Meet the 2025 Candidates

It’s been an honor serving this great community the past four years, and it would be my pleasure to continue doing so.  

I’m proud to have been involved in many projects over the past four years, the most recent being the Regional Park.  When the $10 million bond referendum failed, I took immediate action on behalf of the 52.5 percent of the population who voted for the project in the election and asked 16 members of our community to develop a recommendation for Council to move this project forward.  Keeping the members of our population who voted against the project in mind, I asked the committee to look at options that would simply get the project moving for the betterment of our kids. They came back with a much lower price tag at $3.6 million.  This is a much more reasonable amount but still provides soccer, baseball and softball fields for our kids.  

I greatly enjoy the visioning and planning part of my mayor’s job, and I’m never afraid to roll up my sleeves and work for you.  Long before I became mayor, I began working on your behalf to make the Polk City Junction Bike Trail a reality, and I’m so proud that completion is scheduled for late 2026.  I’m looking forward to the tourism dollars and potential commercial development the project will bring to our community.  Economic development benefits all taxpayers.  

These are just a couple of projects I’ve supported over the past four years, and over the next four years, I’d like to help launch some new opportunities.  I’m both anticipating and hoping my next term will be just as busy and eventful as my first.  I’d sincerely appreciate your support on Nov. 4, 2025, and, as always, I’m always available to discuss any issues.

  Guided by Values: I believe in making decisions based on sound judgment, guided by strong moral and ethical values. Honesty, trust, and transparency are the foundation of how I lead. I listen carefully, encourage open discussion, and consider all sides before making decisions that impact our community. 

My goal is to ensure Polk City continues to grow responsibly—balancing progress with preservation of the small-town character and quality of life that make our community unique. I’m committed to fiscal responsibility, thoughtful planning, and clear communication so residents always understand not just what decisions are made, but why they are made.

About Dave: Dave and his wife, Mona, have been proud residents of Polk City since 1998. Married for 27 years, they have two adult children—Lexi (27) and David (25). Dave grew up on the family farm in E. Central IA, earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Exercise Science from the University of Northern Iowa and has dedicated much of his life to community service and leadership.

Community Leadership & Involvement

• Polk City City Council (2007–2023) – Four-term council member
• Served as Council Liaison (multiple rotations) for the Parks      Commission, Planning & Zoning Commission, and Personnel and Finance      Committees
• Active participant in community planning initiatives, including      Explore Polk City and other long-term visioning efforts
• Served on Polk City’s Vision Planning Advisory Group, contributing      volunteer time to surveys, meetings, and plan review

Why I’m Running: I’m running for Polk City Council because I care deeply about our community and its future. Having served four terms on the Council, I understand the importance of balanced growth, fiscal responsibility, and preserving the small-town character that makes Polk City special.

I believe in honest, transparent decision-making and open dialogue so residents always understand not just what decisions are made—but why. My goal is to keep Polk City a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Areas of Focus

Smart, Balanced Growth – Ensure development aligns with our community’s long-term vision—supporting local businesses, maintaining infrastructure and commercial development while preserving the small-town charm and natural spaces that make Polk City unique.

Fiscal Responsibility & Transparency – Continue to manage taxpayer dollars wisely, prioritize essential services like public safety and infrastructure, and communicate clearly so residents understand how and why financial decisions are made.

Strengthening Community Connection – Promote open dialogue between residents, city staff, and elected officials. Encourage civic engagement and foster a sense of shared ownership in Polk City’s future through transparency and collaboration.

I’ve called Polk City home since 1988, when my family moved here and I was entering first grade. Our home sat just outside of town with a rural address; today, it’s surrounded by the city’s growth—a transformation I’ve witnessed firsthand over the decades.

After college, my wife Darby and I returned to Polk City, bought the family home, and built a life to raise our two daughters. For the past 20 years, I’ve worked as a high school Social Studies teacher in Des Moines Public Schools. My roots in this community, along with years of public service, are what drive me to serve on the City Council.

I’m running because I believe local decisions have the greatest impact on our day-to-day lives. My eight years on the North Polk School Board—currently serving as Board President—and previous service on the Polk City Planning and Zoning Commission have taught me the value of communication, thoughtful planning, and informed decision-making. I bring experience that allows me to contribute from day one.

As Polk City grows, we need to be intentional about preserving what makes us unique. Growth is necessary, but it should reflect who we are—not turn us into just another suburb. Every decision should begin with the question: How do we remain Polk City?

With a small commercial tax base, homeowners carry much of the burden for funding city services. Supporting local businesses and creating sustainable commercial growth is essential. At the same time, proposed changes to state property tax laws could significantly affect city budgets. We need strong lines of communication with state leaders and a clear plan to protect Polk City’s ability to provide high-quality services without overburdening residents.