Mount Vernon City Council: Tom Wieseler

My name is Tom Wieseler and I'm running for a four-year term on Mount Vernon's City Council. I'm a 1975 BSBA graduate of Creighton University. I'm the food service director for Sodexo at Coe College, in my 22nd year at Coe and 42nd with my company. My wife Vicky and I raised three children in Mount Vernon and we now have 4 1/2 grandchildren. In the 33 years we've lived in Mount Vernon, the community has been very, very good to our family. We came to Mount Vernon to use it as a professional step to the next job and decided early on to make it our home.

I've been engaged in the community in a variety of capacities. I served on the Mount Vernon school board for 27 years, through nine elections and 10 years as president and also six years on the Iowa Association of School Boards. I've been a Booster Club member and officer since 1988, School Foundation member for many years, served five years as chair of St. John's Building Committee. I've volunteered in several capacities at church, in youth coaching, and as concessions worker.

After being away from community service for a year, I've found that I still have the energy to invest in my community. I've no preconceived agenda but do have an entry plan, if elected. My interest in running is to serve the community by making good decisions.

I'm seeking election because this is an exciting time for Mount Vernon. In personnel, we have a new police chief and soon, a new city manager. We have updated source documents with a new comprehensive plan and housing report as well as a report on a possible community center. We need to get ahead on planning for the Hwy. 30 bypass, and the ramifications that will have on our future growth.

I'm interested in continued service to the community. I recognize I'll have a steep learning curve to get abreast of city financials and operations. But I've shown a willingness to engage and am not afraid of making tough, wise decisions. I feel I work collaboratively with a wide variety of people to get to accomplished ends. I believe my past volunteer history is a strong indicator of future performance. Regardless of whom you support in the election, support the democratic process and vote on Nov. 3. Thank you.

' More information: (319) 895-6850; twiesele@coe.edu