Meet the 6 candidates running for Des Moines City Council Ward 1 in 2023
Editor's note: Kimberley Strope-Boggus announced Nov. 1 she suspended her campaign.
Following the resignation of former Des Moines City Council member Indira Sheumaker, seven candidates are vying for the Ward 1 seat in a special election, including Rob Barron, Chris Coleman, Kathy Hellstern, Dennis McCullough, RJ Miller, Rose Marie Smith and Kimberley Strope-Boggus.
The Des Moines Register asked each candidate to respond to questions on why they're running and the issues facing the city's northwest side. Their answers may be lightly edited for clarity or length.
The special election will be held Nov. 7.
More: How to vote in Iowa's 2023 city and school elections, including early voting and absentee ballots
Rob Barron
AGE: 44
GREW UP: Des Moines
CURRENT HOME: Des Moines
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in political science, Grinnell College
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Des Moines School Board, 2013-2021 (vice chair 2014-2015 and 2020-2021); founder, Latino Political Network; board member, United Way of Central Iowa, 2017-present; and board member Polk County Early Childhood Iowa, 2017-present.
Chris Coleman
AGE: Did not provide
GREW UP: Beaverdale, Prospect Park, Lower Beaver neighborhoods, Des Moines
CURRENT HOME: Beaverdale neighborhood, Des Moines
EDUCATION: Studied theology and psychology at St. Ambrose University
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Founding member, Beaverdale Neighborhood Association; former officer, Beaverdale Neighborhood Association; past chair, Des Moines Council Personnel Committee; past chair, Des Moines Region Homeless Coordinate Council; past chair, Des Moines Metropolitan Planning Organization; past chair, Des Moines Metro Waste Authority; past chair, Catch Des Moines; East Village Planning Committee, 1999; Downtown Des Moines Housing and Entertainment Committee; past, At-Large Des Moines City Council, retired 2019
Kathy Hellstern
AGE: 48
GREW UP: Mostly in the Midwest. My father was in the Air Force, so we moved. I graduated from high school in a suburb of Wichita, Kansas.
CURRENT HOME: River Bend neighborhood, Des Moines
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Arts in both mass communication and theatre, Baker University
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None. I have volunteered on the River Bend Neighborhood Association Board for three years.
Dennis McCullough
AGE: 45
GREW UP: Des Moines
CURRENT HOME: Des Moines
EDUCATION: Grand View University
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Candidate for Iowa House District 35 in 2022
RJ Miller
AGE: Did not provide
GREW UP: Minnesota and Iowa
CURRENT HOME: Des Moines
EDUCATION: Some college
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Candidate for Iowa House of Representatives District 34; campaign volunteer for Vice President Kamala Harris; political outreach and volunteer for Get out the Black vote organization
Rose Marie Smith
AGE: Did not provide
GREW UP: Des Moines
CURRENT HOME: Des Moines
EDUCATION: Computer programming, DMAAC
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Delegate at county convention; delegate to state convention for 2008 presidential nominees Barack Obama and Joe Biden and 2020 nominees Joe Biden and Kamala Harris; campaigned locally for Chet Clover
Kimberley Strope-Boggus
AGE: 44
GREW UP: California and Iowa
CURRENT HOME: Des Moines
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Arts, Iowa State University
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Parks Area Foundation board member; Beaverdale Fall Festival board member; former board member of Parks and Recreation; co-founder of Northwest Des Moines Democrats
More: Election Day in Iowa is approaching. Your guide on Des Moines metro candidates, issues
Why are you running?
Rob Barron: I’m running to bring a mix of representation and experience to city government that is sorely needed. Our council lacks the viewpoint of any people of color, even though we live in Iowa’s most diverse city. I would be the first Latino elected to the council. I have the track record to do the job on Day 1. I served on the Des Moines School Board for eight years, including throughout the pandemic. I’m the only candidate in this field that brings that mix of underrepresented perspective and experience.
Chris Coleman: I love Des Moines. It’s done so much for me. I want to contribute a fresh perspective to its future; a perspective grounded in a proven track record of hard work, innovation and leadership. The story of my life can be traced through the neighborhoods of Ward 1. I am excited for this opportunity to serve the amazing neighborhoods in which I was born, educated, raised a family, worship, and now work and live. The city needs a healthy dose of common sense and I know I can deliver. I’ll work hard. I treat everyone fairly. I’ll communicate. I’ll deliver results.
