Candidates of ’25

Al Kmetz

EXPERIENCE

Nov. 1967-May 1968
Millwright Apprentice at U.S. Steel Sheet & Tin in Tin Mill Cold Reduction

May 1968-Dec 1968
Planning Department U.S. Steel Merchant Mills

Dec. 1968-June 1969
Coke Plant Chemical Lab U.S. Steel Coke Plant

June 1969-Mar 1972
U.S. Army Strategic Command Europe

Apr 1972-Jan 1974
Coke Plant Chemical Lab U.S. Steel Coke Plant

Apr 1974-Dec 1976
Completed Electrical Apprenticeship U.S. Steel

Dec 1976-June 1978
Electrical Vicing Supervisor U.S. Steel Plate Products

June 1978-Oct 1979
Supervisor Crane Repair U.S. Steel plate Products

Oct 1979-Sept 1997
Assistant General Foreman Electrical/Crane Repair U.S. Steel Plate
He supervised five Management Supervisors, 55 Motor Inspectors and one
expeditor. During this time, he reduced work force and increased territorial areas
With Refrigeration Repairmen and 4 Motor Tenders and 9 Electronic
Technicians and 8 Instrument Repairmen. This also include one Management
Supervisor, 6 Vicing Supervisors and one Electronic and one Instrument Vicing
Supervisor.
Mr. Kmetz was also AMEX, All Maintenance Excellence, Coordinator.
He was Contract Engineer for Plate Products Complex, interfacing with all
Contractors entering the Plate Mill.
He was T.I.M.E.S., Time Information Management Extended Systems, C.O.R.E.
Coordinator for Plate Products.

He originated the Energy Control Procedures for Plate Products and was the
Energy Control Coordinator for plate Products.

He was instrumental in organizing the Automated Safety System and had
Implemented it in the Plate Products Organization
He was instrumental in organizing Operation Greenlights, energy conservation
program with Lighting and reducing pollutants in the environment, throughout
the Plate Products Organization at Gary Works Plant and assisted in seminars
throughout U.S.X. Corporation helping USX achieve Partnership of the Year
with the EPA.
He was Excavation Coordinator for Plate Products
He was Energy Conservation and Contractor Coordinator for Plate Products
He was Lifting Device and Contracting out Coordinator for Plate Products. He
Maintained records for 33 Electrically Operated Cranes and all Lifting Devices
Throughout the Plate Products Organization.
He was involved with purchasing and receiving materials throughout the Plate
Products.
He was instrumental in organizing the JIT-24 Program, purchasing and
delivering orders in a 24 hour time period with Vendors (General Electric,
Westinghouse, Production Supplies and Berry Bearing).
He interfaced with Repair Shops inside and outside of the plant.
He was Coordinator for Plate Products with Motor Storage program and
assisted in setting up the Plate Mill with HECO Corp.
He implemented statistical process controls and decreased maintenance delays
from 11.7% to 3.5% in the subsequent years.
He decreased Electrical delays from 4.7% to less than 1.0%.
Total delays were 25% and decreased to 11% in same time span.

Sept 1997-Mar 1999 Rolling Mill Coordinator Operating Plate Products U.S. Steel

In October of 1997 he added Shearing and Furnaces to the Rolling Mill as
Coordinator.
In 1998, Mr. Kmetz became a member of the AISE Plate Rolling Committee.

Mar 1999-Jan 2002
In March of 1999, he was promoted to Area Manager of Rolling Mill,

Furnaces and Shearing.

