Coffee & Conversation: Mayor to host public forum at library to connect with citizens

Inside a dimly lit coffee shop Tuesday afternoon, Newton Mayor Mike Hansen leaned back in his seat with one leg crossed over the other, enjoying a fresh cup o’ joe — flavored with Splenda and a couple servings of cream, of course — just a few days before hosting his first informal open forum.

Looking as relaxed as one can be sitting in a traditional bentwood-style chair after a long day, Hansen recalled why he wanted to arrange Coffee With the Mayor in the first place. Hansen related it back to a discussion he had with an old friend during the last election cycle; he listened to the list of concerns and issues mentioned by the resident, who eventually admitted something to the elected head of Newton:

I’ve never really talked to you about any of this stuff because you’re so intimidating.

Hansen was taken aback.

“Because as you might imagine, that’s not a trait that I would aspire to convey to anyone when you’re a public servant,” Hansen said. “I had come to the conclusion that it was essentially a perception on their part, how they felt. What triggered that I have no idea.”

That is until Hansen had a follow up conversation with the individual, who told the mayor his etiquette when discussing city business and other topics relating to Newton seemed almost too formal. Frankly, Hansen said, that observation was the deciding factor that persuaded the Newton mayor to organize some type of event in which citizens can freely speak with him in an informal setting.

Beginning 9 a.m. Saturday at the Newton Public Library, Coffee With the Mayor is about as self-explanatory as it gets: Hansen provides visitors with coffee (or orange juice for non-coffee drinkers) and his full attention for a sum of two hours, a timeframe recommended to him by Library Director Nicole Lindstrom. Inspired by similar public seminars, Hansen sees Coffee With the Mayor as an opportunity to connect with the community.

It is also a chance for locals to voice their concerns outside of the council chambers, a platform where it is both inviting and non-intimidating to share thoughts with the mayor.

“Some place where we can just sit down and have a conversation,” Hansen said. “…What ever is on their mind. Not what’s on my mind.”

Serving as a mayor of Newton since November 2012, Hansen is no stranger to receiving public feedback outside of the council chambers. Truthfully, he cannot go anywhere without someone asking him a question or commenting on a particular city project or issue.

“My wife will attest to this,” Hansen said with a laugh.

But it’s all part of the job, he added. Although he may not know exactly what topics will be discussed at the first Coffee With the Mayor, Hansen is excited to meet with the citizens of Newton, hear what’s on their minds and let them know that he does care. It also allows both parties to be candid with each other regarding city issues or other topics.

“There may be a reason for the way we do something that folks aren’t aware of, so I have that opportunity to get that information to them,” Hansen said. “I care about where they think this community should go and how we should get there. And it’s a great opportunity for them to convey that and express that.

“Lot’s of ideas have come throughout my time serving the citizens since 2001 — from volunteer suggestions, citizen suggestions. And I hope this is another opportunity for them. We’ll see what happens.”

All residents are invited to attend Coffee With the Mayor during every third Saturday of each month. Upcoming dates include Jan. 19, Feb. 16, March 16, April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 16 and Dec. 21.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com