Leading Iowa

LaVern Dirkx is a city councilman in Carroll, his best advice for someone who is thinking about running for office, do your homework. Do research, find out about issues and study them. Pam Henderson, a city councilwoman in Alta says you have to be open minded, even when you have someone on the council you may not always agree with.
IowaLeague.org
Iowa League of Cities on Facebook
Iowa League of Cities on YouTube
Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn
Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow
Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin
Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic
Editor: Jason Stershic

Make a plan. That's the message from Mickey Shields, Deputy Director of the Iowa League of Cities as he joins the podcast. It can be short list of city priorities or a comprehensive strategic plan. As long as you plan, he says, your city is moving in the right direction.
IowaLeague.org
Iowa League of Cities on Facebook
Iowa League of Cities on YouTube
Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn
Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow
Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin
Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic
Editor: Jason Stershic

Steve Dodson is the mayor of Hiawatha. On Tuesday mornings, he sits at his table in his local coffee shop and meets the people. Listening, he says is vital to being a good mayor. Vince Jurgena, city councilman in Riverdale agrees you must listen, but sometimes you have to explain why one person's priorities may not be the city's top issue. Listen to what these city leaders have to say about listening.
IowaLeague.org
Iowa League of Cities on Facebook
Iowa League of Cities on YouTube
Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn
Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow
Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin
Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic
Editor: Jason Stershic

Jefferson was named a League of Cities All Star City for their massive downtown renovation. The multi-year project is continuing, listen to how they used partnership to transform their downtown, including art on the roof.
IowaLeague.org
Iowa League of Cities on Facebook
Iowa League of Cities on YouTube
Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn
Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow
Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin
Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic
Editor: Jason Stershic

Karen Clemens is the city clerk for New Hampton. She says be prepared for comments on how you do your job, anywhere and at any time. Marc Elcock is a city attorney for both Woodburn and Lorimor. He says cities need more voices, especially young voices. He says if you want to work for a city, do it, but learn as much as you can about the city you served.
IowaLeague.org
Iowa League of Cities on Facebook
Iowa League of Cities on YouTube
Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn
Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow
Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin
Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic
Editor: Jason Stershic