Andeweg Touts Low Taxes in Re-Election Announcement

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From a news release:

Robert Andeweg, 50, has announced his candidacy for re-election as mayor of Urbandale. 

"It has been a privilege to serve as Urbandale’s mayor for the past four years,' Andeweg said in his campaign announcement. "Urbandale is a wonderful place to work and live. 

"However, it is exciting that others are paying attention to us, as well. As mayor, I am proud that Urbandale has once again been named as one of the top 100 smaller cities in America by CNN/Money Magazine. Urbandale is the only Iowa community to be named to this list all four times, and one of only four in the entire country. I’m also very proud of the fact that Urbandale has one of the lowest of any city in Iowa with a population from 15,000 to 50,000 ” 

Andeweg noted that, while Urbandale has accomplished a great deal, the work is not finished. “First and foremost, we must continue on our plan to provide adequate staffing for our police, fire, and EMS forces in a responsible manner. 

"Second, we must build and maintain our streets, parks and trails throughout the city to provide a high quality of life for all our citizens. 

"Third, we must continue to be innovative in providing high-quality services to our residents at an effective cost. 

"Fourth, as we compete in the global marketplace, Urbandale must be poised with an effective economic development strategy so that we are able to continue growing our fine community.” 

He has lived in Urbandale since 1988 and has two daughters, Christina, 21, and Erin, 18. 

“When I moved here in 1988, I chose it over other communities in the metro area because it was a vibrant and caring community," Andeweg said. "Urbandale is a great place to live and raise a family. I cared enough about the community to become initially involved on the Planning and Zoning Commission, I have carried that vision forward on the City Council, and in my two terms as Mayor. As we look forward to Urbandale’s centennial celebration in 2017, I want to further that vision to help Urbandale meet its future challenges and opportunities." 

Andeweg received his undergraduate degree with a major in political science and a minor in economics from Central College in Pella, and his J.D. from Drake University. He is an attorney by profession and a member of the Des Moines law firm of Nyemaster Goode, P.C., where he practices primarily in the area of business and real estate law. 

He is a member of various religious, civic and professional organizations including the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Metropolitan Advisory Council, The Greater Des Moines Partnership and the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church. He currently serves as Chair of the Mid-Iowa Association of Local Governments, and is Co-Chair of the Governance Capital Committee of Capital Crossroads. 

Andeweg is a charter graduate and a former board member of Leadership Urbandale. He is also active as a speaker and committee member for various professional organizations. Prior to his election as Mayor, Bob served on the City Council from 2000-2005. Prior to that, Bob served over five years on the City's Planning and Zoning Commission, including a term as Chairperson. Bob is also a past graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute and Leadership Iowa. 

Andeweg also announced that John Irving, a long-time Urbandale resident who is active in many Urbandale activities, will serve as his campaign chairperson. Al Kaduce, a former Urbandale Citizen of the Year, will serve as campaign treasurer.