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The upcoming election on November 4 offers Fairfield residents two strong candidates for mayor, incumbent Robert Rasmussen, 65, and challenger Ed Malloy, 44. Rasmussen has been Fairfield's mayor for 24 years and Malloy has served on the city council for 6 years.
Rasmussen is a field representative in Iowa for the League of Cities, formerly known as the League of Municipalities. Malloy is president of Danaher Oil Company, a brokerage firm serving the entire Midwest.
Both candidates were asked the following questions.
€ What are your objectives for Fairfield?
Mayor Robert Rasmussen: Via written comment, the Mayor said: "The overall objective remains the sense of community for all of Fairfield. Because in today's society, I feel a city must grow and develop new ideas and avenues of development just to keep even with other cities. It is important to succeed in working toward a common goal.
"We have experienced orderly growth during my years in office, and the reputation that Fairfield has throughout the state is one of envy and appreciation."
Ed Malloy: In his interview, Ed Malloy said he wanted to move Fairfield in the direction it is already going, towards a strong economy and further economic development. "There is still room for growth in light manufacturing and in the high-tech service sector, but diversity is the key.
"As mayor I also want to work cooperatively with all organizations in our community who seek to make Fairfield a better place to live. There are also many people, who if invited, would bring good ideas, organization, and resources to create a better quality of life for all. I would encourage and help facilitate their involvement."
€ What do you want to accomplish as mayor ?
Rasmussen: "Looking to accomplishments within the next two years, I still maintain and emphasize the approach to change must come from working with the city council and the city staff members, many of whom have served a long period of time and have dedicated their work objectives to a better Fairfield.
"In the past Fairfield's success has been a matter of hard work and has needed the cooperation of many, many dedicated people within this community who believe it is a good place to live, to raise their family, and to work. I want people to live in Fairfield because they want to live here, not because there is no other place to reside."
Malloy: "Fairfield has a comprehensive plan, and I'd like to revisit it. There is room to involve more people in the planning process for our future, and I want to encourage an open environment for ideas and projects on behalf of the entire community."
He wants to get the city on track for the next ten years "by getting more specific and goal oriented." Malloy wants to create "a leadership environment that is open and welcoming, and utilizes the resources of the entire community."
€ Where should Fairfield go in terms of development?
Rasmussen: On this subject, the mayor mentioned three areas for attention: the loss of retail space, the Highway 34 bypass, and developing other sources of income for the town. He said, "The loss of the retail trade area is a frustration and needs immediate attention by many facets within the community. Empty buildings and non-retail operations around the downtown square send a less than positive message to visitors and outsiders passing through.
"The Highway 34 bypass project, which is moving along rapidly, now comes to the south of Fairfield and city and county officials must be prepared to deal with traffic and zoning changes and other development changes.
"Studies on other sources of income, a convention or cultural center complex, housing availability for low to moderate incomes, and the building of high-density apartments and condominiums must be considered. Industrial growth, particularly among the existing industry, needs to be encouraged."
Malloy: The city councilman mentioned that Fairfield has equal demand for high-end housing as well as for moderate and lower income markets. A market study for housing development is a priority for him. "The city should study the remaining land inside the city limits, find the best usage for it, and encourage development in those areas.
Malloy would reopen the city's comprehensive plan for a five-year review. "The plan's recommendations are very general. I would like to make them specific and tie them to short-term development plans." At present the council does not set annual goals, nor is there specific planning that is guided by a comprehensive plan. He concluded, "That is why I feel it is important to review our plans now."
€ What do you want the community to know?
Rasmussen: "Over all these years, I can look back and appreciate the paved streets that were not there, but are taken for granted now. I had a major part in developing the park and recreation program and in the reworking of Central Park, from the bandstand to the landscaping, and encouraged the industrial park and the expansion on our industry."
Malloy: "I take the responsibility for representing all of Fairfield as very important. It is complex and simple simultaneously. The simple part is my being forthright, honest, and open to everyone, and the complex part is recognizing the great diversity represented by Fairfield. I recognize that there has to be a balance between the areas of agriculture and economics, and between the youth, the long-term residents and the new idealists, and the elderly. I will be accessible in every way." Malloy further added, "During my campaign, I will be asking everyone I meet for their vision of Fairfield's future. From there we will find the common themes and create goals."
€ Fairfield has been notified that a five-year, $10 million restoration plan is necessary to resurface or rebuild the streets. Would you choose to raise taxes or to sell bonds?
Rasmussen: "Street improvements are continual and needed, and a long-range plan needs to be followed to insure that the most needed improvements get the most attention."
Malloy: "That level of [indebtedness] needs the people's approval. Bonds or indebtedness need a general election to decide, and I've always been willing to put capital improvements on the ballot."
€ What role does the mayor play in leading the community?
Rasmussen: "The mayor is the executive of the city's government. However, under the weak mayor-council form of government in Fairfield, the mayor's role is to encourage, challenge, and assist with the final legislative decisions made by the council. The mayor also seeks qualified persons to recommend to the various boards and commissions in the city. As a spokesman for the community, I feel it is the mayor's responsibility to put the city's best foot forward, speaking in a positive and energetic manner."
Malloy: "The mayor is the chief spokesperson in and out of the town. His role is to be a visible promoter and vocal supporter of all elements of the community. The mayor articulates vision; he sets the direction for the city and encourages the involvement of all its residents in every aspect of the community. As far as government goes, I aim to set the tone for a serviceful, friendly, accommodating, and efficient government.
"I have heard from different people who want more youth programs or a youth center, some have wanted a complete historical restoration of the downtown square, others have asked for an increase in the diversity of the job opportunities available. Strengthening the arts and cultural programs has come up and still others have asked that property tax relief be addressed in a meaningful way. It is the role of the mayor to help the community accomplish their desires and goals and to encourage healthy and accurate dialogue for all issues regarding the city, even if those issues are somewhat controversial."
€ How do you see the city council functioning? What is its influence?
Rasmussen: "The committee system of the council I have pursued allows city council members to review issues and committee recommendations prior to the council taking final action. This enables the council to eliminate many lengthy discussions on subjects the council may not be familiar with or may need to be aired with the residents. Because our elected officials serve part-time in their office, it is imperative that they rely on the staff to do the leg work and behind-the-scenes reviews prior to an issue being brought to a council meeting."
Malloy: "Having served on the city council for six years, I am a big believer in governing by consensus. Everyone on the city council has the best interests of all the residents. They function as a sounding board for the constituents about the direction the city is taking. Each member brings a unique blend of common sense and professionalism to government and they would play a more prominent role as planners and facilitators in a council that I'd work with as mayor."
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Afterword: Some 4,000 of the 7,000 registered voters went to the polls and re-elected Mayor Rasmussen by a margin of 257 votes.
