Businessman, veteran Keith Wiggins announces run for Cedar Rapids City Council

CEDAR RAPIDS - U.S. Army veteran and businessman Keith Wiggins has announced a run for the fifth district Cedar Rapids City Council seat.

Wiggins, 33, who was born and raised in southwest Cedar Rapids, said in a news release he believes time has come for new leadership and a new perspective for district five, which covers portions of the southwest quadrant.

'As a father, businessman and a combat veteran, I can bring a new fresh perspective to our current City Council culture,” Wiggins said in the news release. 'I know the issues we face in making sure our neighborhoods are healthy so we can attract and retain the workforce and families we need to keep our city growing.”

Wiggins will face three-term incumbent Justin Shields, who is seeking re-election.

Wiggins has a background in commercial real estate, owned a lawn and landscaping service, attended Ashford University from 2009 to 2013, and served in the U.S. Army from 2000 to 2008, according to his LinkedIn profile. His military service included a combat tour in Iraq and he 'managed multimillion-dollar wind farm projects,” according to his campaign website, KeithWiggins.org.

'This work involved many stakeholders and diverse employees who taught me skills in negotiation, collaboration, fast-paced thinking and quality improvement advancements,” his website states.

Wiggins identified four campaign pledges, including fighting for public safety and strong neighborhoods; working to fuel economic development, growth, quality of life and working opportunities for all; fighting for funds to improve infrastructure and roads; and helping build a community that grows and retains citizens.

'Our current council has done some great things, but just like we had to pull together to recover from our times of crisis, we must all pull together to make sure all our neighborhoods are healthy and thriving,” he said in the news release.

Higgins was not immediately available for additional comment.

The candidate filing period is Aug. 28 to Sept. 21, and the election is on Nov. 7.

l Comments: (319) 339-3177; brian.morelli@thegazette.com