Platform

Hold the Line on and Reduce Property Taxes When Possible:

Escalating property taxes are a burden on West Des Moines residents, especially seniors on fixed incomes. In 2019 when I first ran for City Council, I vowed to hold the line on and reduce property taxes when possible. Over the last four years, I did just that: voting multiple times to lower the City’s portion of your tax rate. To me, balancing a growing community’s needs with affordability and the financial well-being of residents requires responsible budgeting and fiscal management. As such, I worked to effectively manage the city's budget during my first term and focused on creating opportunities to responsibly lower property taxes, while ensuring essential services and infrastructure needs were met. This approach to sound fiscal management is recognized by S&P Global Ratings, where in 2023 they recognized West Des Moines as the only city in Iowa to hold S&P’s highest, AAA bonding rating. In this reelection campaign, I remain committed to these important budgeting practices, leveraging my experience to drive sustainable growth, affordability, and economic prosperity while responsibly alleviating the burden on residents whenever possible.

Fully Support Public Safety:

As a father and former prosecutor, I realize absolutely nothing is more important than the safety of our community. In 2019 when I first ran for City Council, I promised to prioritize public safety by adding necessary police officers, firefighters, & paramedics and provide them the tools they need to keep all residents safe. During my first term, I delivered on this promise by championing public safety initiatives. Working closely with law enforcement, fire, EMS, and community organizations to create and support a secure environment for all. Indeed, I voted to: (1) fully staff all fire stations in West Des Moines for the first time in decades; (2) add five new law enforcement officers and six firefighters; and (3) invest in cutting-edge technology to further our city’s public safety needs. In this reelection campaign, I am dedicated to building upon these achievements and implementing further efforts to meet the evolving safety needs of our growing community.

Supporting Policies That Grow Jobs and The Economy

Such policies provide opportunities for our residents to have a variety of job options in the marketplace, while supporting entrepreneurs looking to start the next exciting business locally and for existing businesses exploring whether and where to invest and locate. Economic growth and job creation contribute to the overall well-being and development of a community. In short, they enable investment in public infrastructure, amenities, and services that truly enhance the quality of life for our residents and for a vibrant community life overall.

Enhance Quality of Life:

As West Des Moines continues to experience tremendous growth, I recognize the importance of enhancing quality of life. In 2019 I campaigned upon the idea of leveraging public/private partnerships and the use of existing infrastructure funding to improve parks, connect trails, and add new game-changing recreational amenities to enhance quality of life for all. Over the last four years I did just that by supporting transformative projects such as the RecPlex, Boat House, and Marathon Loop; revitalizing numerous city parks; and promoting cultural events that bring residents from all walks of life together. By fostering a sense of belonging, investing in the well-being of our community, and supporting projects that allow our residents to come together, meet one another, and enjoy the City’s parks, trails, and other amenities, our community is growing stronger than ever. This strong sense of community and the related amenities also work to attract and retain a strong workforce as well as appeal to employers choosing whether and where to invest and locate quality jobs. In short, West Des Moines is leading the way in cultivating an amazing and diverse environment for residents, visitors, employees, and businesses. In this reelection campaign, I vow to continue these efforts, ensuring our community remains an exceptional place to live, work, and raise a family.

Provide High-Quality, Efficient City Services:

City services are at the core of city operations. In 2019 I assured residents that I would work to ensure our City continues providing high-quality city services in an efficient and timely manner. I am proud that over the past four years the City has continued to deliver such services and you have recognized as much. Indeed, in 2023 West Des Moines ranked nationally as one of the “highest performing communities across the Country” according to a survey involving nearly 200 different jurisdictions. In fact, the City received a national award for the second time in three years recognizing the city's strong performance as measured by residents. West Des Moines ranks in the top 10% of nearly 200 cities and counties surveyed between May 2022 and December 2022 in three core areas: 

- Satisfaction with the overall quality of services;
- Satisfaction with customer service provided by employees; and
- Satisfaction with the value residents receive for local taxes and fees.

The City’s composite rank was 73 points above the average composite score for all cities in the US. Over the next four years I promise to continue our City’s award-winning service.

Ensure Availability of Affordable Housing:

West Des Moines needs an array of housing options for all who want to reside here. In 2019 I shared that I wanted to make sure our community has affordable housing options for new entrants to the workforce as well as young families and seniors who want to live in West Des Moines. Over the past four years, we have added more housing options for all - including workforce housing - than ever before. In fact, in 2022 the City had the highest number of building permits approved (904 permits) for residential units than in any prior year. Over the next four years we will continue this positive momentum and work to ensure the City has an array of housing options so our kids and grandkids can come home to live and work in the community they were raised.