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(Editor's note: With two contested Marshalltown city council races on this year's ballot, the T-R sent out a questionnaire to Second Ward incumbent Gabriel Isom and challenger Mark Mitchell ahead of the Nov. 7 election. The Second Ward comprises the northwest section of Marshalltown. In an upcoming edition, the responses to the same questions from At-Large incumbent Gary Thompson and challenger Leopoldo "Sunny" Reyes will also be published. Fourth Ward incumbent Al Hoop is running for his seat unchallenged.)
1. What is your personal, professional and educational background, and why are you running for a seat on the Marshalltown city council?
Gabe Isom: I've lived in Marshalltown since I graduated college with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Business/Marketing minor from Missouri School of Science and Technology. Upon graduation, I've been employed by Emerson-Fisher Controls over the last 11.5 years, and I am currently the Director of Global Sales for our Power and OEM markets, and since being here I've also received my MBA from the University of Iowa.
I've been married to a Marshalltown native, Christine, for almost six years and we are raising our 18 month old daughter Olivia and our soon to be second daughter, due Nov. 3, here in Marshalltown. I've enjoyed every aspect from starting my career, meeting my wife, and raising a family in Marshalltown.
It was following my MBA that I was deciding how best to get involved in the community, which ultimately became a decision to run for city council and eventually become an elected official serving the constituents of the Second Ward starting Feb. 27, 2018. As the incumbent Second Ward City Council representative over the last six years, I've been honored to be a part of a number of projects from the new PD/FD facility, part of the planning/steering committee for Arts and Culture Master plan, the recovery from the tornado and derecho, the planning and now execution of our downtown revitalization, support for the implementation of actions relating to our housing study, and the progression of the Industrial Park from the Edgewood extension project.
When we look at the new businesses that have come to town, the new housing infrastructure being built, the turnout at a number events throughout the community, and the investment in our community that we see from both community members, current business, owners, and nonprofits, I couldn't be more excited at the opportunity to continue to serve as a council member.
The growth and change we continue to see is nothing short of amazing and a testament to the hard work being driven by so many to make Marshalltown better than it was yesterday. We as a community can be unique and authentic. While we've started a number of projects to make Marshalltown a safer community, a thriving community, and a community that reflects our diversity and rich history, we still have abundant opportunities to amplify the success we are witnessing. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the community in the same fashion I've proven over the last 6 years and my passion remains ever present. I'm proud to call Marshalltown home and hope those that vote recognize that.
Mark Mitchell: I am proud to share that I was born and lived in Marshalltown my whole life. After graduating from MHS in 1979, I married my high school sweetheart, Teresa Hunt. She passed away from medical complications when our three sons were teenagers. We made the decision to raise our family in Marshalltown because of the wonderful quality of life we both had growing up here, and we wanted our sons to be close to our extended families.
I have lived in all four wards and have been living in the Second Ward for over 30 years. My significant other is Leigh Bauder. Together, we have four boys and one daughter.
We have seven grandchildren and one due in January. All but one of our children and grandchildren still reside in Iowa. In order to support my family, I worked at JBS (formerly Swift's & Monfort) for 12 years and I recently retired from Lennox Industries after 28 years working on the shop floor.
I am currently working with my son, Brandon, who owns Sedlacek Meats in Melbourne and Union. This company provides custom meat processing for central Iowa families and also supplies many local restaurants in Marshalltown with food products. I have held part time jobs with YMCA and Hy-Vee and have purchased, remodeled and rented residential properties. I have been volunteering for decades in Marshalltown by coaching, participating with sports, scout leader, and with my church on outreach programs to help members of our community with a variety of needs as well as out of country mission trips.
I am running for council because I have a passion for helping and listening to people. I believe I can be a voice for the silent majority that currently reside in the Second Ward. These are my friends and neighbors that have shared with me that they do not know their ward councilor and would like to have their voices heard. They are concerned with ongoing raises in our taxes, roads in disrepair, safety concerns and codes not being enforced. I remember clearly how wonderful Marshalltown was while growing up and raising my family, so I would like to dedicate some time to help improve my hometown.
2. In general, do you feel like Marshalltown is headed in the right direction, and if not, how would you propose reversing that course?
Isom: Yes, I feel like we are heading in the right direction, and personally, I think reversing course would be detrimental to our future as a community. I've heard rumblings that we need to refocus our investment on needs versus wants, but I find it important to highlight the projects and amenities that have been driven forward over the years and what it has created as opportunities.
I previously gave a shout out to the 13th Street District board about a month ago for the wonderful event, Harvest Market, and the willingness of the city leadership on the investment in one of many projects that has proven successful, West End Park. It's spurred new business, new investment, and new reasons for people to engage with a portion of our town. Over the years, we've seen these projects demonstrate their return for our community.
After participating, volunteering, and enjoying the event as well as seeing thousands from out of town and out of state enjoy the investment made, it's this that makes me look forward to what this community can be and what it deserves. Growth, progress, and pride continue to be on the horizon and I think reflective of the decisions being made by the council. I think the majority of the council and community is excited to see where this momentum will take us. I look forward to seeing other projects across the community to continue to add value to who we are as Marshalltown.