Kathy Hellstern: I am running because, as a neighborhood leader, I’ve been in the neighborhoods in Ward 1 over the last several years having conversations with neighbors. I believe I can advocate well for Ward 1 neighbors at the city level. I want to sit down with neighbors to listen to their needs and then consider those needs when decisions are being made. I want to stay in touch and communicate with them about what’s happening at the city level. I think it would be good for a voice to come from a part of the ward that frequently doesn’t feel heard.
Dennis McCullough: I wish to improve life for everyone in Ward 1.
RJ Miller: I'm running to give a voice to the marginalized neighborhoods within Ward 1 who have been neglected, underserved, and unheard. I have seen the suffering of the people by way of violence, homelessness, drugs, poverty, hopelessness, and despair so I will be fighting to address these issues by pushing for lower property taxes, safer neighborhoods, drivable roads, and lowering the priority of marijuana with law enforcement. But I also equally want all neighborhoods in Ward 1 to have representation and equal access to resources and support regardless of one's ZIP code.
Rose Marie Smith: Homelessness.
Kimberley Strope-Boggus: My Ward 1 neighbors deserve a member of City Council who shows up and gets things done. My wife and I chose to raise our children here. For us, diversity, equity, and inclusion are not simply talking points, they’re our way of life. We are raising our children here in the hopes that Des Moines will remain a welcoming city for future generations. I’ve been present in Ward 1, and I want to bring my vision of responsible growth, affordability, and sustainability to Des Moines City Council. We need to elect leaders that reflect the diversity of our beautiful city.
More: Who is running for mayor, Des Moines City Council seats? A look at the 2023 election candidates
What is the biggest issue facing your community and how would you address it?
Rob Barron: Families need hope that this is the community where they can set down roots. For some, that means that we need to address basic needs like affordable housing and child care. For others, it means living in a dynamic city with a council that reflects that dynamism, eager to try new ideas to solve generational problems.
Chris Coleman: We have a number of big issues right now from safety to affordability to infrastructure and more. In Ward 1, we are on the cusp of a significant development boom that is critical. We have a long list of large properties that need strong advocacy to bring them forward. I have the business and community experience to go toe-to-toe with developers to make sure that the development is good for the current residents, as well as the existing businesses. If we do these wrong, our neighborhoods will suffer for a generation. I’ll sweat the details. I won’t let you down.
Kathy Hellstern: Currently, the biggest issue facing the Ward 1 community is representation. We’ve just been through something difficult and we are ready to return to having the same representation as other wards. I am willing to be accessible to my neighbors. I will answer the phone and respond to emails. I will attend meetings and make time to have conversations with neighbors and neighborhood groups. I look forward to having these conversations and acting as a conduit to the city for my neighbors. I am already advocating for Ward 1 neighbors and want to do it on a larger scale.
Dennis McCullough: My major goal is trying to get a grocery store and more grocery options for Ward 1.
RJ Miller: The biggest issue in the more marginalized neighborhoods is lack of resources. I would address it by being more preventative vs reactive. Bringing in good jobs can help those who are in poverty, building strong partnerships with mental health institutions and substance abuse institutions and creating a public safety system that works for everyone. Creating fresh ideas to approach violence by getting to the root cause and by using a three-tier system, a de-escalation team consisting of community ex-gang members or people who live in marginalized neighborhoods, a victim advocacy team to support victims, and a support team to offer referrals on jobs, education, therapy.
Rose Marie Smith: Homelessness. Mayor-elect, Ward 1-elect, Ward 2, Ward 3 and Ward 4. Let work together to eliminate homelessness. This is not an issue to separate us. This is a position of trust we must extend to children, mothers, fathers, grandparents, great-grandparents and veterans of our communities.
Kimberley Strope-Boggus: For context: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/des-moines/2021/11/23/gun-violence-injuries-spike-des-moines-worried-leaders-vow-action/8639231002/ As a wife and mother of four, like many families in Des Moines, my top concern is the safety and well-being of my friends, family, and neighbors. Gun violence remains on the rise in Des Moines, especially when these weapons fall into the hands of those suffering from mental illness. Like many of my neighbors, I know people who have been directly or indirectly affected by the rise in gun injuries. On City Council, I will work with community leaders, law enforcement, and stakeholders to help families and teachers recognize the warning signs before violence happens.
How would you work with community leaders, developers and stakeholders to improve access to affordable housing in Des Moines?
