Candidate Questionnaire: Nathan Walden

The following is Watershed Voice‘s candidate questionnaire for the November 2025 local elections. We will be running all candidate questionnaires in the order received today, and tomorrow — our regular publishing schedule.

Nathan Walden, Three Rivers Mayor candidate filled out our questionnaire, below are his answers as submitted.

Name: Nathan Mitchell Walden
Age: 43
Are you an incumbent?: No
Family (optional): Married to Natalie for 11 years; helping my mom with her health battles; half-sister Kelsey and her kids Brian, Ashley, and Sophia are my joy.

Background/Bio:

Born in 1982 at the old North Main hospital in Three Rivers to a mom who was just turning 17, I’ve been fighting for every breath in this town from day one. Lungs iced over in delivery, but we rose. Grew up bouncing homes, mowing lawns with my stepdad to learn responsibility, fishing with cousins by the St. Joe. Took care of brothers Holden and Johnny, sisters Sam and Joni—my shadows who looked to me for answers. At 16, juvie snapped my spine, leaving me paralyzed and facing 20 years. Rehabbed on pure grit, sued back, bought a house at 20. Theft stole it at 25 during sepsis; flatlined 90 seconds last year, glimpsed hell, woke with diabetes and insulin. Married to Natalie 11 years, her strength my anchor—this town held me; now I fight for it.

Why are you running for the office of Three Rivers Mayor?

Three Rivers saved me—held me when custody ripped family, juvie broke my body, theft crushed me, hell glimpsed me. I love it too much to watch families fade: river’s whisper at dawn, Wildcat roars on Fridays, neighbors with coffee in the dark. No party BS, just the Party of Three Rivers: grit, heart, us. I’ve been erased; won’t let another family feel it. As mayor, everyday wins: jobs paying bills, homes holding hope, streets smoothing the roll.

Have you previously held public office, or have you served in a public leadership role? If so, what is your experience, and what are some of your accomplishments?

No public office, but life’s thrown everything—paralysis at 16, house loss to theft, flatline in hell’s glimpse—and I rose every time. That’s my win: unbreakable grit turning scars into strength. Led at Goodwill during the pandemic—hit #3 Midwest electronics sales, trained folks to rise. Now, my plan’s the accomplishment: $5.3M/year revenue, 1,380 jobs, 126 homes—no tax hikes, just action for us.

If not, describe any experience — professional, volunteer, or otherwise — that you believe is relevant to serving as Three Rivers Mayor.

My experience is the streets of Three Rivers—mowing lawns as a kid to learn hustle, running backyard wrestling shows that packed the yard with Wildcat spirit, spinning turntables for bands that shook the night. Sued the system after juvie left me paralyzed, bought a house at 20. Theft hit at 25 during sepsis; flatlined 90 seconds last year, glimpsed hell, woke with diabetes. Married to Natalie 11 years, helping Mom now. Goodwill pandemic grind—9 months testing electronics, #3 Midwest sales. This town’s held me; I’ve held others. Relevant? Grit for the grind, heart for the hard days—mayor needs that to fight for jobs, homes, and clean water.

How long have you lived in the area you are seeking to represent?

My whole life—born ’82 here, rolled every street from tough starts to building back. Three Rivers is family.

In your opinion, what are the three most important issues to the area relative to the scope of the position you are seeking, and why?

Housing shortages (families leaving), lead pipes (kids at risk), job gaps (5–8% unemployment). They erase hope—I’ve felt it; we fix to keep our heart.

What measures will you pursue to address those issues?

$5.3M/year from outsiders—no tax hikes. Townhomes fix 23% shortage, revenue cleans pipes 25% faster, casino/factory leases bring 1,380 jobs.

How would you ensure better protection and service for the most vulnerable and underserved populations in Three Rivers?

Homeless shelters (44 apartments for 90–135 people, 30–50% reduction), $100K grants for first homes/upgrades, clean water $1.1M/year for filters/testing—priority for low-income, veterans, families in need.

How would you promote transparency and maintain public trust in city government?

Town halls monthly, live-stream council meetings, resident feedback app—open door from day one, annual reports on $5.3M revenue and 1,380 jobs.

What values or guiding principles shape your approach to public service?

Grit, heart, us—the Party of Three Rivers. No party BS; fight for the erased, build unbreakable together.

Is there anything else your prospective constituents should know about you, your platform, or your background?

Unbreakable—life’s throws made me stronger. Platform: $5.3M revenue, tax cuts ($500K–$1M savings), homes. Love Three Rivers; I’ll fight like kin. Go Wildcats!