With the regular city and school board elections coming up and absentee balloting underway, this election guide has been compiled to ensure the voters of the county are fully aware of their choices on the ballot in Decorah. Voting is a right that should be exercised regularly in electing duly-sworn representatives. Election candidate information for the Decorah City Council, Park and Recreation and Decorah Community School Board are listed below.
The regular election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 7, with polls opening at 7 a.m., and closing at 8 p.m.
Absentee voting began Wednesday, Oct. 18, by mail and in-person at the Winneshiek County Auditor’s Office, in the courthouse, in Decorah. The window for voting by mail is Oct. 18-23, and in person at the auditor’s office is Oct. 18-Nov. 6.
Polling locations are established by ward and are as follows:
• Ward 1: Winneshiek Co. Courthouse Annex 3
• Ward 2: Winneshiek Co. Courthouse Annex 4
• Ward 3: First Lutheran Church, 604 W Broadway Street
• Ward 4 and 5: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 701 Iowa Avenue
Those with election questions can call 563-382-5085 and speak to a representative from the Auditor’s office. The online Winneshiek County Auditor’s Office page has voter maps, forms, polling locations, and more visit winneshiekcounty.iowa.gov/departments/auditor/election-information.
Each city candidate was asked the same questions:
1. Based on your city government knowledge and the status of our city currently, what are your top priorities for Decorah and why?
WARD 1: Jody Meyer
“Some of the issues I see facing the constituents of Decorah are growth of the city, affordable housing, public safety and taxes. The city will have a hard time growing if affordable housing cannot be provided. We also have to justify our tax base in order to attract people/businesses to our community.
WARD 1: Brent Parker
“One of my top priorities is responsible fiscal management. I believe in ensuring that our tax dollars are spent wisely and that we maintain a balanced budget. We live in a time when everything is getting more expensive, and it is crucial to maintain the financial health of our city and support the services and programs that our residents rely on.
Our infrastructure is the backbone of our community. I am dedicated to improving our local infrastructure, which includes roads, utilities and public facilities. This not only enhances the quality of life for our residents but also attracts businesses and investments that benefit our local economy. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community. I will work to create a business-friendly environment, support local entrepreneurs and promote initiatives that stimulate economic growth. A thriving local economy provides jobs, enhances the vibrancy of our community and keeps our tax base strong.
WARD 4: Steve Zittergruen
“Continue addressing Decorah’s current undersupply of affordable housing, with a focus on finding fiscally resilient solutions for the city. Continue to work alongside the School District to ensure permanent, accessible, and high-quality investments in recreational and educational facilities. Continue work realigning the city’s land-use, transportation policy, and culture towards strengthening Decorah’s position as a strong community with wise investments focusing on what makes our town so attractive to so many. And build on our work in making affordable high-speed Internet a reality for our residents.
Decorah City Council At-Large Candidate: Emily Neal
“Taking care of our infrastructure is always my number one priority. There are several major projects, including an upgrade to our Water Treatment plant and a new fire station, that we need to focus on in the next year. I am also deeply committed to implementing the Sustainability Plan as we continue to find ways to both save the city money and devise solutions that can move us forward in a manner that reduces our climate impacts and generates opportunities for all of Decorah. We still need to stay focused on both our childcare and housing shortages and continue to support economic development. Finally, over the next four years, I want to work creatively with city Staff and my fellow council members to find innovative solutions to deal with the ever-increasing financial strain on residents as costs rise and infrastructure ages.
2. How do you plan to involve Decorah residents in your decision-making process? Candidate Responses here.
3. What qualifications do you possess that distinguish you and would contribute to the council a different point of view? Candidate Responses here.
The candidates for Decorah Park and Recreation Department were asked three questions:
1. What qualifications do you possess that distinguishes you and would contribute to the Decorah Parks and Recreation a different point of view?
2. How do you plan to involve Decorah residents in your decision-making process?
3. What new programs do you think Decorah needs or any current programs you feel need to be updated or amended?
Decorah Park and Rec Candidates respond here
The Decorah Community School District has three openings for Director-At-Large, and each candidate was asked three questions:
1. What are your top priorities for DCSD and why?
2. How do you plan to involve DCSD employees, students and residents in your decision-making process?
3. What qualifications do you possess that distinguishes you and would contribute to the Decorah School Board a different point of view?
School board Candidates respond here.
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