Rob Barron: I learned at a recent United Way board meeting that in Polk County we have a gap of more than 11,000 housing units and that will continue to grow as the population increases. We need an “all of the above” strategy for solutions and partners to make the progress we need. I would enter the council with strong connections to local funders and community organizations. Our work has to happen neighborhood by neighborhood with creativity and sensitivity to the needs and aspirations of residents.
Chris Coleman: I have always prioritized affordable housing for families and those struggling to make ends meet. I always will. I believe our city can do more to make this a reality, and you can count on me to support this important issue. I have a fresh perspective on what works and what doesn’t. When we invest in our current neighborhoods and improve run-down houses, we not only create affordable housing, but we improve the area for the neighbors who are paying taxes and trying to make it strong. I’ll lead a new era of sustainable, dignified affordable housing that improves neighborhoods.
Kathy Hellstern: Access to affordable housing must happen at different levels. I will support, with funding and zoning considerations, multi-family developments that assist neighbors in low- and mid-points of our area median income; especially if these developments promote community building and help neighbors achieve better credit to continue to attain housing that fits their needs. I will continue to help develop and expand the city-supported Community Land Trust project to help those who are ready to own a home afford to do so. I will support the ION Program, which helps neighbors maintain their homes and keep them livable while stabilizing neighborhoods.
Dennis McCullough: It would be great if this wasn’t an issue. People need housing; however, everything is unaffordable anymore and the prices keep going up. I think it is time to look at how things are being done instead of starting a new project.
RJ Miller: I would partner with our current affordable housing programs and community leaders, nonprofits, and churches, create community forums to make sure the information is going to those who need it. Outreach and organizing is needed.
Rose Marie Smith: We must work together to create affordable housing and integrated health care, build career pathways, develop education connections, strengthen the crisis response system and reduce criminal justice involvement. Last but not least, we should build partnerships between the homeless stakeholders, developers and community leaders. The average age of homeless community members is 37 to 46. Their immediate needs are shelter, food and clothing.
Kimberley Strope-Boggus: One of my top priorities on the City Council will be to push for thoughtful development that puts people first and attracts families and small businesses to Des Moines instead of losing out to the suburbs. Our neighborhoods should not only be affordable but also safe and nurturing so our children can feel safe and families can have a peace of mind. I will be a strong advocate for affordable housing, including wraparound services and dignity for the city’s unhoused population. This is a complex issue that needs to be addressed by leaders, stakeholders, and developers together in collaboration.
More: Who is running for Des Moines School Board? A look at the 2023 candidates
How do you envision the future of public safety in the city and would you support a citizens' review board that would provide some oversight to the Des Moines Police Department?
Rob Barron: If it is done fairly, oversight helps us all thrive. I’m open to the concept of civilian review. But I think we miss the point if we just focus on that one remedy to the problem of lack of trust and meaningful connection between some community members and the police. Over the last three years, the public has become aware of present and historic misjustice in this country. Being a cop is also harder now, which makes it harder to hire police to build deeper connections within neighborhoods. The community would be well-served by some new voices on the council that can speak to both sides to bridge the gap.
Chris Coleman: The future of public safety is about partnerships. The progress made by our police, working with Broadlawns and Polk County on crisis and mental health, is an inspiring example for the future. I will continue to support partnerships that help our most vulnerable citizens and neighborhoods; programs that will allow our officers time to deal with our critical safety issues. I will work to support a humble, well-trained, diverse, and accountable police force. We have an amazing group of officers who are on the street protecting us each day and I fully support their commitment to keeping our community safe.
Kathy Hellstern: In my vision, Des Moines is a city where the basic needs of residents are met, reducing crime. A city where mental health needs are addressed over the long term, in a compassionate way. We support the CARES team and our violence interrupters to reduce the need for police interactions. We take care of housing needs and further reduce the need for police interventions in our neighborhoods. All city departments should be held accountable. There are already citizen commissions that make recommendations to the City Council, a commission on department accountability could help ensure all communities are treated equitably.
Dennis McCullough: I don’t envy the job of the police. They go places that no one wants to go, for pay that doesn’t properly compensate for the stress, and still deal with residents who believe they’re being harassed by the police. There is already the Civil Service Commission that has oversight of the DMPD. The police department has enough to worry about and there are plenty of people who voluntarily take it upon themselves to “audit the police." I don’t think that Civil Review Board is necessary, it would just become another level bureaucracy that would add more stress to an already stressful job.
