potential. Over the past four years serving on the city council, I’ve seen both the challenges we face and the opportunities ahead. I want to continue working toward responsible budgeting, improved infrastructure and a stronger local economy. I believe leadership should be transparent, accessible and focused on serving the entire community. Holden deserves steady, practical leadership that plans for the future while protecting what makes our town special. I am running to help guide that progress in a thoughtful and responsible way.
What are your qualifications?
Chastain: I have proudly served the community for seven years on the Holden Parks and Recreation Board, including six years as chairman. During that time, I worked closely with city leadership, community members and local organizations to improve our parks and recreational programs. Serving in this role has given me firsthand experience in budgeting, planning projects, leading meetings and making decisions that benefit the public. It has also strengthened my understanding of how city government operates and the importance of responsible leadership. I am engaged, informed and committed to doing the work necessary to serve Holden effectively. My years of service demonstrate my dedication, leadership experience, and long-term investment in our community. (I started) working at 7 years old with my father at the beautiful Rose-hill Gardens. I joined the Navy at 17 years old during the Vietnam War with an honorary discharge after serving 12 years.
Mensch: I have served four years on the Holden City Council, where I have been directly involved in budgeting, infrastructure planning and city policy decisions. This experience has given me a clear understanding of how our city operates and how funds are allocated. I have worked on long-term planning efforts and supported improvements to our streets and essential services. My time on the council has required collaboration, careful financial oversight and open communication with citizens. I understand the importance of balancing community needs with available revenue and making decisions that are practical and sustainable.
What would be your top priorities in office?
Chastain: My top priorities will focus on improving infrastructure and strengthening essential city services. First, I want to develop and implement a clear plan to address the condition of our streets and drainage systems. Proper infrastructure planning protects property, supports growth, and improves daily life for residents. Second, I want to ensure our police department has the support and resources it needs to serve the community effectively and safely. Public safety is a core responsibility of local government. By prioritizing infrastructure and public safety, we can build a stronger foundation for Holden’s future while maintaining the quality of life our citizens expect and deserve.
Mensch: My top priorities would be responsible budgeting, continued investment in streets and infrastructure and downtown revitalization. We must operate efficiently and ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely while protecting essential services. Improving our roads requires steady, long-term planning and I will continue prioritizing those efforts. I also want to focus on strengthening our downtown by supporting property improvements and attracting new businesses. A vibrant downtown benefits the entire community. Transparency and accessibility will also remain a priority so citizens stay informed and involved in city decisions.
What goals do you have for office if you are elected?
Chastain: If elected, my first goal is to promote transparency by ensuring public meetings are open and not restricted by unnecessary time limits. I also believe ordinances and major proposals should have first and second readings at separate meetings, giving citizens time to review and consider important decisions before they are finalized. I will work to improve our city parks, including downtown areas and the ballpark, so families can continue to enjoy safe and welcoming spaces. Additionally, I will work to ensure the Holden Water Department ownership is properly structured and purchased to meet the long-term needs of our citizens. My goal is thoughtful decision-making, transparency and steady improvement for our community.
Mensch: If elected, my goals are to maintain financial stability, make measurable progress on infrastructure improvements and create an environment that encourages economic growth. I want to see continued upgrades to our streets and city facilities while ensuring we plan responsibly for future needs. I also hope to foster stronger communication between city leadership and residents. Long-term, I would like to see a thriving downtown with active businesses that draw people into our community. My goal is steady progress that strengthens Holden for both current residents and future generations.
Why should people vote for you?
Chastain: People should vote for me because I am engaged, informed, and deeply committed to Holden. I have already demonstrated my dedication through seven years of service on the Parks and Recreation Board, including six years as chairman. Many residents have worked with me directly and know that I listen, follow through and take my responsibilities seriously. I believe in transparency, accountability and putting citizens first. I am not running for personal gain—I am running to serve. My experience, leadership and commitment to open government make me ready to step into this role and work hard for the people of Holden.
Mensch: Voters should support me because I bring experience, dedication and a commitment to transparency. I have already served our community on the city council and understand the responsibilities and challenges of city leadership. I believe in listening to citizens, communicating openly and making decisions that reflect the best interests of the entire town. My approach is practical and focused on steady improvement rather than short-term promises. I am committed to responsible budgeting, infrastructure investment and economic growth that benefits everyone. I will work hard, stay accessible and always put Holden first.
Compiled by Hasina Shah.
