It's only been a few months since the last election in Ward 5.

Last November, six candidates duked it out to finish the term of Bob Hurlbut, who resigned, and represent the city's western and northwestern sides.

On June 2, the winner, Aaron Costello, faces just one challenger - John Lundeen, a Black Hills State University student who placed fourth in November.

Costello ultimately won the seat in a run-off against Peter Schmid. He was sworn in Dec. 1, 2008.

Aaron Costello

Age: 30

Occupation: engineer, Evans & Sutherland

Aaron Costello ran for Rapid City Council as an engineer.

It's a skill set he believes has served him and the residents of Ward 5 well since December.

"An analytical thought process - which first come naturally to most engineers and then train ourselves on as we go along - is an essential part of policy making," Costello said. "I have a desire to learn, a desire to research, and I'd like to think I'm OK at communicating it. I think it's been effective so far."

The council's newest member has lived in Rapid City since 1997, when he moved here to study mechanical engineering at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology.

If elected to a full term, Costello wants to focus on making Rapid City's streets safer and downtown even more vibrant.

"A lot of sidewalks don't have ADA compliant curbs. That's a big hurdle for us to overcome," Costello said. "A contiguous sidewalk system. It seems so straightforward now. We need contiguous sidewalks for a healthy city and a safe city."

An avid cyclist, Costello said he'd also like to encourage alternative forms of transportation.

He helped spearhead efforts to convince the state to install bicycle lanes when rebuilding Jackson Boulevard.

"We need bicycle lanes," he said. "Rapid City is a perfect town to bike in."

The importance of economic development is something Costello understands firsthand. Evans & Sutherland is located in the Black Hills Business Development Center, which was funded in part by 2012 funds.

He would like to see the city bring in more businesses that pay wages you could raise a family on.

"Were there not the vision to create this incubator, I would not have this job," he said.

John Lundeen

Age: 23

Occupation: Full-time student, Black Hills State University

John Lundeen considers himself an old 23.

Four years in the Marine Corps will help you grow up fast.

"I feel old for a 23-year-old," Lundeen said. "I was a sergeant in charge of people. I was a team leader for explosive handing and assembly team. I was in charge of that team. That'll make you old really fast. It'll give you a lot of maturity."

In November, Lundeen placed fourth out of six candidates in the special election to fill Hurlbut's seat.

His platform is simple: "Serving the people," Lundeen said. "What the people tell me are my issues."

Lundeen, a political science major at Black Hills State, grew up in Rapid City and graduated from Stevens High School.

He moved back to town after his time in the Marines - an experience that he said inspired his interest in politics and gave him his first chance to lead.

"I love this place," Lundeen said. "I've been around the world, and a lot of cities just don't compare."

He'd like to see the city regulate tax increment financing districts more stringently and do more to tighten its belt.

"We have to trim down," Lundeen said. "We're not going to spend and then try to make up for it in taxes."

He thinks the council and the voters of Ward 5 could benefit from a fresh, young face.

"You can't be part of the good old boys' network if you're not old," Lundeen said. "A young face, a young perspective could be helpful. There are young people in this city, and they deserve to be represented."

Contact Emilie Rusch at emilie.rusch@rapidcityjournal.com or 394-8453.