Jan 2002-Oct 2003
Rolling Mill/Furnace & Slab Processing Area Manager Operation Plate

Products U.S. Steel

Nov 2003-Dec 2003
Machine Shop Coordinator Gary Works U.S. Steel

Dec 2003-Apr 2004
Crane Repair Coordinator Gary Works

May 2004-Nov 2006
Self employed as Consultant. Working for Auten Technical Sales.
Originating Energy Control Procedures for ISG Georgetown in South
Carolina and continued until completed when they were moved to
Mittal Steel. Wrote Energy Control Procedures for Allegheny-Ludlum
Steel in New Castle. Audited Energy Control Procedures for NUCOR
Darlington Plant. Inputting specifications and calibrations for U.S. Steel
Coke Plant Gary Works and Q-Bop Gary Works and Operation Services
Gary Works. Implemented Equipment Trees for East Chicago Tin Cranes
and input into Passport System for U.S. Steel.

Feb 2005-Nov 2010
Working for Support Technology as Crane Consultant to U.S. Steel Gary Works.
Maintaining graphs and backlogs and inventories for Gary Work’s cranes and
assisting in Failure and Delay analysis and coordinating repair outages.

May 2007-Sept 2007
Restarting Arcelor/Mittal Gary West Plate Mill

Sept 2007-Dec 2007 Commissioning Arcelor/Mittal Gary West Plate Mill
Jan 2008-Feb 2008 Assisted Arcelor/Mittal in reliability studies in 80” Hot Strip Mill

Aug 2008-Oct 2008
Directed Severstal Wheeling-Pittsburgh Yorkville Plant on Preparation
For Upcoming OSHA Re-inspection of 487 Violations, Yorkville Safety
Teams 1363 Items and Contractors Safety 562 Violations.

Oct 2008-Dec 2008
Originated Energy Control Procedures for U.S. Steel Tubular Processing Plant

and Heat Treat South in Houston, Texas (Formerly Lone Star).

Apr 2011-July 2012
Originating Mechanical, Electrical and Operating Work Instructions. Organized
Mechanical and Electrical Training Courses for ThyssenKrupp in Calvert,
Alabama for ESW Inc.

Aug 2012-Oct. 2012
Assisted in setting up training for Blue Bunny new employees in LeMars Iowa.
Originating Curriculums, Qualifications, Agendas, Proficiency Tests and
Schedules for North and South Ice Cream Plant Operators.

Jan 2013-Jan 2013
Originated Preventative Maintenance Procedures and Energy Control Procedures
for US Steel Lorain Plant Lagoon Area through Auten Technical Services.

Nov 2013-Dec 2013
ESW contracted me to create operating/maintenance manual and PowerPoint
Presentation for GA West and Oceaneering Umbilical Carousel in Panama City,
Florida.

Feb 2015-May 2016
Contracted by ESW to create, coordinate and instruct Operator EOT Crane

Training for ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor Plant Steel Producing.

May 2016-Nov 2016
Creating and Setting up Lockout Procedures and Training for Aleris in Jamesville

Kentucky for New CA and Cold Mill Lines.

Nov 2016-Feb 2018
Continuing creating Steel Producing Cranes Training Manuals (WPIs) for Ladle,

Scrap Handling, Slab Handling and Charge Cranes

Feb 2018-July 2018
ESW contracted me to train Timken Steel new employees on Remote Control

Cranes in Canton, Ohio.

Mar 2021-Current
Elected to Board of Directors for Cherokee Village Water Works. Elected

Chairman of the Board 3/1/2022.

Ben Feldman

Ben Feldman — Candidate for Cherokee Village SID Commissioner

Ben Feldman is running for Cherokee Village SID Commissioner with one clear purpose: to restore transparency, accountability, and public trust in how resident funds are managed.

With a background in operations management, compliance, and fiscal oversight, Ben has spent years ensuring that budgets, contracts, and public resources were handled responsibly and with integrity. His experience identifying inefficiencies and enforcing accountability gives him the practical insight needed to reform a system that has grown too comfortable with secrecy.

After six years as a Cherokee Village resident, Ben has seen both the promise and the problems of local governance up close. He believes the Cherokee Village Suburban Improvement District was created to serve the people — not itself. It’s time to bring modern oversight and community participation to an outdated structure. His priorities include open records, clear financial reporting, and fair treatment for every taxpayer in the Village.

