Lucas Casey and John Mickelson, West Des Moines Council Candidates, Talk About Water Tower, Fire Station Woes

What is the greatest challenge facing the city of West Des Moines and what's the best approach to managing it?

John Mickelson: The outcome of the property tax debate at the statehouse. Iowa needs property tax reform to make our state more competitive and attract good paying jobs, but cities cannot absorb a large reduction in revenue and still be able to provide essential city services without raising homeowners' taxes, which I am against. West Des Moines is approximately 50/50 commercial/residential, so the problem is especially acute here. The city needs to maintain a dialogue with our elected state officials ensuring that when the needed property tax reform is passed that cities have a sustainable back-fill for the lost revenue.

Lucas Casey: By all accounts, the city of West Des Moines is in an enviable position. Our community is a magnet for quality economic development and we have continued to grow through difficult economic times. West Des Moines faces a lot of uncertainty, however, related to numerous proposals for property tax reform in the Iowa Legislature. If commercial valuations are rolled back - at any level - the impact on West Des Moines property tax will be significant. Even if the Legislature backfills property taxes with state revenue, I am not convinced they can keep up with funding municipal revenue gaps long enough to ease the burden on cities. Similar support to cities has been short-term in the past, such as state contributions to municipal police and fire retirement systems; the state has completely eliminated their contributions over time.

Read more from Lucas Casey: Front Yard Gardens Highlight Bigger Issue... Owners' Property Rights

I believe we could head toward solving this issue, and many other city revenue issues, if the Legislature would allow some flexibility to tailor revenue generating systems that are customized to the needs of individual cities. For instance, as reported recently, West Des Moines has the second-highest hotel occupancy in Iowa. Why not allow voters in West Des Moines (and other cities) to approve additional taxes or fees on hotel room nights to offset the costs and risks associated with having visitors in our community? Similarly, West Des Moines is among the state leaders in retail shopping, yet, cities like West Des Moines has no ability to claim a portion of the sales tax generated by that retail shopping. I would look forward to working with our legislators to advance these types of proposals.

2. Are there issues that are specific to Ward 2 and, if so, how will you address them?

Casey:  A number of issues very recently, such as the 88th water tower height and lack of full-time coverage at Fire Station 19, highlight that the western portions of Ward 2 still are experiencing minor pains associated with growth. Fortunately, these issues have not resulted in major complications for residents or businesses and can serve as a notice rather than a call to immediate action. As the 105th Street and Grand Avenue interchanges are under construction, though, our ward will continually be poised for rapid expansion in every category of development, and it will be important to ensure the city is ahead or at least even with the growth curve so that we can deliver consistent services to residents.

Related: When are polls open? Where's your polling place? 

Mickelson: Fire Station 19 (80th and Mills Civic) has received publicity recently for not being staffed.  If elected, I intend to continue the work with Chief Don Cox and the Council in identifying a short-term solution for staffing the station that will ultimately transition into a permanent solution to ensure safety for that fast-growing area of the city.   

3. Why do you want to serve on the City Council?

Mickelson: My wife and I believe in serving others and giving back to our community so that ultimately it is a better place to live, work and raise a family. Ward 2 is best place for us to serve the community because of all our connections here: I lived in the same house on Maplenol Drive from birth until college, I am raising my family on Reed Lane, our church is on Ashworth, my office is at 42nd and Westown Parkway, and my son's pre-school is also on 42nd Street.

Read more from John Mickelson: WDM Council Candidate Mickelson Discusses Memories from Growing up in WDM (Blog) and Council Candidate Mickelson Believes Ban on Front Yard Gardens Unnecessary

Casey: I truly believe local government plays the leading role in providing quality of life and peace of mind for citizens. West Des Moines has a history of exemplary leadership and has done an excellent job responding to citizens and developing a vibrant community that is attractive to residents and businesses. With my professional background in city government, and young family, I recognized this special election as a unique opportunity for a relative newcomer to get a seat at the table and contribute to our community's future.

4. What political figure in American history do you most admire and why?

Casey: I admire many political leaders for many different reasons, to name a few: President Abraham Lincoln for his leadership style, which included seeking and listening to input from varying points of view; President Dwight D. Eisenhower for his distinguished military service and visionary courage in warning against the military-industrial complex; and former Congressman Ron Paul for his unwavering commitment to liberty and freedom and for his complete unwillingness to conform to politics as usual.

Mickelson: Governor Bob Ray. Governor Ray is a true example of a Statesman and dedicated public servant.

5. Anything else you want voters to know?

Mickelson: I am incredibly humbled to have the opportunity to serve the city. I will work tirelessly to ensure that this is the best place to live, work, and raise a family.

Casey: Regardless of the outcome of this election, I have appreciated the experience of running for city council. It has been a treat getting out and meeting so many of my neighbors (even if it has been very cold!). I have learned what makes West Des Moines a great place to live and do business - it's the people who live and work here. I thank everyone for their support and encouragement and I look forward to many years of involvement in this community