Greer

Editor’s note: Ahead of the November 2 election, the Times-Republican sent out questionnaires to all of the declared candidates in the city council, mayoral and school board races. In the mayor’s race, incumbent Joel Greer is seeking a second term in office against challenger Serina Stabenow.

Joel Greer

Age: 68 ½

Residence: Marshalltown

Hometown: Spencer, IA

Profession: Civil trial lawyer

Education: Spencer High School (sole valedictorian), 1971; University of Iowa B.A., political science, 3.9 GPA, with high distinction and special honors, Phi Beta Kappa, Omicron Delta Kappa, 1975; Iowa Law School J.D., 1978

Family: Wife Sharon Soorholtz Greer; daughters Kate Soorholtz Greer and Erin S. Taylor

Experience: Professional — 42 years of civil jury trial litigation, president of Iowa State Bar Association (9,000 members), president of Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers (limited to 250 fellows), Vice President of Iowa Association of Trial Lawyers, Chair of Iowa Supreme Court Grievance Commission, Fellow of American College of Trial Lawyers (top half of top 1 percent); Great Plains Superlawyers and 10/10 AVVO rating

Volunteer — president, chair or chief volunteer of 22 non-profit organizations including Omicron Delta Kappa, University of Iowa Alumni Association, Iowa Division of American Cancer Society, Council on Aging, Big Brothers/Sisters, Untied Way, Center Associates, Child Abuse Prevention Services, YMCA/YWCA, Iowa River Hospice, YM/YW Heritage Club, and MEGA-10.

Website: bradshawlaw.com

1. What are one or two most important issues Marshalltown is facing, and how should they be approached? Housing and quality of life issues will attract and keep more families wanting to live and work here. Aggressive recruitment of developers and incentives to homebuyers will help grow housing alternatives at all levels. Expanding and improving recreational trails and facilities, parks, music venues and public art will attract families that demand quality of life. Those two things should themselves incentivize investors to provide more shopping, eating and entertainment options.

2. With COVID cases again on the rise, would you support mask requirements in Marshalltown? Would you mandate them? If scientific data and accurate statistics confirm that masks are necessary to contain the spread of the virus, I may, in consultation with our public health, school district and college officials, and city staff, decide that a mask mandate will likely save lives and ease the burden on our medical community.

3. The city has a diverse population which isn’t reflected by many city, private and nonprofit boards and leaders. How would you encourage more inclusion in prominent roles? Having been president of 22 non-profits and an officer or director of about another 10, I have for years been actively recruiting more diversity to serve in leadership roles. That has included direct, face-to-face requests of people who could help broaden the youth, gender and cultural cadre of volunteers and leaders, and has included encouraging other officers and directors to recruit more diverse candidates. It is truly gratifying that our police and fire force, other city staff, school district and major employers have seen a surge of diversity in leadership in this city.