Eaton

Profession: I am an engineer, a builder, and an entrepreneur. I own and operate two companies that serve customers worldwide.

Education: I am a graduate of MHS and MCC. I paid for my own higher education — a BS in Engineering and a Master’s in Business, both from BYU.

Experience: I am vested in the community through property ownership just like you.

I spend most of my free time voluntarily trying to increase the knowledge of the City’s shareholders (aka residents) on what is happening in City Government and other tax related issues. I have worked with Friends of Hospice House, and I am on the County Compensation Commission.

1. What do you feel are the most important issues Marshalltown will be facing during your term as a city councilor? How do you plan to address those issues? Even though the United States is a Republic, all policy making bodies within it are democracies (majority rules, at least the majority of those that show up to vote). This is a system that works. For it to continue to work, people must participate in the process. It is your civic duty to vote. You have two whole weeks to find the time. In person early voting starts Oct. 13th at the old Fire Station downtown. Voting ends Nov. 2nd. There are 18K registered voters in Marshalltown, I would like to see more than 14 percent (2,500) show up to vote. 100 percent of you pay property taxes. Why are you letting 1,251 control how your money is spent?

The City’s job is threefold: 1st — maintain infrastructure (roads, sewers, storm sewers, etc.), 2nd — provide safety (police, and fire), 3rd – Parks & Rec. Roads and sewers, basic infrastructure, have been neglected for decades with unfilled promises from prior Councils to fix them. Our debt, TIF programs, and local option sales taxes (used to pay the debt) make Marshalltown a burden on the School District, County residents, and the City’s residents.

2. The city has supported a diverse set of projects this year, such as funding the launch of MPACT. It also agreed to continue making payments toward the Fisher Community Building. What are your thoughts on the city spending on projects involving private entities and nonprofits? Ordinances need to be uniformly enforced. Nonprofits need to step up to help those who are unable maintain properties. After all, the non-profits are receiving grants from the State with the assistance of the City tax funds.

3. Marshalltown is still rebounding from two natural disasters and a global pandemic. What will the city council need to do to assure Marshalltown positions itself for the best possible outcome? The majority of the people want transparency, equity, and low to moderate property taxes. They want the freedom to pursue their own dreams and goals unimpeded by government. They do not want special treatment for themselves nor do they want to see preferential treatment given to others. If the City is clean and safe the rest will work itself out.

4. Marshalltown has a goal of increasing its population and is supporting several development projects to increase housing. What type of housing (single/multi-family, low/medium income) should the city be focusing on to spark population growth? The people do not want to give $10K in new housing incentives to new home buyers. They have told me that the employer — Emerson, Marshalltown Co, JBS, whomever, should supply housing incentives for their employees, not the taxpayer.

5. Why do you think voters should support your candidacy for city council? My vote will be determined by research, constituent feedback, and debate at the council meetings. I will provide transparent information to the voter on Council topics. I will work to create a more equitable system for all. Transparency & Equity are two key factors needed to help Marshalltown heal and grow.

Go to the polls and vote in a local election. Vote for change. I will be honored to represent you.