Meet the candidates running for Perry City Council in the 2023 election
Five candidates are vying for four seats on the Perry City Council.
Incumbent Charles Schott is running unopposed for an at-large seat. Ervin Joseph Shelly is running unopposed in Ward 1.
Incumbent Jeremy Mahler is running unopposed in Ward 2 to fill a vacancy.
Keith Nichols and incumbent Barb Wolling are vying for one seat in Ward 3.
The Perry Chief asked each candidate to respond to questions on why they're running and the issues their district/community is facing. Their answers may be lightly edited for clarity or length.
Schott and Shelly did not respond to the Chief's questionnaire.
The election is Nov. 7.
More: How to vote in Iowa's 2023 city and school elections
Jeremy Mahler
OFFICE SOUGHT: Perry City Council, Ward 2
AGE: 48
EDUCATION: Kemper Military School and College, Boonville Mo
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Appointed 2nd Ward, Perry in April 2022
Keith Nichols
OFFICE SOUGHT: Perry City Council, Ward 3
AGE: 66
GREW UP: I grew up in Arispe, Iowa.
CURRENT HOME: I have lived in Perry for 23 years.
EDUCATION: I have a Bachelors from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri. I did it the old fashioned way. I went to school one semester. Stayed out one semester and worked and paid for it myself. Graduated with zero student loan debt.
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: This is the first time I am seeking public office. I did represent Arispe on the Southern Iowa Regional Housing Authority. I have some community experience. I was President of the West Des Moines Jaycees and President of the Perry Eagles. I have a plaque stating I was overall local president of the year by the Iowa Jaycees. Attendance at meetings went to Standing Room Only. I was also able to increase attendance and participation with the Perry Eagles.
Barb Wolling
OFFICE SOUGHT: Perry City Council, Ward 3
AGE: 68
GREW UP: Kirkwood, Missouri
CURRENT HOME: Perry
EDUCATION: BS in Horticulture (Landscape and Nursery Management), Certified Crop Advisor
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Perry City Council for over 10 years, initiated and continue to run the Perry Picklers Pickleball Club, 100+ People for Perry
Why are you running?
Jeremy Mahler: I am running to be a voice for my constituents, fellow business owners, and anyone in Perry who wants to make this a better place to live.
Keith Nichols: I am a firm believer that if a person lives in a community then be part of it. I am semi-retired and look forward to giving back to the community. I still have the old Jaycee attitude of have a plan get it done attitude.
Barb Wolling: I was recruited by the former mayor and city administrator to fill out a councilwoman’s term when she moved out of town. I have been elected twice since then. Even though I was reluctant at first, I have found city council work to be both interesting and challenging. It’s especially fulfilling to see major city projects completed or well on their way that were initiated when I first took office. I would like to continue to serve and help move new projects forward.
What is the biggest issue facing your community and how would you address it?
Jeremy Mahler: We need to focus on growing our community in a way that makes it a better place to live for current and future generations.
Keith Nichols: Probably the biggest issue is affordable housing. The community is showing growth and we need housing. There have been a nice number of new projects started. We probably will need more senior housing. This would also free up some available homes as seniors move into these units. Homelessness is also an increasing problem. We might need to work with Joppa in Des Moines for assistance on this one.
Barb Wolling: Lack of adequate housing continues to be a major problem, forcing people working in Perry to live elsewhere. After nearly five years with no new housing, the city council (including me) was able to structure and pass a tax abatement plan, which has spurred the development of many new apartments, houses, and countless major older home renovations. We need to continue offering appropriate incentives to the building and renovation process for both our local contractors and out-of-town developers.
What is your vision for growth in the community?
Jeremy Mahler: Revitalizing our downtown is something I feel strongly about. We are on the right path with many new businesses and additional housing downtown.
Keith Nichols: We have a diverse community. I would like to reach out to all groups and make sure they are at the table. As north Dallas County grows we need to reach out and be aggressive in attracting new economic opportunities for our city.
Barb Wolling: I would like to see every storefront downtown filled with thriving businesses and our certified industrial park filled with job-creating manufacturing firms. We need to provide services for our current residents to enjoy. This includes expanded recreational opportunities, good means of traveling around town on both roads and sidewalks with clean and safe neighborhoods providing socializing and shopping opportunities. Perry is a wonderful culturally diverse community, which provides unique opportunities for celebration and growth. We are already doing many things right and need to keep that momentum fresh and vibrant. It’s up to all of us to make and keep Perry a wonderful place to live, work and play.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Meet the candidates running for Perry City Council in the 2023 election
