Three Ways to Lose One Seat

Look alive, 3rd District! Incumbent Garner Moffat isn’t just defending his title this April — he’s duking it out with two fresh challengers, both of whom bring real‑world grit to the race. After scraping by in lower‑turnout races before, Moffat’s mandate might be about as sturdy as a paper canoe in a Nor’easter.

The Incumbent: Moffat the … Mandate Bearer?

Moffat has been the 3rd District city councilor (a position he’s held since a low‑profile election), touting experience on planning commissions and nonprofit boards as his claim to public office (Professional Career Politician like Mayor Jim). But is more board seats really a reason to cling to another term? That’s up to voters — and now they have alternatives.

Challenger #1: Natasha Schumacher — More Than a Campaign Sign

Natasha Schumacher, a district resident, isn’t your typical name on a ballot. She’s a former Navy intelligence specialist, with a background that reads less like a professional politician, and more like “trained to gather facts rather than excuses.” With degrees spanning culinary arts, criminal justice, emergency management, and library sciences, Schumacher brings a diverse practical toolkit — or at least a resume with more variety than a diner menu.

She’s also into Dungeons & Dragons and trivia, which is either exactly the leadership we need or exactly the leadership we deserve — depending on whether your council meetings feel like scheduling committees or boss battles.

Challenger #2: Kate Greene — Built for Bridges

Then there’s Kate Greene, another 3rd District contender whose local social media presence hints at a campaign focused on community connection and pragmatic representation. While she hasn’t plastered her résumé everywhere like candidates in bigger races, her messaging centers on giving residents a voice — a phrase that often translates to listening more than pontificating from the dais.

That’s a sharp contrast with someone whose biggest claim lately has been enduring more public meetings than most people endure lanscaping projects.

What This Means for Moffat’s “Raise”

Let’s be honest: Garner’s campaign has been powered more by incumbency inertia than by any major policy wins. The fact that two people — not one — are challenging him says voters aren’t just bored, they’re motivated. This is the city saying “We want options,” not “Continue the same.”

If either Schumacher or Greene can channel real community concerns — whether infrastructure, safety, fiscal transparency, or just making sure 3rd District gets heard — that could be the political budget reset Moffat didn’t see coming.

What’s at Stake

This April 7 election isn’t just about electing an alderperson — it’s about deciding whether Moffat’s status quo entitlement is enough in a district that might want a council member who actually reflects its priorities.

For Moffat, this could be the last term where he dials in from habit rather than impact. For Schumacher and Greene, it’s a shot at turning “council buzzword bingo” into something tangible — and maybe giving the 3rd District a voice that doesn’t echo like Mayor Jim’s office.

Sources :

Garner “I Need a Raise” Moffat