Candidates Q&As 2023: Bob Williams for Newton City Council, at-large

Name: Robert “Bob” Williams

Age: 58

Occupation: Teacher/Professor

Elected offices held: Fingers crossed for November 7th?

Office seeking: Newton City Council, at-large

1. Introduce/Reintroduce yourself to voters and explain why you are running.

I am a lifelong resident of Newton, Iowa, and proud of it. A place where friends would help each other. Most people look back on our city and remember the building of their foundational values. We still have great schools, the Cardinal winning way and those great values. Contributing to those values for me, were my years in the United States Marine Corps and serving in the Gulf War.

After returning home, I started my education as a teacher, further solidifying my Newton values. I currently teach 4th grade at Des Moines Public Schools and am an adjunct professor at Buena Vista University. These foundational values include, but are not limited to, that we ensure fiscal responsibility, that we assist local property owners, and that we support our neighbors trying to run a business in town. I’m running to do what I can to support those same values for my three children and future generations.

2. Housing continues to be a priority for Newton, a city whose population has remained relatively stagnant for several decades. How do you think the city should approach new housing?

There is no simple answer to how the city should approach new housing, as different policies may have different impacts on the housing market, the environment, the economy, and the well-being of residents. One way that I feel all residents would benefit is by making sure that our streets and sidewalks are well taken care of. I am not in favor of hopeful development at Arbor Estates, when so many lots are still vacant. This money could be better spent on Newton infrastructure.

3. Street projects are frequent goals for the city council every year, but some people in town say more work is needed. How do you feel about the city’s current processes when it comes to street repairs and replacements?

The city as a whole agrees that our streets and sidewalks are neglected and in need. I want this to be a priority. While money seems plentiful for pet paving projects, my stomach sinks every time I think of my veteran friends in their wheelchairs, traversing the long, bumpy push in the grass or in the street along W. 4th St. S., just to get to Legion meetings.

4. One of the goals of Newton’s new comprehensive plan, Envision Newton 2042, is to make the city a compelling destination for residents and visitors. How do you think the city should go about accomplishing this goal?

I believe that a well-maintained city attracts residents and visitors. We have many opportunities and successful businesses that bring visitors and new residents. We need to concentrate on maintaining the beauty of this city.

5. Newton Police are attracting recruits and putting them through the academy, but many decide to leave for higher-paying jobs. How do you think the city gets out of its role as a pipeline? What are ways the city can retain officers?

The Newton police officers that I have had the pleasure of knowing seem to really enjoy our town. I’ve heard mentioned that though higher salaries usually come with larger communities, there’s a meaningful tradeoff between their current comfortable income and the “uncomfortable” working conditions found elsewhere.

6. Council goals from 2022-2024 and the $1.6 million park bond passed by voters show an increased focus on city parks. How do you think the council should handle its parks system and the amenities that come with them?

The voters showed that they believe in the parks. I would try to ensure that some ideas might assist in this like connecting the bike path that already exists.

7. Property taxes continue to be a concern for residents, especially after another round of increased valuations means they may have to pay more. How do you think the city should maneuver its levies and its use of property taxes?

Property taxes are a problem for governments all over the place right now. But we have an example at our courthouse of how spending can at least be controlled. Did you know that this year, Jasper County is asking for less taxes than they did last year? Newton gave us a 6.5% increase. That keeps them at a higher ask than our much larger school district! How did they get to that high of a level of spending? I am optimistic that we can do better than we are currently.

8. How will you keep politics out of local government?

Our country is politically polarized at this time and politics bleeds into city government at all levels. I wish that I could keep politics out of city government. When so many have their hands out, politics is involved. I will listen to all ideas and help to make decisions the best that I can, putting the taxpayers and my neighbors first.

If running for at-large city council is political, then let me make you a couple campaign promises:

If you vote me into office in November:

I promise I will not sit on my hands while at my council chair to be spoon fed my decisions.

I promise I will never question the existence of any of our Newton Village residents!

I promise I will seek out the opinions of my neighbors and Newton businesses.

I promise I will not be fragile if I run across strident opinions that don’t match mine.

I’m not here to claim I have all the answers. But I do promise I will try to help make things better. Thanks for listening. I’d appreciate your vote for city council on November 7th.