Three candidates are running for the at-large West Des Moines City Council seat in the Feb. 17 special election.
Shad Clayton, Fannette Elliott and Katherine Harrington are running for a term that ends Dec. 31, 2029.
State Sen. Renee Hardman vacated the at-large seat after she won a special election to represent Iowa Senate District 16, which includes parts of West Des Moines, Clive and Windsor Heights.
The Des Moines Register asked each candidate for the seat to respond to questions on why they’re running and the issues facing their city. Their answers may be lightly edited for clarity or length.
The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 17. More information on early voting and polling places is available on websites for the Polk County Auditor and Dallas County Auditor.
Shad Clayton
Age: 48
Grew up: Keokuk
Education: Associate’s, Indian Hills Community College
Occupation: Financial consultant/advisor
Political experience: Ran for the Iowa Senate in 2022, State of Iowa Justices Advisory Board
Fannette Elliott
Age: 68
Grew up: Born in West Des Moines — Valley Junction and then to Des Moines
Education: Iowa State University, major in communication, minor in English
Occupation: Retired and part-time special education substitute assistant
Political experience: West Des Moines Board of Education — 2021 to current; twice elected
Katherine Harrington
Age: 62
Grew up: Mattoon, Illinois
Education: University of Illinois, bachelor’s in advertising
Occupation: President and CEO of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and president of the WDM Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Political experience: This is my first political experience and run for office.
Why are you running?
Clayton: The short answer, to ensure a brighter future for our children. I’m well aware that sounds cliche, as all too often, individuals utter those words with little or no follow through. For me, it is not a cliche, it’s a calling. Growing up in our family, public service wasn’t suggested, it was expected. My mother taught us that we are blessed to be a blessing. And that those who can, do. And that those who do, do so for others when they are in need. At this critical time, WDM is in need of a decisive leader, not swayed by the environment, with a genuine sense of purpose to which all can relate, and the confidence to cross all lines to bring people together for a common goal.
Elliott: I am running for the West Des Moines at-large City Council seat because our city deserves leadership that listens, plans and delivers. I believe in smart economic growth that supports local businesses and smart development without losing the character of our community and listening to the concerns of our residents. I am a current school board member and have direct knowledge of the current educational environment. We must invest in our schools by preparing our students to be successful. Public safety is a concern not only for our citizens but also for the people that keep us safe: our police, fire and EMT workers. We need affordable housing so that working families can live and thrive.
Harrington: I am running for West Des Moines City Council because I love this city. I’ve raised my family here, and I believe deeply in building a strong future for every neighborhood. As president and CEO of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and president of the Chamber Foundation, I work daily with businesses, schools, nonprofits, and city partners to strengthen our economy and workforce. I believe in smart growth, expanding affordable housing, and creating strong career pathways so young people can thrive here. I want to bring collaborative, solutions-focused leadership to City Council to help West Des Moines continue to grow responsibly and inclusively.
What is the most important issue facing West Des Moines and what would you do to address it?
Clayton: It goes without saying that the most pressing issue facing WDM is the lack of affordable single family housing. The current available single family housing is woefully inadequate to accommodate any major influx of residents. This then becomes a deterrent for potential employers looking to expand and create jobs in our economy. The result is stagnation. I would bring together developers and citizens to set expectations, and address any potential challenges that may result from proposed changes. From an operational standpoint, the level of effective communication and collaboration between departments must be enhanced. This will dramatically improve productivity and efficiency.
Elliott: Property tax relief. We are faced with balancing the needs of the city in the form of property tax relief and the need for relief for property tax owners. I am a homeowner and would like to see a reduction in my property taxes but being realistic enough to know that the city depends on properties to pay for our essential services. Property taxes are one of the dominant sources of revenue for local government, about 70%. We also rely on sales tax, around 18%, and if we look to shift the burden here, how much and how high do we go? Currently, with discussions at the statehouse regarding property tax relief, the cities are anxious not knowing how their budgets will be impacted. We are alone.
Harrington: The most important issue facing West Des Moines is managing growth in a way that protects quality of life while expanding opportunity. Growth affects traffic, housing affordability, workforce needs, and infrastructure. I would focus on smart planning, strong partnerships, and long-term investment in infrastructure, housing, and workforce development. That means aligning development with transportation and utilities, expanding affordable housing options, and strengthening education-to-career pipelines so businesses can grow and residents can thrive. Thoughtful, coordinated growth will keep West Des Moines competitive, livable, and welcoming for generations to come.
Phillip Sitter covers the suburbs for the Des Moines Register. Phillip can be reached via email at PSitter@usatodayco.com. Find out more about him online in the Register’s staff directory.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Meet the candidates for West Des Moines City Council special election
Reporting by Phillip Sitter, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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