Ben has been an active voice for fairness, responsible management, and cooperation between the SID and the City of Cherokee Village. He’s not part of the establishment — he’s part of the solution.

“Accountability starts here.”

Person in cowboy hat speaking indoors.

Brent Hunstad

My name is Brent Hunstad, and my wife and I chose to make Cherokee Village our new home two years ago as we were planning our retirement.  We love Cherokee Village and have met many wonderful people here that call this community “home”.
I am presently employed as the Director of Community Compliance for a West coast property investment company.  I have been in this capacity for just over a year, leaving a position as the general manager of a pair of large manufactured home communities in Flagstaff, AZ.  My duties involved the day-to-day operation of these communities, managing a multi-million dollar budget and maintaining and planning for all aspects of infrastructure improvements in both communities.
Prior to this I was a Homeowner Association Manager for several years for the largest Association management company in Steamboat Springs, CO.  I managed a total of thirteen properties, mostly condominium properties but also combination light industrial/residential and one typical residential neighborhood in the suburbs of Steamboat Springs.  My responsibilities were developing annual budgets for the condominium boards of directors, providing reserve studies for the long-term infrastructure needs of these communities, and handling day-to-day oversight of landscaping and grounds, swimming pool maintenance and parking lots and access roads for these communities.
I have previous experience as the Facilities Manager of a prosperous county in Wisconsin.  My responsibilities were “everything but budgets” as the County Commissioners controlled what parameters I was allowed to work within.  I had oversight of road construction and maintenance, maintaining the Sheriff’s office and jail, maintaining the hospital, the court facilities and all county office buildings.  I oversaw the daily activities of approximately a dozen employees.
Prior to this my wife and I were team managers for two different retirement living companies that specialized in providing first class living accommodations and lifestyle amenities for the 55+ age category.  We worked in Colorado, Arizona and California.
We started in the property management business when we had the opportunity to manage the 80-unit apartment complex we lived in in central Wisconsin.  I was primarily responsible for all the infrastructure and grounds maintenance aspects of this complex.  My wife collected rent checks, conducted background checks and arranged leases for new tenants.  Together we ran successful community that was in top-notch shape and remained profitable for the entire time we managed the community.
Prior to this I had some experience in mortgage banking, financial planning, life and health insurance, etc.
My management skills were put to the test when we spent a year as volunteers in the mission field for our church working in Nairobi, Kenya.  I was the acting Field Director responsible for all missions activities in seven countries in the Horn of Africa, overseeing the safety and well-being of approximately one hundred career missionaries and hundreds of volunteers that would come to Africa for short-term missionary experiences, where they were involved in the building of churches, hospitals, orphanages and school buildings.  This volunteer position cost us everything, but it was the most rewarding part of my career, seeing lives changed for Christ.
Thank you for your consideration,
Brent Hunstad

Jan Madsen

Jan Madsen
Retired couple of times primarily retail and finance. Owned own business.
If you remember after 9/11, many companies went through changes to their business,  Downsizing was one of the things that changed for my family,  so after some downtime, my husband, and I decided to travel for a while, which landed us in Arkansas after two years of traveling, we decided to settle down. I worked several jobs one leading to the next and the next. Most community service oriented .  One position brought me to Cherokee Village in 2009.

The experiences that I have are in business, business related finance and community service. .

My interests are gardening, reading and current events.

I believe in Christ, family, community, and respect for all.

