The City of Boone is gearing up to fill four city council positions in the Nov. 4 election.
Boone has two contested city council races. Jordan Hammer and Autumn Weaver are competing for the Ward 1 seat, while incumbent Linda Williamson will face off against Ginny Mitchell for an at-large seat.
Incumbents Lisa Kahookele and Kole Hilsabeck are running unopposed to keep their respective Ward 3 and 5 seats.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Early voting began Oct. 15 and lasts through Nov. 3. The last day to submit a request for a mailed ballot is Oct. 20.
Boone voters may find their precincts and view this year’s candidates on the Boone County website.
The Ames Tribune sent out questionnaires to each of the local candidates. Here are their responses:
Note: Boone City Council candidate Kole Hilsabeck did not respond to the Tribune’s candidate survey.
Jordan Hammer
Name: Jordan Hammer
Office sought: Ward 1 City Council
Age: 34
Current town of residence: Boone
Why are you running for this seat? Why are you the ideal candidate for the job?
I am running for this seat because I believe the citizens need representation and leadership that is not afraid to ask questions and say no to things, and someone who is willing to listen, and advocate for them on issues. I feel I am the ideal candidate as I have already been leading and interacting across all groups in town on a variety of issues from property rights to the sports complex, going door to door across town on these issues. This has allowed me to get a good grasp of what changes people want to see moving forward.
What are the top priorities of your campaign?
Tax relief in one of two ways: reduction in levy rate, or removal and phase out of permanent 3% sewer and water rate increases, goes to 2% in July 2026.
Reduce spending, focus it on infrastructure, water quality and public safety.
Respect and assist fire department with staffing issues.
Preserve private property rights of our citizens by changing ordinances.
What are the main concerns you have for Boone and how would you like to address them?
My concern for Boone is the aging terrible roads and infrastructure, as well as the poor treatment I feel our citizens and fire department have received.
I would address this by slowing the spending on other avenues until we get some roads fixed by emphasizing more of our RUT, LOCAL sales tax to these things. For our citizens and fire department, I would make myself available to meet every month with them to see what their concerns and needs are. Then bring to the council to be addressed, no matter how big or small.
Autumn Weaver
Name: Autumn Weaver
Office sought: Council Ward 1
Age: 34
Current town of residence: Boone
Why are you running for this seat? Why are you the ideal candidate for the job?
I am running for this position because I am different, through personal experiences, and being a Boone resident my whole life. I feel I can help with the capacity to gain deep intuitive understanding of the people in my community. I want to see us all move forward, working together as a team, to make improvements. I am open minded, I am wanting to work with Republicans, Democrats, Independents. I will be a voice, and listen to all sides, because I am for “We The People.” People can look at me as “Deaf person” with a cochlear implant, but know this: I AM more than my disability.
What are the top priorities of your campaign?
One of my top priorities for Boone is my concern about our firefighters after hearing their appeal for changes in the department. They deserve to be heard, they have earned that right. Many of their requests have been valid, in desiring a functional operating firehouse. This building in our town serves as a “Home away from Home” at times for these people who risk their lives for our community. I also want to take a close look at infrastructure, “hard” infrastructure, our community roads, bridges, railways. Maintenance is needed, preventable measures are also needed to provide road integrity, safety as well as functionality.
What are the main concerns you have for Boone and how would you like to address them?
A main concern of mine has to go back to our fire department, something this community needs. They, much like our police department and EMTs, are essential, and none of these departments should have to work with bare essentials in the way of equipment, or benefits, or bodies to fill the long hours they have to endure. We need to give these men and women our attention and respect. I would like a special project for families to enjoy. We are so blessed with our many parks, restaurants, and schools. I think if we work together, we could develop and flourish as a proud respectable community for all.
Lisa Kahookele (incumbent)
Name: Lisa Kahookele
Office sought: Boone City Council Ward 3
Current town of residence: Boone, Iowa
Why are you running for this seat? Why are you the ideal candidate for the job?
