Dale Monroe, candidate for Marion City Council at-large

Dale Monroe and Randy Strnad are running for the at-large Marion council seat. ► Get to know the other candidates

Name: Dale Monroe

Office sought: Marion City Council at-large

Age: 70 (born Jan. 10, 1951)

Occupation: Retired educator/businessman

Campaign website: dalemonroe.com

Email: monroedjwjd@mchsi.com

Have you held office before? No

Personal bio:

Special recognition:

Leadership activities and service:

Why are you running for city council?

For 42 years, my wife Jean have enjoyed the Marion environment that has allowed us to work, play and raise our family! Now my three sons and daughter-in law are enjoying the benefits of living in such a progressive city.

Prior to now, I have always given back to our community through service to the Chamber, MEDCO, Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Marion, Blue Zones, Imagine 8 focus group participation, fundraising for the library, Milestones of Marion and a variety of service groups. Currently, more time allows me to follow my passion in serving this great community in a larger capacity. It seems like the right time to use my proven skill set to listen, learn and lead for all of the Marion citizens.

How do you rate the city’s current performance? What areas are going well, and what could be improved?

As COVID restrictions have allowed, I have walked through the community and asked many that question. Overall, the response has been very positive! The word used most often "progressive!" Many positive responses included: The city’s derecho response and actions; COVID response and direction; many chamber- and city-sponsored community events for families and groups were named; and the opening of Sixth Avenue! A frequent response for improvement has been "leave some streets open in Marion!"

What are the three largest issues facing the community and what will you do to address them?

1. Fast population growth

2. Infrastructure needs

3. Fiscal balance and increased outside funding streams

To address these issues, I will use my proven ability to listen, learn and lead. Any actions will be supported by a skill set that includes the following leadership strengths:

I will use these skills, collaboration, the strategic planning process and the budgeting process to develop viable solutions to address these needs.

If you were forced to cut the city’s budget, how would you approach these reductions? What areas would you look to for savings and why?

I have had success in identifying budgetary needs in three categories: "Critical," "Important" and "Nice to have." You need all three! The key is reaching consensus on a balanced long term plan that addresses all the needs. (Like Imagine 8) People like to see their project discussed and included in a plan. I do not have any preconceived areas that community members have suggested we eliminate. I will use data collected yearly by the city and my continuing community conversations to do what is in the best interest of the community at large!

What new policies might you propose for the city to enact? Why do you think they are necessary?

I am not sure I could propose a "new policy" without listening and learning more about each specific issue we are presented as leaders. I do know the we must continue to make our community a "welcoming, safe and inclusive" community! That requires a balance between regard for authority, rules and open discussions on how we can make our community more inviting. Meeting the needs of "all" our population as diversity grows is a need and constant conversation in fast growing communities. We could start by better defining the terms-diversity and inclusion. We could also describe what positive actions might look like when we are successful in reaching our goals. Then we can take intentional actions/steps to reach and or exceed our goal.

Are there quality of life improvements that could be made in the community? What are they and how would you fund them?

I am not sure I could propose a "new policy" without listening and learning more about each specific issue we are presented as leaders. I do know the we must continue to make our community a "welcoming, safe and inclusive" community! That requires a balance between regard for authority, rules and open discussions on how we can make our community more inviting. Meeting the needs of "all" our population as diversity grows is a need and constant conversation in fast growing communities. We could start by better defining the terms-diversity and inclusion. We could also describe what positive actions might look like when we are successful in reaching our goals. Then we can take intentional actions/steps to reach and or exceed our goal.