The condition of our roads is not the single biggest problem facing Marshalltown. In fact, our biggest challenge is the ability to attract, retain, and develop the taxpayers that we need to be able to pay for our roads! We need doctors, teachers, engineers, business owners, employees, retirees, and young families who want to live in and call Marshalltown home. And we will not accomplish this with roads that lead to nowhere. Of course we need to invest in our road infrastructure, but we must also invest in our quality of life. We need good schools, parks, art, design, and amenities. We need smart codes and strong enforcement. We must be willing to make wise and measured investments in projects and initiatives that will lead Marshalltown toward becoming a proud, attractive, unique, and vibrant community where people want to live, work, learn, and play.

The revitalization of 13th Street is a perfect example. The transformation of this district never would have happened without public investment and public-private partnerships. Investments in design, streetscape, public art, the futsal courts, West End Park, etc, have attracted people, events, and businesses that help to make Marshalltown cool again. We need more of this. And yes, we also need to fix our roads.

Gabe Isom understands this. He understands the need to balance these priorities. He understands that we must both fix our roads and support projects that will enhance our quality of life. He has a record that proves it. We need his continued leadership to keep Marshalltown moving forward, and we encourage all of our fellow citizens in Second Ward to vote for him on or before Nov. 7.