On November 3rd Fairfield is going to have 3 open seats for city council: Ward 4 (currently Martha Norbeck), Ward 2 (currently John Revolinski) and at-large (currently Myron Gookin). The departure of these three council-members is going to change city-council dynamics quite a bit and new civic-minded individuals are needed to step into these positions.

In the few months that I’ve been regularly sitting in on City Council meetings I’ve come to appreciate that there is not always a clear understanding of issues, and there is still a relatively strong polarization of the different community interests in this town. Specifically what I mean by this is that some council-members seem to have a bias against either “roos” or “townies”. To be fair I’ve never seen the bias expressed in quite such language, but there have been too many times I’ve seen conversations get derailed and snide comments interjected, and this leaves me with the feeling that we need more community-aware and civic-minded folk on the council.

Martha Norbeck, currently serving Ward 4, has, in my opinion, is someone I think the city will sorely miss from city council. She’s been working diligently to address a great many pertinent issues, and is still working on bringing some of Fairfield’s city ordinances into the 21st century. She has put together a great page detailing what she thinks is necessary of new city council members – or the sort of people who should fill these upcoming vacancies.

Martha has also put out a call for new candidates for city council – I’ve reproduced it in full below:

My city council seat is up for election this November 3^rd. I will not be seeking re-election. Please help me, and the city of Fairfield, in identifying a candidate who can help Fairfield transform itself into the green city envisioned by so many.

Two key issues inform my decision. First, I want to focus my energy on environmental issues, my specialty, rather than the breadth of issues that come before the council, such as: demolishing people’s homes, patching potholes, or funding for digital cameras at the police department. Second, I’ve learned that I do not have the necessary skill to be successful at influencing the council. To do so, I would have to have the gumption to seek out conversations with those who disagree with me and seek common ground.

Elections for three Fairfield City Council seats will be held Tuesday, November 3^rd; Myron Gookin for At-Large, John Revolinski in Ward 2 and Martha Norbeck in Ward 4.

Map of Ward 4

http://cityoffairfieldiowa.com/images/database/92.jpg

May of Ward 2

http://cityoffairfieldiowa.com/images/database/90.jpg

Please review the maps. Think about who might be a good candidate and let them know. NOW is the time to act.

Fairfield deserves the best caliber of council members. This is where the rubber hits the road. The US House and Senate may have interesting conversations, but city government is where we decide the intimate details about how to clean your water, process your sewage, protect your safety, grow/raise food, mow your lawn, care for your dog, etc€¦.

Nomination papers must be submitted by 4pm on September 17. Ten signatures from residents of the Ward are required. Call Joy Messer at City Hall for papers, 641-472-6193.

The Jefferson County Democrats are eager to help with a campaign. Now we need a candidate.

For a more in-depth discussion of what is required of a council member and how I envision progress on the green front, please visit my website: http://www.cwise.com/pb/wp_2d967f91/wp_2d967f91.html

Contact me at my e-mail: marthaforfairfield@yahoo.com

As Martha points out, there is going to be some great help available for anyone willing to run. So let’s get some names in the hat!