Lucinda McDaniel

Lucinda McDaniel was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, to Dr. Eugene W. Smith
(President of Arkansas State University) and his wife Ann. She obtained her
bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Arkansas State University in English
Education and taught high school English for three years before enrolling in
law school. After obtaining her juris doctorate, Lucinda joined the law firm of
Barrett, Wheatley, Smith and Deacon (later Womack, Landis, Phelps, McNeill
and McDaniel) where she focused her practice on medical malpractice,
personal injury and employment law defense. In 2008, Lucinda was asked to
become the first University Counsel for the Arkansas State University System,
a position she held until taking early retirement in 2014.
During her practice of law, Lucinda held office in many legal organizations
including the International Association of Defense Counsel, the Arkansas
Association of Defense Counsel, the American Bar Association, the Arkansas
Bar Association and the Craighead County Bar Association. She was also
active in civic organization including the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of
Commerce, the NEA Baptist Memorial Governing Board, and the Arkansas
State University Museum Advisory Board. She currently serves as President
of the Kays Foundation Board of Directors.
Lucinda and her husband, Mike, enjoy traveling, golfing, and boating now that they are both retired.

Mike Myers

I’m Michael Myers and I’m honored to be a candidate.

The communications I’ve exchanged with many of you over the past few years discussing SID issues, I’ve enjoyed it, and quite frankly I’m humbled. The three phrases I heard the most from you is that when it comes to SID, I’m level headed, reasonable, and rational. So that’s how I will be on this board.

The first time I stepped foot in Cherokee Village was 1973. I was 9. I’ve been a property owner since 2004, 21 years, and a homeowner since 2005, 20 years. My family is very much vested here and we will never not be a part of this community.

I know Cherokee Village. I love this place. It’s time for me to give back. I can help.

Let me be crystal clear. Lakes and golf courses are vital focal points of this village. Without them, well, we shudder to think it. Therefore, I am a vocal and outspoken champion of these precious and valuable amenities.

There will be no selling off or closing of any golf course or permanently letting a lake or two become quote, a “mud hole”. That is never going to happen, folks. As long as there is an SID and I’m on the board I will do everything in my power to keep them all thriving. All of them. In perpetuity. Always. I will be the true watchdog for the lakes and the golf courses. End of story.

The seats on this board are get up and help, and unpaid. Let me tell you how seriously I take volunteer, unpaid positions.

I could tell you about my successful working career. Right now I’m semi retired. However, let me tell about another position, one that I fondly look back on, and one that is more relevant to this board seat.

I was President for 7 years of the largest youth rec lacrosse league in the southeastern US. Under my leadership, we turned it into a model of how rec lacrosse was run across the US at the time. Because of its
success, I was later asked to join the Executive Board overseeing all of the sports in the Association.

I’m not telling you this to boast. I’m telling you this is because I can and have what it takes to run a successful organization. My number one thing in my mindset when making those decisions, and this is important, was that every decision made was based on what was best for the overall program, never what was best for one daddy ball team, or for one group of parents.

I did what was best for all. For the overall program. What is best for the property owners. Ideas for all the amenities that can benefit a very large number of people, that can get done quickly. Sustainability for all amenities, done with transparency. That is how I will be on this board.

The eternal optimist in me says we’re gonna get this right. I need your support. Let’s get to work! I’m dead serious about this.

Michael Myers, Pro Amenities, Sustainability, and I approve this message.

Scott Jones

Born 1952 In Nebraska lived there until 1962. 

Moved to Southern Illinois in 1962 until 1966. 

Moved to the southern suburbs of Chicago until 1975. 

during which I attended Crete – Monee High School and the went on to Western Illinois University where I graduated with a degree in Education. 

I was then hired to teach school a an ELEMENTARY School In Rosemont, IL. for 38 yrs. during which I was able to earn a Masters in Education. 

I was Married for 20 yrs and divorced and help to raise My daughter and son. 

Retired and shortly after I moved the Cherokee Village. 

My Parent built a home on Lake Thunderbird in 1971 and I have been coming down to Cherokee Village at least once a Year.

Older man speaking with contact information displayed.