Mitchell: No, because the wants of a few seem to be coming before the needs of the whole city.
We need to focus on the repair of streets and bridges, the enforcement of city codes and providing the essential services for our citizens.
We need to stop giving dollars to organizations that may be self-sufficient and could fund the projects they are asking the taxpayers to pay for. It is hard to justify spending and giving dollars to nonprofits and other organizations when we struggle to balance our city budget.
3. Voters recently rejected the proposed five percent franchise fee on gas and electric bills by a wide margin. Do you believe the investment in road repairs can still be increased within the current budget, and more broadly, if elected to the city council, in what areas do you feel that spending should be focused?
Isom: I think that it's important to realize that the investment needed in our current road infrastructure is significant. In order to truly address the problem, the data shows that we need roughly $8 million annually over a decade to alter the course of the conditions throughout our neighborhoods, our main thoroughfares, and generally across all areas of town. If we don't start today, the problem only gets worse. As part of the committee that worked on the franchise fee proposal, we were working on a creative solution to address a problem that has honestly been ignored for the last 20 years.
Our road conditions did not become what they are overnight, and while I truly understand the fact it would have a financial impact on our citizens (myself included) and business owners, we were working to drive toward a resolution that ultimately fixes the issue rather than apply Band-Aids as the budget allows. I was in favor of ensuring that we dedicate portions of our Capital Improvement Project funds toward streets to ensure we maximize the dollars to alter the course of which we've been on for quite some time, but honestly speaking there are not enough funds to do what is necessary in the current budget. Taking funds away from PD/FD, Parks and Rec, and Housing and Community Development does not seem like an option to me.
I also do not believe in canceling all investment throughout the community in order to only spend money on roads. I, like most, would love a smooth commute regardless of where I'm going in town, but I also find it important that our roads take us somewhere. Roads are just as important as a number of projects in the funnel to drive economic development.
We cannot lose focus on the development of our entrepreneurial ecosystem, human investment driving new economic growth, our strong social capital, a strong quality of place, and dedication to progress. Maintaining and improving the physical infrastructure of the community does not need to be debated, but I will continue to have the courage to improve the other conditions of our community and thus improve the lives of everyone in it.
I believe we will, with the current council, department heads, and community, find a way to address this problem in a meaningful way and look forward to the continued feedback to understand how we balance this issue amongst the number of other items in front of us.
Mitchell: Yes, it can be. It is my understanding that road use taxes are being used to cover salaries. These dollars should be used for the actual street repair, not salaries. A majority of the revenue from the Automated Traffic Enforcement cameras should go back to streets and public safety.
My priority for spending would be road repairs, public safety and code enforcement.
4. The city council recently hired a new city administrator who started in September. What do you believe his top priorities should be, and as a city councilor, how do you envision your role in monitoring his job performance? In addition, what would your strategy be in regard to overseeing the city's approximately 150 employees?
Isom: First and foremost, I'm excited to have Joe on board. He provides a new lens into how we've been operating and the processes we are executing to. New perspective is welcome and allows us to challenge each other in a productive manner in order to effectively drive results. He has worked hard to get up to speed on a number of topics and has not been shy in asking questions or proposing new ideas.
As a councilor, I'm only one voice so when we talk about his top priorities we'll continue to use the strategic planning process as a baseline to where energy is best spent. At a high level and in no particular order, I think nuisance and code enforcement is crucial, road investment is required, and continued focus on economic development is necessary. We will need to continue to focus on a balanced budget, project prioritization, and departmental resource loading. As a council member, I am not elected to manage all 150 employees.
As we saw over a number of months as we searched for a new city administrator, we have a very talented and dedicated group of department heads within the city of Marshalltown. They not only continue to demonstrate their ability to effectively manage their teams, but clearly showcase what it is to be a leader. As a council member, I look to these leaders as the resident experts to provide recommendations on what they need to effectively manage and develop their team and execute their projects.
Mitchell: Mr. Gaa should work with the department heads to establish consistent procedures that support council decisions and policy so there is no favoritism among staff or members of the community. I feel he should focus on road repair, public safety, and code enforcement.
My role would be working with the other councilors on establishing expectations/job requirements/performance reviews with Mr. Gaa. His contract does require a review at the end of his six month probationary period and on his anniversary in the future. I feel it would be wise to also do informal reviews on a semi-annual basis, which would include department heads' feedback just to make sure we are all on the same page.
It is my understanding that the council does not oversee all the employees. We hire a city administrator, and employee oversight is the responsibility of Mr. Gaa and human resources. I have to trust that Mr. Gaa has the appropriate department heads in place to oversee and motivate our city employees.
One expectation I have is that all department heads attend all council meetings. This is to ensure they have complete understanding of what was discussed and agreed upon in council meetings and also be available for any questions that may come up.
5. Goals for growth have been discussed several times in recent years, but Marshalltown's population has essentially held steady at about 27,000 to 27,500 residents. Do you believe the council and the city's current strategies to attract new residents are working, and if not, how would you recommend changing them? Additionally, what would your strategies be to attract and retain new businesses in Marshalltown?
