I plan to vote for Joe Pugel to continue serving on the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) board of trustees.
Joe has capably served on the DMACC board for 20 years. He was elected by his fellow trustees as board president in 2003 and continues to serve in that position in the current term. DMACC is the largest Iowa community college, has the lowest tuition and fees compared to other Iowa post-secondary colleges, has the highest bond rating of Iowa community colleges, and has the lowest tax levy assessment of any Iowa community college. It is a well-managed college.
I believe that it is important to have a DMACC trustee from Newton and especially one who serves as the board president. Joe played a significant role in the decision for DMACC to retrain employees displaced when Maytag left Newton. He influenced the negotiation for the Whirlpool donation of the former Maytag building that houses the Newton Career Academy. His leadership contributed to making this educational opportunity a reality. Finally, he played a significant role in negotiating the gift of the entire former Maytag corporate office buildings to DMACC. Joe has been and will continue to be involved with the City of Newton, Newton Development Corporation, and DMACC to see that we attract businesses and organizations to occupy those buildings, bringing new residents, employment and prosperity to our community.
I encourage all voters in this district to vote for Joe Pugel as DMACC trustee on Election Day, Sept. 12.
Fred Chabot
Newton