By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Out with the old and in with the new. Elections give people a chance to choose their government, whether that be an incumbent candidate with experience or a new candidate. Alan Moeder is a little of both. On a Wednesday morning appearance on 1590 KVGB/95.5 FM's "AM Great Bend Show with Steve Webster," Moeder said he wants to build on his time as a city council member as he takes of the job from Cody Schmidt.
"We've accomplished a lot in six years," Moeder said. "With Cody deciding not to run again, I wanted to step in and continue what he's created and keep Great Bend moving forward."
Moeder has called Great Bend home for more than 66 years. A Great Bend High School and Barton Community College graduate, he started his own plumbing business in 1982. More than 40 years later, he is still the owner and operator of that business. He has volunteered for Columbus Club, Relay for Life, was a Boy Scouts leader, and serves on the Roots and Wings Foundation Board.
"I'd probably tell you 10 years ago, if somebody had told me I'd be where I am now, I would have laughed at them," said Moeder. "Great Bend has been good to me. It's been good to my family. I decided it was time to give back to Great Bend and give it my time and energy."
Moeder said he will have some influence over city businesses, but much of the power remains with the city council. The mayor only votes to break a tie. Moeder said there is a lot going on in Great Bend now, including the groundbreaking of a new hotel in March, plans for a new swimming pool, and renovations at the SRCA Dragstrip with plans to resume racing next year.