Isom: Growth is not a short-term goal or fix. The only way to realize success is our effort to continue to revitalize our community which means sustained effort over time. Stagnation over years past can cause exhaustion, but I believe in our town and the stakeholders throughout. There are plenty of reasons which are evident throughout our community that things have gotten better, growth is happening, and positive progress is in motion. We've seen increased investments and partnership by the city to help drive the development whether that was the build of the new hospital and McFarland Clinic, expansion of subdivisions off West Merle Hibbs and Washington Street, or new apartment complexes off of State Street, 7th Avenue, or 6th Street to name a few.
We've seen existing businesses grow and evolve, new businesses appear, and the investment made on current infrastructure for future businesses to become reality. The city of Marshalltown is and continues to work toward expanding the foundation that allows for this and future growth. It takes a lot of effort, fortitude, conviction, and determination by the city and a number of other stakeholders to accomplish these. Perseverance is tiring, but the momentum seen is rewarding.
Mitchell: From what I have seen, I don't feel the goals for growth are working. We suffered a lot of loss during the tornado and derecho, and there are many areas of recovery still needed around town. We have (affordable) housing shortages, limited retail options, labor shortages, and we seemed to be focused on service type businesses. I do need to explore this topic in more detail, but I would like to have more citizen input because working together we can get and implement creative ideas for improvement.
In order to attract and retain new business, we need to have infrastructure repairs, clean up our city and promote more family-based activities.
6. At meetings earlier this year, the council engaged in conversations about a host of deficit reduction and budget balancing measures with ideas ranging from employee furloughs to raising the Marshall County Communications Commission's rent at the new police and fire building. Do you believe further budget cuts can be made without endangering essential services, and if so, where would you make them? Conversely, do you feel that revenue could be increased, and if so, how?
Isom: Balancing our budget is important, and while the word deficit is used, I think it's also key to understand that when we are talking $200,000, we are talking roughly one percent of the general fund budget. I think that highlights the council's diligence in making sure we maximize the budget to its fullest potential.
Due to changes at the state level regarding backfill money, caps on revenue from property tax based on adjusted assessments, and other factors, new growth is required. I think budget cuts today only jeopardize the level of service provided, number of amenities available, and ability to maintain our existing infrastructure. As illustrated in the prior questions, growth is our catalyst to increased revenues.
We will need to continue to invest in strategically targeted projects that provide a high rate of return. If we don't enable future growth opportunities through projects which drive growth and thus drive revenue, we will constantly be in the discussion about what our deficit is and what cuts we have to make. Cuts will stall growth and halt momentum. Being fiscally responsible means making the right investments, and that is what I will continue to strive to do as your council member.
Mitchell: Yes. I (as do the people I have talked to) support essential community services. Budget preparation and procedures are one of Mr. Gaa's responsibilities. I have to trust that our current council hired the best person for the job.
I will assume that Mr. Gaa will continue to work hard to get the best deals and contracts for Marshalltown. We need procedures that will encourage bulk savings such as a central purchasing system and line by line-item budget reviews.
Revenue could be increased through code enforcement. However, before I make additional comments, as a new councilman, I would need to further study our complicated budgeting system.
7. If it hasn't already been alluded to in the previous questions, what do you believe is the single most important issue currently facing Marshalltown, and how would you address it if elected?
Isom: Alignment and execution. The budget only has so many funds available, our resources only have so much time to dedicate, and we have a multitude of items in motion. Focus on prioritization is key as we take those factors into continuous consideration. We have to be creative in order to stretch the limitations of what we can accomplish. We have an active and talented community with great ideas and a number of areas throughout town that present opportunity. We need to ensure we drive the best utilization of our resources and partnerships that accelerate the implementation of what's in front of us.
Mitchell: The most important issues for me, again, are roads and codes. It is important to prioritize spending to support these things and share the plan and process with the public. We must be consistent with code enforcement and not show favoritism to anyone, business or location.
8. Why are you the most qualified candidate for the seat you are seeking?
Isom: The easy but also very relevant answer is that I've been the incumbent Second Ward City Council representative the last six years. I've been through the development of our strategic planning process, budget process, committee member on a number of past and ongoing projects, and an active community member. Within that role, I've had the opportunity to engage with constituents of the Second Ward to understand issues of concern and drive them to resolution.
I cannot promise that I alone can resolve all issues, but for those that have reached out to me I've worked hard to ensure that I listen, understand the item in question, and provide clear communication as to the path forward. I will always be a voice to advocate for change where needed and ear to listen ensure our focus as a city is aimed in the right direction. Where we are as Marshalltown excites me, and where we are going energizes me. My time on council has been well spent, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue as your Council Member.
Mitchell: As a lifelong resident of Marshalltown, I have seen the good and bad and what has worked and failed over the past six decades in my hometown. I have no plans of moving as I want to be here with my children and grandchildren. I can relate with the people in my ward and intend to be a voice for the people I represent by holding listening sessions. My friends and neighbors deserve and want their voices heard and action taken. My commonsense approach is to take care of our community needs first (infrastructure) then look to the future to add the extras.