Meet the two candidates running for Windsor Heights City Council in 2023
Two candidates — both incumbents — are vying for two seats on the Windsor Heights City Council, including Threase Harms and Susan Skeries.
The Des Moines Register asked each candidate to respond to questions on why they're running and the issues their community is facing. Their answers may be lightly edited for clarity or length.
Harms did not respond to the Register's questionnaire.
The election is Nov. 7.
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Susan Skeries
AGE: 45
GREW UP: North Tonawanda, New York
CURRENT HOME: Windsor Heights, IA
EDUCATION: Niagara Wheatfield Senior High School; Bachelor of Science in criminal justice administration, University of Phoenix
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Windsor Heights City Council member, 2019- present, mayor pro tem, 2022- present. Also serve as the Windsor Heights representative or alternate for the following: Metro Waste Authority Committee, Metropolitan Advisory Council, Polk County Emergency Management Committee, Iowa Confluence Water Trails (ICON), One Million Trees Steering Committee, Homeless Coordinating Council, chair of the Community Events Committee and member of the Public Works Committee.
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Why are you running?
Susan Skeries: I am running for reelection because I want to continue to be the voice for the residents of Windsor Heights. I am not afraid to ask the tough questions or hold people accountable for their actions. I am fiscally responsible, and I want to ensure we continue to have a balanced budget that is also sustainable for the future. I want to improve Windsor Heights by making it a destination city rather than a drive through city. I will work to generate more family friendly special events in Windsor Heights bringing more people into our community.
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What is the biggest issue facing your community and how would you address it?
Susan Skeries: Repairing and updating city infrastructure is the biggest challenge we are facing today. We have roads including 73rd Street that are in dire need of repair. We are using our Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to prioritize road construction projects but securing the funding to pay for these projects requires out-of-the box thinking including applying for grants, appealing to our federal delegation and having fiscal restraint. I will continue to prioritize funding for the projects we have identified using our CIP process.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Two candidates running for Windsor Heights City Council in 2023
