Des Moines security worker, musician Chris W. Von Arx is running for mayor
Des Moines security guard and musician Chris W. Von Arx is running for the city's top office.
Von Arx, whose candidacy announcement came through his nomination paperwork filing on Sept. 19, told the Des Moines Register he sees running for office as a "responsibility." As a self-described born-again Christian, Von Arx said he was called by God to throw his hat in the ring.
If elected in November, Von Arx, 28, says he wants to tackle lowering property taxes, the homeless crisis and crime, as well as make city living more affordable.
More: Who is running for Des Moines City Council, mayor? A look at the 2023 election candidates
Von Arx said he's tired of excuses from multi-term politicians and their lack of action.
"A lot of people would make the argument that you would think that they were trying to do as bad of a job as they possibly could ... and I think that like, well, I'm going to try my best not to be like them," he said.
Hailing from Caledonia, Minnesota, Von Arx said he grew up in a household where politics was always part of the discussion. Von Arx has lived in Des Moines for four years.
When asked why Des Moines community members should vote for him over his opponents, Von Arx says it's because his ideas are specific while others' ideas are "vague."
In his canvassing efforts, Von Arx says he's heard from community members who say the cost of living is high and empathizes with other "struggling musicians" and artists. He said the city needs to do more to help businesses grow and thrive. He also is a proponent of helping homeless community members seek treatments and find "working solutions."
Von Arx says he would like to see the city support gardens and outdoor spaces such as walking trails. He also believes there should be healthier, cheaper food options in the community.
"I just think that even though I entered in the race kind of late, I think I'm a pretty electable candidate compared to other people who have politics that are similar to mine," he said. "I try to look at it like I'd be very happy to get elected, you know, for the people that are for the stuff that I'm for."
More: Who is running for Des Moines City Council, mayor? A look at the 2023 election candidates
He faces at-large City Council member Connie Boesen, City Council member Josh Mandelbaum and cosmetologist and activist Denver Foote for the mayor's seat. Mayor Frank Cownie announced he is not seeking reelection to his sixth term.
Four seats on the Des Moines City Council are up for election this year, including the mayor, an at-large member and representatives for Ward 2 in the city's northeast side and Ward 4 in the southeast side. Seven candidates are running for the Ward 1 seat in a special election following City Council member Indira Sheumaker's recent resignation.
The election is Nov. 7.
Virginia Barreda is the Des Moines city government reporter for the Register. She can be reached at vbarreda@dmreg.com. Follow her on Twitter at @vbarreda2.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Musician Chris W. Von Arx announces bid for Des Moines mayor