Boone has launched many exciting initiatives, and I’m committed to seeing them through by serving a full term on City Council.
Over the past 20 months, I’ve had the privilege of listening to community concerns and working toward meaningful solutions. Some challenges are straightforward, others more complex, but throughout this journey I’ve built knowledge, developed skills, and gained confidence in my ability to lead.
What are the top priorities of your campaign?
Investing in infrastructure is a top priority. Road repairs and construction are significant and ongoing, but updating our water treatment and wastewater systems is even more critical to meet both current and future residential and commercial needs.
I remain committed to strengthening community engagement, supporting policies that build strong neighborhoods, and creating opportunities that improve our quality of life.
What are the main concerns you have for Boone and how would you like to address them?
Boone has succeeded in attracting new investment, strengthening our tax base without reducing local services. To support this growth, we must be prepared with updated infrastructure, quality housing, and essential services for the residents who choose to make Boone their home. As new neighbors arrive, it is vital to foster community and extend a warm welcome. With the Downtown Main Street designation earned last year, Boone is poised to become even stronger and more vibrant. “Try Boone. You’ll stay.”
Linda Williamson (incumbent)
Name: Linda S. Williamson
Office sought: Boone City Council at-large
Current town of residence: Boone, Iowa
Why are you running for this seat? Why are you the ideal candidate for the job?
I am running for reelection to the Boone City Council to promote and follow through with the many projects, developments and services we provide to the citizens of Boone. It is an exciting time for Boone to see growth and activity in so many areas — the Rail Explorers, the Scenic Valley Railroad, improving our beautiful parks, a new elementary school, our Main Street designation, a new recreation center and the new Daisy production plant. A lot is happening in Boone. Our new Arch, being constructed in the next year, will greet everyone with the following: Try Boone! You’ll Stay!
I am a good fit for this position because I have served as a council member for the last four years and am actively working to promote Boone as a great community!
What are the top priorities of your campaign?
My top campaign priorities are:
Make Boone a Destination for All!
What are the main concerns you have for Boone and how would you like to address them?
Keep the momentum going! Make sure that Boone is a community that people want to visit and move to. Many small towns in Iowa are losing population and business — let’s make sure this does not happen to Boone!
Ginny Mitchell
Name: Ginny Mitchell
Office sought: Boone City Council at-large
Current town of residence: Boone, Iowa
Why are you running for this seat? Why are you the ideal candidate for the job?
After living in Boone for 11 years, I have fallen in love with my town. I see a community that is growing its downtown, its industries, its tourism, and its community as a whole. I also see a community that needs to be listened to by city leaders and growth that needs to happen responsibly.
The most important characteristics I possess are the ability to listen, research, and inform. I am a natural leader, not a follower. All decisions should be fully researched before making decisions, including listening to community members. I will always make informed decisions.
What are the top priorities of your campaign?
Infrastructure: Including roads and drainage. The city needs a 10-year plan for street repairs that prioritizes the worst roads. Inadequate waste water drainage, due to poor planning by developers, needs to be remedied immediately for safety of the neighborhood’s residents.
Excessive spending: The City of Boone spends tax dollars irresponsibly, yet denies spending for adequate staffing of firefighters. The hiring of a recreational director is an example of the irresponsible spending. These funds would provide for a full-time firefighter, which our city needs far more than a recreational director planning fireside chats at the library, fishing, and pickleball lessons.
What are the main concerns you have for Boone and how would you like to address them?
When a city government spends tax dollars, four questions should be asked:
The Boone City Council repeatedly spends money on non-government priorities. Property tax has been a big issue in Iowa for many years. A lower property tax (reform comes from the state level) is not the answer, lower government spending is. Boone needs to prioritize essential services and take its eye off of non-essential projects.
Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rfaaborg@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: We asked the Boone City Council candidates questions and they answered
Reporting by Ronna Faaborg, Ames Tribune / Ames Tribune
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