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Letters to the Editor

Wants to save Warden Plaza

To the editor: I read that some candidates for City Council are in agreement on tearing down deteriorating buildings, including the Warden Plaza. Decades ago, the City Council and city officials concentrated their attention on big box stores and the mall, turning their backs on downtown Fort Dodge. Now Sears, Penneys, and Younkers are gone, along with the mall. The main streets in Algona, Humboldt, Webster City, Boone and Storm Lake are bustling downtown business districts. How did Fort Dodge get it so wrong? Now they are again being shortsighted and complacent with the current state ...

Seeks support for Alstott in council vote

To the editor: I want to express my strong support for Kim Alstott in his bid for re-election to the Fort Dodge City Council. Kim has been a steady, experienced, and positive voice for progress in our community. As a charter member of the Webster County Housing Trust Fund, Kim has helped lead meaningful efforts to improve housing opportunities for our residents. Since 2019, the trust has improved over 70 homes right here in Webster County, investing nearly $1 million to assist low to moderate income households and individuals with disabilities. That’s real, measurable impact that ...

Supports McCubbin in City Council race

To the editor: As a local business owner and active community member, I am asking you to consider voting for Todd McCubbin for City Council in the Tuesday, Nov. 4, election. More than ever, people are working to make Fort Dodge a point of pride in the state of Iowa. We deserve City Council members who understand the complexities of city government, are driven by a passion for our city, and who would rather point to solutions, then point fingers of blame. I have been able to see firsthand how multiple agencies and local governments work together for our county and greater region. It ...

Urges people to vote yes on Iowa Central issue

To the editor: As the owner of a local real estate brokerage, Kesterson Realty, I see every day how education and economic growth go hand-in-hand. Iowa Central Community College continues to be one of our region’s greatest assets — training the workforce, supporting local employers and attracting new residents and businesses to north central Iowa. The upcoming bond renewal is not a new tax. It simply continues an existing levy at the same rate. For the average homeowner, that’s about $2.08 per month — a small investment that delivers a tremendous return through skilled ...

Supports Alstott for City Council

To the Editor: As Election Day approaches, it’s important to look closely at the facts and the differences between the candidates for City Council Ward 4. • Country Club irrigation improvement project: Ed Touney calls the $140,000 Country Club loan a “gift.” Kim Alstott correctly explains it’s a loan being repaid with interest by the club members, not a handout from the city. • City debt: Ed Touney insists the city debt falls on the property taxpayers. In reality, as Kim Alstott notes, nearly 92 percent of city debt is paid through user fees from local industry and ...

Endorses McCubbin for City Council

To the editor: I’m asking residents of Ward 3 to vote for Todd McCubbin for City Council. I know Todd to be focused on results rather than good intentions. Todd’s life experiences have given him insight into understanding problems from different perspectives. I cannot think that such a well-organized campaign focused on safe communities, accountable government, strong infrastructure, and housing and economics doesn’t behoove your support. Thomas L. Dorsey Fort Dodge