RJ Miller: I see public safety as being in the hands of the public. Yes I 100% support a community review board to give oversight to law enforcement. Law enforcement work for the public so the public should have a say in how policing is done within our community. We should fully support all law enforcement who protect and serve but for the ones that violate our civil and human rights they should be held accountable and to a higher standard due to the office and responsibility they hold. Nobody is bigger than law: not residents, politicians, or police, so oversight is needed.
Rose Marie Smith: I think "oversight" is not the position of the Citizen Review Board. Yes, I support a Citizen Review Board that would enhance these relationships. Iron sharpens iron - citizens can sharpen Des Moines Police Department and Des Moines police can sharpen citizens. They both have something to share. We both have to come to the table with solutions.
Kimberley Strope-Boggus: First of all, I am a strong supporter of the Des Moines Police Department, and I am a firm believer in providing them with the tools, training, and resources they need to keep both themselves and citizens safe. As a woman of color, I take racial profiling very seriously, and all accusations of police misconduct should be taken seriously. The Des Moines Police Department has systems currently in place to address any wrongdoing and misconduct. While I believe in transparency regarding complaints against law enforcement and that those complaints should be fully investigated, a citizens review board would be redundant.
What are the steps you would take to reduce barriers to shelter and help community members experiencing homelessness improve their chances of finding stable, permanent housing?
Rob Barron: Elected leaders need to seek out and learn from community members living through a period of homelessness. The Unsheltered Study’s survey found that nearly all unsheltered individuals want a permanent home. Yet this problem will only get worse without further progress on affordable housing and basic needs. The city has to be fully bought into Polk County’s Community-Based Continuum of Care, because we have structures to serve our homeless population at varying levels of need. Right now the system lacks the ability to serve all that have requested support. We should continue to be supportive of permanent supportive housing developments like Anawim's Monarch Apartments in Ward 1.
Chris Coleman: My values and faith call me to do more for the homeless and vulnerable. When I was chair of the Homeless Coordinating Council, we expanded the beds available in shelters as the first step of helping get homeless off the streets. Specifically, I would replicate the Project Based Section 8 program in and outside the city of Des Moines to create permanent, sustainable housing units. The community expects the city to do more to help get the homeless into shelters/housing and off the streets, and out of parks, trails, and skywalks. We can do better. I will be a leader.
Kathy Hellstern: First, people need to be treated as humans. Judgment and blame should be removed from the conversation. Everyone’s needs are different and housing access can be affected by many factors. The community must be served by multiple tools. We should support the new Anawim project as a pilot. We should have more liaisons and social workers who can work with neighbors who have a difficult time staying housed, regulating themselves and remaining stable. We can’t just fund projects and say, “look what a great thing we did.” We have to continue to support neighbors in their journey to secure living.
Dennis McCullough: I am about personal accountability and I understand that sometimes people fall into hard times and need a little help to get back on their feet. I will gladly help those people to the fullest of my capabilities. I will work with the council in the process to ensure that the homeless shelters are adequately funded and make the process of integrating the homeless back into stable and affordable housing is successful.
RJ Miller: I think we need to be more preventative when it comes to homelessness. We can reduce it by addressing mental health, poverty, poor education, drug addiction, etc. For the current homeless, I would want to expand more shelters and make them accessible seven days a week along with referrals to give them support systems in a humanizing way. I would also expand youth shelters. We have over 1,100 houseless teens in DMPS, that needs to be addressed. Food, clothing, and shelter is a human right. Nobody should be homeless or hungry in the great city of Des Moines.
Rose Marie Smith: The shelters have extended their hands to our homeless citizen. They are performing an excellent task. We must invite churches to the table. They are our 'brother's' keeper. Let's invite Realtors to the table. There are vacants lots, etc. The large homes in Ward 1, 2, 3, and 4 neighborhoods could be converted into boarding homes.
Kimberley Strope-Boggus: For context: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/des-moines/2023/01/18/des-moines-homeless-iowa-shelters-study-housing-solutions/69814146007/ This is an epidemic that has only gotten worse in recent years for Des Moines. In order to reduce the barriers, we must realize that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The vast majority of people living unsheltered are dealing with mental illness and substance abuse issues, and one of the first things we should do is get people struggling with the help they need as soon as they need it. We also must improve existing shelter so they are clean and sanitary and treat those seeking shelter with the respect and dignity they deserve as human beings.
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: Des Moines Ward 1: Meet the candidates running for City Council in 2023
