Norwalk’s mayor says he’s looking forward to “keeping the momentum going” for another four-year term.
Incumbent mayor Tom Phillips is the only candidate running for the city’s top position. He first took office in 2014.
The Des Moines Register asked the mayor to respond to questions on why he’s running again and the issues the city is facing. His answers may be lightly edited for clarity or length.
The election is Nov. 4.
Tom Phillips
Current occupation: Retired
Education background: Bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University
Where did you grow up? Newton, Iowa
Political experience: I was on the Norwalk Community School District School Board from 1997 through 2013 and I’ve been mayor of Norwalk since 2014.
Age: 64
Why are you running?
We have a lot of good things going on in Norwalk and we’ve got some momentum to continue our managed growth and increase in commercial and industrial valuations. I’d like to help keep that going for another 4 years.
What is the most important issue facing your city and what would you do to address it?
I think the reduction in local control is an issue all cities in Iowa are facing.
How would you balance a desire to lower property taxes with a need to provide resources to your city?
Our residents expect certain services from the city. Those services cost money, which primarily comes from property taxes. People don’t move to Norwalk because of low property taxes. People move to Norwalk because it’s a nice place to live.
William Morris writes for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com or 715-573-8166.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Meet the sole candidate for Norwalk mayor in the 2025 election
Reporting by William Morris, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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