Having spent a dozen years as councilor then mayor, and, between city administrators, the temporary acting city administrator, I probably know more than most people do about the candidates and city staff.

Mike Ladehoff has been the mayor pro temp, subbing for me often when my statewide civil trial practice made me miss meetings. His meetings are shorter and people certainly find him more approachable than me. Employed at Emerson’s nuclear division, he is smart, organized and hard-working. He is married with successful children, a homeowner, a race enthusiast, and one of the most dedicated volunteers in town, recently chairing the group of churches who helped six Ukraine families settle here, chairing the water plaza currently under construction, and constantly raising funds for better fireworks each July 4. His votes have consistently been to foster growth of our city, e.g., to support the resurrection of the large mall. Mike is one of the biggest supporters of our library on the council, too. His opponent first ran for mayor 8 years ago with the main goal of taking the city back to the old mayor without city administrator system, which only one city our size has clung to (and which does not work well in that city). He has voted No on more good city projects and hires than any other councilor during his stint on council.

In the at-large race, Jeff Schneider has been one of the most thoughtful, studious councilors. He has served in many volunteer capacities and has been the president of TRAILS, Inc., which is securing funding to finish our 34-mile rec trail lineal park to Steamboat Rock. In charge of IT at one of our largest companies, he is whip smart and analytical. Sue Cahill, a well-liked former teacher and mother of six, was one of the most pleasant, involved councilors ever. She can return to council after serving a full term in the Iowa legislature, giving us an insightful perspective of rollbacks and influencing future legislation as Iowa’s 16th largest city. The other two candidates have attended some recent council meetings, but they have never reached out to visit with or more suggestions to me as mayor. The municipal matrix of codes, regulations and staff responsibilities would require a steep learning curve that Jeff and Sue have already mastered.

Please consider voting for Mike, Jeff and Sue to keep our city growing.