Council Candidate Mickelson Believes Ban on Front Yard Gardens Unnecessary

If elected to serve the citizens of West Des Moines on Tuesday February 12, I look forward to always listening to residents’ concerns and want to look for creative ways to address those concerns.  That being said, I respect people’s private property rights and would not support enacting a new ordinance banning front yard gardens or other similar measures that would infringe upon the quiet enjoyment of one’s own property. 

As a member of the West Des Moines Pubic Art Commission, I understand that beauty is often in the eye of beholder.  So, while one neighbor may think the front yard gardens are an eye-sore, another may think they are a wonderful representation of our rich Iowa agricultural history and an easy way to enjoy fresh vegetables.  Either way, we risk something very fundamental if the city begins telling private citizens what to do in their own yards when their actions are not violating existing ordinances or causing harm to anyone.     

John Mickelson is a candidate for West Des Moines City Council in a February 12 special election.  Mickelson is a West Des Moines native and works as a commercial lender in West Des Moines and teaches college night classes.  He is a Valley High School graduate, and received his undergraduate, MBA, and law degree from the University of Iowa, where he was also a letter-winner for the Hawkeye’s football team.  He can be reached at mickelson.john@gmail.com.  Paid for by John Mickelson for City Council.