Another candidate running for one of the open seats is Max Theodore Ponder. Ponder said he is a dedicated public servant and a family man, deeply invested in the well-being of Kingston.
Married with five children, Ponder's family is spread across the country, with two of his children residing in California and the remaining three living in Kingston. Two of his Kingston-based children currently attend Kingston Elementary School.
Originally from Angelus Oaks, Calif., Ponder made the move to Marshall County in 2018. His commitment to the community led him to join the Kingston Town Council in 2023. Since then, he has been actively engaged in addressing the town’s most pressing needs and advocating for improvements that benefit its residents.
One of Ponder’s top priorities is to secure funding for Kingston. While he is still exploring the best avenues to achieve this goal, he said he intends to research available grants that could provide financial support for the town’s development.
Additionally, he said he aims to enhance the local infrastructure and encourage greater participation in town council meetings. He has observed that while many residents have strong opinions on how the town is managed, few take the opportunity to attend meetings and voice their concerns directly.
To foster transparency and engagement, Ponder openly invited Kingston residents to attend council meetings and stay informed about local governance. He emphasized that he is approachable and welcomes any community member to reach out with questions or concerns.
Whether residents have specific issues to discuss or simply need someone to listen, Ponder said he is committed to being a supportive and accessible leader. Recognizing that no single individual can resolve all of Kingston’s challenges, Ponder noted that he believes in collaborative efforts.
He said he is optimistic about working alongside the newly appointed town supervisor to guide Kingston in a positive direction. By prioritizing funding opportunities, business development and community involvement, he hopes to play a pivotal role in shaping a prosperous future for Kingston.