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Leading Iowa

Valley Park Productions

Good Government in Iowa's Cities

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Avg 19 min
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S3 · E1
Tuesday · 28 min
Your New Iowa League of Cities President
Steve Richardson, mayor of Indianola, is the new president of the Iowa League of Cities. He discusses the differences in Iowa's cities and talks about how they interact with each other. And he talks about how each makes Iowa, well, Iowa. He added that his experience serving in the Iowa state legislature will help him as he leads Iowa's cities this year. And Mayors Brad Cavanaugh and Richardson talk about the relationships you build through the League. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Good Government Institute Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
S2 · E26
September 22 · 24 min
The Year of the Small City in Iowa
For the past year Christina Eicher has been focused on Iowa's small cities. As outgoing president of the Iowa League of Cities, representing smaller cities has been her focus. She leaves after a year with a better understanding of smaller cities and says she provided a voice for those cities among Iowa's bigger cities. Listen to how she managed being League president while also serving as a city clerk and a city councilwoman. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
S2 · E25
September 8 · 7 min
Making a Difference in Decorah and Inwood
Two people I always check in with are together in this episode. Travis Goedken is the city manager of Decorah, and Becca Bixler is the mayor of Inwood. Both agree that having an impact on your city is the best part of the job. Both say there are extras on the job you don't always see coming, like being on different boards, more meetings and talking to more people. Both of them, however, love their jobs and providing the best government they can. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
S2 · E24
August 25 · 6 min
Preparing for Public Service, but Not for Chickens
Be prepared, that's the advice of Tom Wieseler, mayor of Mount Vernon and Nick Otis, new city council member in Polk City. Both city leaders say they came into the job knowing what the job entailed, so when they finally got elected, they were prepared. Although, as the mayor will tell you, he was not necessarily ready for the complaints about chickens. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
S2 · E23
August 11 · 38 min
Dubuque City Manager reflects on 33 Years
Planning, Partnerships and People, that's the key to success in running a city says Dubuque City Manager Mike Van Milligen. Retiring after 33 years as city manager, he joins Dubuque City Mayor Brad Cavanagh to talk about the job and his favorite place for pizza. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
S2 · E22
July 28 · 9 min
Passion and Commitment: What It Takes to Serve in City Government
On this episode, we hear from three local government leaders: Jeff Pomeranz, city manager of Cedar Rapids; Scott Peterson, city administrator for Jefferson; and Steve Richardson, mayor of Indianola and current president of the Iowa League of Cities. Three different leaders. Three different roles. Yet they all share the same message: success in city government starts with a commitment to public service and a willingness to keep learning. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
S2 · E21
July 14 · 7 min
Lots of Moving Parts to a City
Dirk Cavanaugh, Mayor of Perry, says when he was first elected mayor, what surprised him most was the number of operations the city ran and things he didn't think about, like a cemetery. Also, listen to how a new mayor deals with a city crisis. Anthony Heddlesten, Mayor of Riverdale, says when he took office, he got a real appreciation for how all the parts of the city work together. He says while progress can be slow, it's important to hear from all voices as the city moves forward. Including, he emphasized, young people. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
S2 · E20
June 30 · 30 min
Yeah Baby, See You in Bettendorf!
Bob Gallagher is the Mayor of Bettendorf and the host of this year's Iowa League of Cities Annual Conference & Exhibit. He has a lot planned for the conference and invited all members to see the best of the Quad Cities. Be prepared to move all around the area. We also talked about smart growth, new projects and the new snowplow. Yeah baby! IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
S2 · E19
June 16 · 4 min
Wanna Know Where Your Money Goes? Work for Your City
Two different public servants, two different jobs, but the same idea. If you want to know where your money goes and how government spends it, work for your city. Stephanie Harden, Council Bluffs Accounting Manager, said she learns a lot about city government every time she writes a check. Sarah Snitker, Waukon City Clerk, says she understands a lot more about how cities operate now that she works for city government. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