Steve Munch

Qualifications:
– Veteran US Navy
– Served on prior SID Board Chapel Hill Subdivision Omaha, NE
– Engineering graduate – Univ. of Nebraska
– Owned & operated own business
– Engineer with 3M Company (29 yrs.)
Led many improvement teams
Saved 3M over $70 million during career
– If elected, I have a written plan Survive & Thrive
for CV SID approval.
Retirement / Backgound:
2009 Retired from 3M, my wife Bonnie & I moved to Bella Vista, AR
Another Cooper built retirement community in NW, AR
202l Moved to Cherokee Village to live on Lake Thunderbird
Since moving here, I found out Cherokee Village SID was in trouble.
As a property owner, like others; I did not want our property values to decline.
Many of us moved to this remote location to enjoy the beautiful lakes, golf courses, and other amenities CV has to offer. We must maintain and  improve them. If elected I have a written plan I call Survive &; Thrive
to do this without increasing SID taxes or a special assessment.
This plan would turn CV underutilized assets into profit centers instead
of operating at a deficit by:

1. Increasing Income
2. Decreasing Expenses
3. Continuous Improvement

Steve Rorex

My name is Steven Rorex. I am married to my wife Jackie. We have 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren. I have an associate degree in Criminal Justice, a BSE in Physical Education/Recreation with a minor in health and a MSE in Educational Administration. I have put these degrees to practical use in public settings while being a high school principal, jail administrator and chief deputy. During these careers I delt with public budgets, facilities management, employee management as well as applying laws. In 2015, I retired from a position as high school principal and, in 2020, I retired from a position in law enforcement. For many years, I enjoyed amenities offered at Cherokee Village as a guest. In 2005, my wife and I made the decision to buy our first lot. We then built a house in 2010, and began staying on weekends. We later acquired two additional lots. We grew to love Cherokee Village and retired here 5 years ago in 2020. We have used several of the amenities during this time. We have been fortunate to enjoy the lakes, pools, fitness center, golf courses, and recreational centers. 

 

Jonathan "Taylor" Pillow

My name is Jonathan "Taylor" Pillow, and I’m proud to call Cherokee Village home. I grew up here and made the choice to return to raise my family in the same community that shaped me. My wife is a dedicated school teacher, and together we adopted our son from foster care. Our family’s story is rooted in service, community, and second chances — values that guide how I approach leadership.

Professionally, I serve as a flight paramedic and Army National Guard veteran, bringing over a decade of experience in emergency response, teamwork, and accountability. I’ve built my career around helping people in critical moments — the same sense of duty I’ll bring to serving our property owners and protecting the natural beauty of our lakes and golf courses.

As a commissioner, my goals are clear:

  • Ensure fairness and transparency — every property owner should share in the responsibility of paying SID fees.
  • Preserve and improve our lakes and fisheries — focusing on ecological balance, sustainable stocking, and long-term care within our limited budget.
  • Generate new community revenue — through ideas like 50/50 fishing tournaments, business-sponsored events, beverage service at the golf course, and local-donation auctions that build both pride and participation.
  • Support current leadership and cooperation — working with existing administration to strengthen what’s already working while introducing practical, community-driven innovation.

Cherokee Village deserves commissioners who are invested — not just financially, but personally. I believe in stewardship, fairness, and building a community our kids will be proud to inherit.

Tom Trumpy

Experience
25 years in construction
15 years in property maintenance

3 years Landscaping
I ran my own construction company for 25 years building
houses and apartment buildings.
Was employed by 3 different companies to do apartment and
motel maintenance.
Ran my own landscape business for 3 years
I am now semi-retired and do some small construction jobs
Married and just celebrated our 49 th anniversary. Member of First Baptist Church Cherokee Village where I am involved in AWANA (for Kids on Wednesday night), Chairman of the Men’s fellowship (serving others and fellowship), help taking food to cars for people at the Food Pantry (monthly) Member of the Village Pride (group beautifying the city, and adopt a spot)
Since moving here, I have attended both SID meetings and City Council meetings to learn and understand what is happening in the place I call home.