Dex Walker

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is part five of a five-part question-and-answer series on Marshalltown city council candidates.

Dex Walker is one of three candidates competing for one at-large seat which opened when incumbent Leon Lamer decided not to seek re-election.

Walker said he is running because of his belief in Marshalltown and his love for the people that live, work, and are raising their families here. He sees a future full of opportunities.

Other council candidates officially on ballot are Al Hoop, Gabe Isom, Tyler Bruce McConnell. Hoop is running unopposed.

The election is Nov. 5.

Q: The police and fire station will likely come in under the $17.5 million budget. How do you propose spending extra money?

A: With invoices still being received related to work being completed on the new facility, alongside consideration of the litigation costs that will need to be absorbed due to a dispute with a masonry company that did not uphold its agreement with our city – my beliefs that we will not see this project completed very far under budget at all. If we do end up under budget that would be wonderful, but that money should not be publicly regarded as ‘manna from heaven.’ I would like to see that money immediately placed into our general fund.

Q: What do you see as the most immediate concerns for Marshalltown? What are the long-term issues that need to be addressed now for the future?

A: The most immediate concerns I hear echoed throughout our community relate to the revitalization of our downtown, creating a climate for the growth and recruitment of strong businesses, investment in community infrastructure, and an increase in quality housing. A very serious long-term issue that needs addressed is the very high number of individuals that pour into our community each day for a quality job only to turn around and leave each evening to reside and recreate in neighboring towns and cities. Amazingly, this trend numbers in the thousands, and capturing even a percentage of these commuters and their families as Marshalltown residents will have a very positive impact on our local economy.

Q: Since the city budget is millions of dollars, what is your background in financial concerns or how will you gain understanding of this major component.

A: A key component in quality leadership is the understanding that being an expert on everything is not possible, but properly identifying the appropriate stakeholders is essential. While I as an individual possess knowledge in regard to investing and financing, and the strategies related to appropriately balancing the two, very few people solely oversee multi-million dollar budgets nor should they. Proper oversight involves the involvement and perspectives of many community professionals, and I commit myself to the conversation and posturing for appropriate accountability. To gain valuable understanding related to this important aspect of service I have already been in communication with the Iowa League of Cities, and if elected will be attending the City Projections and Issues workshop alongside other fiscally minded city councilors from elsewhere in Iowa.

Q: How will you exercise fiduciary responsibility and oversight?

A: Quality data informs quality decision making, and in order to prioritize effectively you must begin by examining the circumstances that led to your current-state, as well as the potential costs of inaction. By examining fiduciary responsibility through this lens I will enforce the use of more meaningful metrics so a quality discussion and an honest examination of our opportunities can take place. If you can’t speak to an issue using well-researched information, there isn’t a even a decision yet to be made.

Q: What has been your civic involvement prior to this election?

A: A mentor once wisely advised me that if you want to get something done, seek out someone who is already busy doing good. Some of the ways I try to take part in the good of our community includes: Saint Francis Parish, Saint Francis School Booster Club, Student Tuition Organization of the Dubuque Diocese, Marshalltown Rotary, Matins Kiwanis, Marshalltown Oktemberfest, House of Compassion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Iowa Lean Consortium and Marshalltown Schools Junior Achievement Program.

Q: What policies would you like to see to improve the quality of life in Marshalltown?

A: I do not have a personal desire to add to the number of policies, but I do wish to support the better enforcement of some policies that currently exist. If we as a community wish to live out our sense of pride for the place we live, we all need to do our part in keeping our neighborhoods clean, our properties organized, and our waste properly disposed of. It’s not just about personal integrity, it speaks to the respect we owe to our neighbors and the message we send to future generations. Enforcement of community ordinances must be led by precedent, and if a rule is going to be enforced it must be ensured that it is enforced without exception. We are all in this together, and we all need to do our part by sharing in the responsibility of maintaining clean and comfortable neighborhoods.

Q: Have you attended city council meetings or other city-related hearings

A: Yes. Since announcing my run for the at-large seat I have benefited from attending in person, but for those who may not be aware there are other ways to stay well connected. Marshalltown Community Television records and broadcasts both city council and school board meetings available to watch from home on channel 85 or 121-8, depending on one’s service provider. If one does not watch television, there are also city council and school board meetings archived for one to view as you have time on their website at www.mtowntv.com, and the meetings are also easily searchable on YouTube. In addition, the agenda and minutes for all city-related meetings are archived and can be accessed from the Marshalltown website, www.marshalltown-ia.gov. I believe Marshalltown does a good job of offering ways to keep our community informed, and I appreciate having multiple options.