S2 · E18
June 2 · 32 min
Small Town Mayor, Big Job
As mayor of the city of Truro, population 515, Bryan Arzani has to dig in on almost every issue. Listen to him talk about the challenges of running a small city and how he works with a small staff and a tight budget. And there may be a new judge in the Truro barbecue cook-off. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
S2 · E17
May 19 · 23 min
Sour Cream on Your Baked Potato in Boone
City Administrator Ondrea Elmquist joins the show to talk about the new Daisy Brand plant coming to Boone. The company is spending over $1 billion on the new facility and it has a spillover effect on the area. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
S2 · E16
May 5 · 4 min
Learn New Things in Government
Two city leaders, Devin Quindel, the utility billing clerk in Polk City who has been on the job for just two years, and Bruce Visser, the mayor of Atkins for over eight years, both said the same thing. Be prepared to learn new things. And be open to it. And the mayor added, attend Iowa League of Cities conferences. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
S2 · E15
April 21 · 8 min
Guiding the Future of Your City
Want to help guide your city into the future, be a city manager. That's how Matthew Schmitz, city manager of Independence, sees his job. Tim Kasparek of Tiffin, says as mayor, he realized that his vision for his city may not be shared by everyone. But he says, as long as you just do your best for your community, the city will move forward. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
S2 · E14
April 7 · 28 min
A Good Mayor Listens in Mount Vernon
Listen twice as much as you talk, that's good advice from Mount Vernon Mayor Tom Wieseler. The mayor talked about how collaboration makes a city stronger and that "no" sometimes is the right answer. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
S2 · E13
March 24 · 7 min
Do your Homework, Study the issues
LaVern Dirkx is a city councilman in Carroll, his best advice for someone who is thinking about running for office, do your homework. Do research, find out about issues and study them. Pam Henderson, a city councilwoman in Alta says you have to be open minded, even when you have someone on the council you may not always agree with. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
S2 · E12
March 10 · 36 min
Iowa League, Helping Cities Plan Better
Make a plan. That's the message from Mickey Shields, Deputy Director of the Iowa League of Cities as he joins the podcast. It can be short list of city priorities or a comprehensive strategic plan. As long as you plan, he says, your city is moving in the right direction. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
S2 · E11
February 24 · 7 min
Listening to the People
Steve Dodson is the mayor of Hiawatha. On Tuesday mornings, he sits at his table in his local coffee shop and meets the people. Listening, he says is vital to being a good mayor. Vince Jurgena, city councilman in Riverdale agrees you must listen, but sometimes you have to explain why one person's priorities may not be the city's top issue. Listen to what these city leaders have to say about listening. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
S2 · E10
February 10 · 27 min
Downtown in Jefferson, the lights really are bright
Jefferson was named a League of Cities All Star City for their massive downtown renovation. The multi-year project is continuing, listen to how they used partnership to transform their downtown, including art on the roof. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
S2 · E9
January 27 · 7 min
A City Clerk and a City Attorney Share Insights
Karen Clemens is the city clerk for New Hampton. She says be prepared for comments on how you do your job, anywhere and at any time. Marc Elcock is a city attorney for both Woodburn and Lorimor. He says cities need more voices, especially young voices. He says if you want to work for a city, do it, but learn as much as you can about the city you served. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic
S2 · E8
January 13 · 43 min
Property Taxes and the Legislature in 2026
Chelsea Hoye, Director of Government Affairs and Cody Carlson, Manager of Government Affairs with the Iowa League of Cities stop by to talk with Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanagh for a spirited discussion of the 2026 Iowa Legislative agenda. Yep, we talk taxes. Just listen. IowaLeague.org Iowa League of Cities on Facebook Iowa League of Cities on YouTube Iowa League of Cities on LinkedIn Executive Producers: Katie Wheeler, Brad Cavanagh, David Martin, David Snyder, Jim Ludlow Hosts: Brad Cavanagh, David Martin Producers: David Martin, Jason Stershic Editor: Jason Stershic

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