![]() In 1990, Grimes, Iowa, had a population of 2,677. If you jump ahead to 2021, Newton is still right around 15,000 and Ankeny has skyrocketed to 70,287. Ankeny had a population in 1990 of 18,590. I graduated in 1987 from Newton, and our population was roughly 15,000. When you look at similarly sized communities around us, their populations and growth are booming. The population of Newton, while remaining fairly the same, should be a concern for all of us. How do you think the city should approach new housing? Housing continues to be a priority for Newton, a city whose population has remained relatively stagnant for several decades. Newtonians are ready to have their town back, and I am ready, willing, and able to be a proud part of that process because we owe that to the town we love.Ģ. You’ve shared concerns that you still love Newton, but it doesn’t as readily reflect that love concerns about roads concerns about feeling the city has abandoned downtown concerns about runaway spending (the city charges more in taxes than the school district - unheard of here in Iowa) concern that the Chamber of Commerce and the Main Street program (along with other senior Newton administrators) moving not only off the square but to the fifth floor of the old Maytag office building, hidden from public view. You never stopped asking if I was running again, never stopped asking, “Would (you) be on the ballot this time?” Most of all, you never stopped sharing concerns. ![]() I’m running again because - well, I never really stopped because you never stopped. George Moore once stated, “A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.” I then returned to Newton and bought a home. Many of you know my story from two years ago, when I ran as a write-in, so I’ll be brief (well, brief for me!) A lifelong resident of the Newton area, I spent a handful of years in Des Moines after studying court reporting at AIB. I’m running for mayor because I believe that we are in need of change (and a lot of it).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |