The City of Slater is gearing up for a competitive city council race on Nov. 4, as seven candidates are seeking three at-large seats.
The candidates are Erica Weeks-Burger, Julie Weeks, Amy Carlson, A.J. Strumpfer, Russ Terhaar, Evy Raes and Tina Howell. None are incumbents.
Slater Mayor Taylor Christensen, who was elected in 2023, is seeking reelection unopposed.
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.
Story County voters can find their voting precincts and candidate information on Story County’s website.
The Ames Tribune sent out questionnaires to each of the local candidates. Here are their responses:
Note: Slater City Council candidates A.J. Strumpfer and Tina Howell did not respond to the Tribune’s candidate survey.
Taylor Christensen (incumbent mayor)
Name: Taylor Christensen
Age: 35
Office I am seeking: Mayor
Hometown: Madrid, Iowa
Current town of residence: Slater, Iowa
Education: Bachelors Degree from Grand View University
Occupation: Sales
Political experience and civic activities: Incumbent mayor
Why are you running for this seat? Why are you the ideal candidate for the job?
I’m seeking reelection in Slater to continue the city’s progress in strategic and comprehensive planning. Our region is experiencing growth and change, and I believe it’s essential that we prepare for that future with thoughtful, intentional planning. I bring experience, a collaborative mindset and a deep commitment to shaping Slater into a community that thrives not just today, but for decades to come.
What are the top priorities of your campaign?
What are the main concerns you have for your city and how would you like to address them?
Slater, like most cities, faces financial pressures at the same time when residents are asking for improved services and amenities. To meet these expectations responsibly, we must be strategic with our resources. That means maximizing the impact of every dollar, maintaining stable and affordable taxes, and actively pursuing regional, state, and federal support. With careful planning and community input, we can make smart investments that serve Slater well now and into the future. While also controlling and preserving the Slater we all love.
Amy Carlson
Name: Amy Carlson
Age: 44
Position I am seeking: Slater Council at-large
Hometown: New Hampton
Current town of residence: Slater
Education: Degrees from Kirkwood Community College and Iowa State University
Occupation: CEO of the Carlson Household
Political experience and civic activities: I have served on the Ballard Little League board in various roles, such as: sponsorship coordinator, social media promoter, and concession stand manager from 2017-2021. In addition, I have served as vice president of the Slater Parks and Recreation board since 2019. I also launched the first city and school board candidates “Meet and Greet” events in Slater, which stems from my desire to cultivate informed voters.
Why are you running for this seat? Why are you the ideal candidate for the job?
Running for city council is driven by my firm belief in giving back to my community. I hope to be a positive role model for my children in terms of our responsibility to leave everything better than we found it. My extensive experience in community groups provides me with valuable insights and skills. I value faith, family, truth and freedom. I’m dedicated to promoting these values. I see the city council as my chance to contribute to our community’s growth.
I have lived in the Slater community nearly 20 years. I have been active in the community during that time in a variety of ways, which has created a number of connections that I think are beneficial to this role. I believe my desire to gather information, my commitment to listening and learning, my willingness to have tough conversations, and my focus on preserving the small town charm of Slater make me valuable.
What are the top priorities of your campaign?
I love the people of Slater. Throughout my involvement in the community, I have had the privilege of getting to know many of them. I want to advocate common sense solutions for those who call Slater home.
Building a strong and balanced partnership with the Ballard Community School District is also a priority for me. As one of four towns that make up the school district, we cannot lose our identity, our voice, or our commitment to that partnership.
What are the main concerns you have for your city and how would you like to address them?
We have multiple amenities in town that will need major upgrades and repairs in the near future. We need to engage the public and receive input on these issues. What does the community prioritize? What do the citizens want this town to look like in 10 years? These issues cannot be ignored. It’s time to get to work and I am willing to do exactly that.
Evy Raes
Name: Evy Raes
Age: 64
Office I am seeking: Slater City Council
Hometown: Slater, Iowa
Current town of residence: Slater, Iowa
Education: Bachelor of Science, Upper Iowa University
Occupation: Retired, Army National Guard
Political experience and civic activities: YSS mentoring program – over 25 years; Ballard Soccer Club – 15 years in various positions to include president, coach and referee; Ballard Music Booster – president; Girls on the Run – coach; Slater Parks and Recreation Board – chairperson; Slater Area Historical Association – board member.
Why are you running for this seat? Why are you the ideal candidate for the job?
I believe I am a highly qualified candidate to fill one of those positions. I also am running because I feel Slater is on the verge of some very great things, and I would like to be a part of making those projects come to fruition.
I feel I am the ideal candidate for this position because, even though I grew up and have spent most of my life in Slater, I can bring an outside perspective based on my experiences in the military and through my volunteer positions. I can bring my knowledge, leadership abilities, and expertise in planning and budgets to my position on the Slater City Council.
What are the top priorities of your campaign?
One of my top priorities will be to assist the staff, mayor and council in a long-range strategic plan, as well as develop short-term projects and fiscal goals. Through these plans, we can develop Slater in a well-planned manner that will retain our small town feel while bringing new businesses and residents to our city.
Another priority will be to bring the new library plan to fruition. This project has been through many iterations, and it is time for our city to see to the completion of this project in a fiscally responsible manner.
What are the main concerns you have for your city and how would you like to address them?
One of my main concerns is the struggle to develop our Main Street. Being located between Ames and Ankeny, Slater is often a place where people come to sleep, not shop or eat. Our proximity to the junction of two bike trails has made coming to Slater a destination. I would like to capitalize on this as well as work with future businesses to create “destination” locations for people to enjoy in Slater. Having a city administrator will help with this issue, and I am excited to be part of that process!
Russ Terhaar
Name: Russ Terhaar
Age: 49
Office I am seeking: Slater City Council
Hometown: Farmington, New York
Current town of residence: Slater, Iowa
Education: A.S. Liberal Arts
Occupation: Owner of The Clean Machine
Political experience and civic activities: No big politics
Why are you running for this seat? Why are you the ideal candidate for the job?
We live and operate two businesses from Slater’s most prominent building.
What are the top priorities of your campaign?
Provide vision for Slater’s future; bring a business mind and brand development experience. I have 17 years of business experience in central Iowa.
What are the main concerns you have for your city and how would you like to address them?
My main concern is our lack of a comprehensive plan for Slater’s future. I will bring fresh energy and real world experience to shaping our town.
Julie Weeks
Name: Julie Weeks
Age: 71
Office I am seeking: Slater City Council
Hometown: Oelwein, Iowa
Current town of residence: Slater, Iowa
Education: AA Degree – Waldorf College, Forest City, Iowa; BS Degree – Central College, Pella, Iowa
Occupation: Currently retired. Professional experience as president & CEO, Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau; director, Iowa State University Conference Planning and Management; director of Conference Services, Iowa State Center; general manager, Gateway Center Hotel & Conference Center.
Political experience and civic activities: Past member and officer of multiple professional and civic organizations, including Story County Community Foundation; Ames Rotary Club; Beta Sigma Phi; Ames Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program; Ames Economic Development; Iowa State University Leadership Program; Central Iowa Expo; Upper Midwest Convention & Visitors Bureau Association; Iowa Association of Convention & Visitors Bureau; Association of Collegiate Conference & Event Directors International.
Why are you running for this seat? Why are you the ideal candidate for the job?
I have been working with the current city staff on various personal initiatives, and I am encouraged by the new leadership. Their professionalism and work ethic inspires my continued involvement and support in upcoming projects and the ongoing development of Slater.
As a longtime Slater resident, coupled with my professional and business experience, I believe I am well-positioned to serve the community. My husband Craig and I have been strong supporters of Slater’s vitality for years, building and operating the first standalone daycare center and developing affordable housing on vacant lots. I am committed to uphold the standard that “Everything is Greater in Slater.”
What are the top priorities of your campaign?
The first priority is to ensure city staff, council, and citizens understand Slater’s finances and identify funding sources for facility and service improvements.
Once we understand the finances, the community needs to develop a strategic plan to identify and implement future needs that are essential to attract and retain residents and businesses to Slater.
The above priorities can only be achieved if we foster collaboration among city departments, creating a professional yet enjoyable workplace that encourages creativity and positivity to move our community forward by working together.
What are the main concerns you have for your city and how would you like to address them?
Slater is gradually falling behind in the maintenance of essential services and infrastructure, as well as in the development of new amenities desired by residents. It is imperative that the city council and city staff actively engage with the community to identify critical areas and establish future priorities.
In addition, increasing the city’s revenue should be a focal point, with an emphasis on exploring new ventures and opportunities rather than relying solely on raising property taxes for current residents.
Erica Weeks-Burger
Name: Erica Weeks-Burger
Age: 34
Office I am seeking: Slater City Council
Hometown: Rural Kelley, Iowa
Current town of residence: Slater, Iowa
Education: Bachelor’s of Accounting
Occupation: VP, Training & Development Manager at Ames National Corporation
Political experience and civic activities: I have been involved in the Slater Community Club for several years during which I served 7 years as treasurer and am finishing my first term as vice president, as well as board member. I’ve been on the Slater Community Center and Library (CCL) Building Committee since the start in 2018. I’ve also been involved in several other organizations in the Ballard community over the last 15 years.
Why are you running for this seat? Why are you the ideal candidate for the job?
Like everyone in our small town, I love Slater and am proud of all that we have to offer residents, businesses, and visitors. One of my core beliefs is that civic engagement is important and something I feel a strong responsibility towards. This is why I’ve been active in the Slater Community Club, the Slater CCL Building Committee, my church, and other organizations in the Ballard community over the years and am excited for the opportunity to serve as a councilperson to give back in a way I haven’t done before.
What are the top priorities of your campaign?
Slater’s administrative staff has gone through substantial changes in the last six months, and the need for strategic planning is well overdue. I have skills from my professional and personal life that align well with the work that needs to be done by this incoming council as decisions and plans are made that impact how we can maintain, grow, and develop over the next several years. Secondly, the current council has only one female councilperson, and I feel more women in leadership positions is important and I’m happy to see several respected women in our community on the ballot.
What are the main concerns you have for your city and how would you like to address them?
The largest issues I see facing the incoming council are the need for strategic planning or prioritization and the changes they continue to work through. Luckily, the new administrative staff are experienced professionals, but change is always hard and there are developments, improvements, and efficiencies to be made. There are strong feelings about how the city should prioritize funding for different projects or organizations in town. Council will be challenged with considering these ideas and planning for these projects strategically, while keeping in mind what is currently in motion, what is essential, and what is crucial for appropriate growth.
Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: We asked the Slater mayoral, city council candidates questions and they answered
Reporting by Celia Brocker, Ames Tribune / Ames Tribune
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