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Debra Mallie

Debra Mallie

Candidate, Fairfax City Council

I possess a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Post-graduation I accepted a position as a Contract Investigator with the U.S. federal government. For fifteen (15) years, I conducted background investigations for various government agencies, including Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), Q Clearance (work at nuclear facilities), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Yankee White (White House work), and the highest honor as Raspberry Barret. Alongside clearance investigations I also trained new investigators.

I completed my career by working for the State of Iowa, Department of Corrections, located at the IMCC prison in Coralville. I worked within the records and health departments, prior to my retirement.

Currently, I am a Charter member and Treasurer of the Fairfax Lions Club. I am a Board Member of the Fairfax Library and a volunteer for St. Croix Hospice.

I previously served with the Vinton Firemen Auxiliary, was the President of the Vinton Jaycees and an assistant Girl Scout leader.

1. If elected, what would be your top three priorities while serving on the Fairfax City Council?

Public Safety: Work to improve community safety by exploring options such as enhanced local services and stronger partnerships.
Fair Taxes: Review tax structures to keep them fair while ensuring essential services are funded responsibly.
Economic Growth: Support small businesses and attract new ones by streamlining permits and encouraging use of vacant buildings.
Fiscal Responsibility: Increase transparency in city finances, with clear reporting and resident input on major expenditures.

2. What do you see as the top issue facing Fairfax today, and how do you believe the City Council could help address it?

Economic Development: There is a need for strategic growth to attract businesses and stimulate the local economy. Council could focus on promoting business development along key corridors, such as highway 151 and 80th Street, to create jobs and reduce the need for residents to travel for services.

3. Alliant Energy has proposed the construction of a natural gas power plant to be built in Fairfax. What are your thoughts on this proposal, and do you think the City Council should be supportive of the project?

There are advantages and disadvantages to the building of the power plant in Fairfax. Ultimately, the decision, by the City Council, should consider both community impact and economic advantages.

4. Within the last year, the city of Fairfax has altered its leadership structure to bring on a city administrator. If elected, how would you work to develop and maintain an effective and productive relationship with the administrator and with city staff more broadly?

I would develop an effective and productive relationship with the city staff by focusing on open communications, trust-building, and collaborations. I would engage with staff regularly, listen to their concerns and involve them in decision-making processes.

I would assist and encourage the city administrator to develop his knowledge and skills by learning to complete bond proposals and other city engineering skills needed for this position, being able to eliminate some engineering expenses. All they will foster a positive working environment, which ultimately benefits the entire Fairfax community.

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