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Despite what you might read on your social media feeds, the sky is not falling in Marshalltown. We will be okay.
There are certainly challenges to overcome. Cities and counties all over Iowa are facing general fund budget deficits caused partly by historic inflation over the last handful of years. State policy and property tax reform legislation are the biggest culprits though. Property tax reform sounds great, it is easy to implement for the state government (because they don't collect or need it), and is popular. However, without a careful and thoughtful rollout, you have the sudden crisis our local governments now face. Given that the state continues to tout record revenue surpluses, perhaps more could be done to soften the local government blow? It is what it is. We need to figure it out at the local level and we will.
There are many great opportunities in Marshalltown. The downtown is coming back and will continue to undergo redevelopment. These efforts are bearing fruit and will result in a vibrant, new central business district that will become the talk of Iowa. Housing and business growth in the downtown are vital and the efforts being undertaken are exciting.
Marshalltown has a great park system, and growing recreational trail opportunities, that benefit the wellness of our community. These are also tremendous tourism draws that we must leverage to our advantage. I have been reading lately that due to more transient workforce options for young people, people no longer move to communities for jobs, they move to communities for amenities. People choose communities for the quality of life that is offered. Clean, attractive, and vibrant communities paired with recreational amenities are a huge draw. Jobs are following people now. We need to leverage the opportunity of rebuilding and redevelopment to entice people to choose Marshalltown. We are on the right path to accomplish these things.
Our local schools are building our future leaders. The opportunities that exist in our school district are second to none. Dr. Schutte and the school board are working tirelessly to improve facilities and to provide a first-class 21st century education for all students. The future is bright because of the important work our teachers and school staff are putting in today. I regularly interact with students and I am excited for what the future holds. I see greatness in these students. It is amazing to watch.
The development of the Linn Creek District is crucial to our future. Many hard-working professionals and community members have worked for years to see the development of this area come to fruition. These projects are exciting and will make Marshalltown a destination for anyone looking for a place to live, work, and recreate. Once completed, these projects will be the crowning jewel of a revitalized Marshalltown.
More than anything, I am confident in the future because of all of you. Our community is strong because the people who call her home are strong. We are blessed to live in a community enriched by diversity and the blue-collar values of hard work and helping your neighbors. We sometimes disagree on the path but we are all in on the destination of a strong community. A community we will always take pride in. A community I love to call home.
The ride might be bumpy but the journey matters. We will come together and make Marshalltown happen. Fight Forward Marshalltown!
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Michael W. Tupper is the chief of the
Marshalltown Police Department.