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Myers opposes Fritz for Ward 2 council seat

Justin Myers

Name: Justin Myers

Address: 1924 Second Ave. S.

Occupation: Works in accounting for Mediacom

Education: Bachelor’s degree from Buena Vista University, Storm Lake; associate degree from Des Moines Area Community College; graduate of Manson Northwest Webster High School

What is your vision for the future of Fort Dodge?

”My vision’s a little different for the future of Fort Dodge. At the first forum, I explained that I don’t believe recreation and entertainment should be such a focus as it appears to be right now. I’m for economic growth, but I believe it should be focused on the folks that are here right now. Sometimes, that’s the same as what the city is doing right now, but sometimes it’s different. There are subtle differences. I believe the young people you want to come to Fort Dodge or come back to Fort Dodge value safety and affordable living just like most of the other folks here.

”I think we need to look at Fort Dodge as a hub for people between Des Moines, Minneapolis and those other big cities much like we look at it as hub for trucking companies and other types of industry we’re bringing in.

”The prevalent vision just seems to be kind of all in on entertainment. I feel like businesses are doing a really good job about creating entertainment here in town. I think it gets back to that safety and affordable living. Right now, it kind of feels like entertainment is being prioritized sometimes whereas I feel those two should be prioritized.”

What do you think is the No. issue facing Fort Dodge and what would you seek to do about it?

”I think crime is the No. 1 issue at the moment. I think we definitely have a crime problem based on statistics available online comparing Iowa cities and towns. I can see the argument that the perception of our crime problem is higher than what it actually is, especially with regards to the really bad crimes, dangerous crimes. Unfortunately, perception is reality to a lot of people.

”I believe Crime Stoppers taking steps to raise rewards is a good step. I believe cameras are another great idea. I’m for government-owned cameras in public areas. Ultimately, I believe the only people that should be concerned about cameras in public areas are the folks committing crimes, although I do see the Big Brother argument of that. Cameras would serve a similar function to a Neighborhood Watch, and Neighborhood Watches are something our city has struggled to increase.

”Once we turn the corner on crime, regardless of how much of it is real versus perceived, I believe people will be more willing to come forward and cooperate with law enforcement and I think Neighborhood Watches will pick up some momentum.”

”I believe increasing the police force should definitely be on the table, but I feel that increasing the police force alone is basically a Band-Aid. Ultimately, they need better support from the public.”

How do you think the the city should proceed with the Warden Plaza project?

”During the first forum, I raised the question if the city has too many big projects going on right now, and that may have led the Warden Plaza to fall through the cracks.

”I’ll make sure the hard questions are asked on the Warden. I don’t carry any kind of agenda, except to serve the people of Ward 2, but I will absolutely ask the questions I think need to be asked.’

”I feel like the time is coming for the contractor to get it done, or the city should move on from them.”

What do you think the next step should be in improving the riverfront?

”The riverfront hasn’t been my highest priority or rather my main focus. It hasn’t advanced as much as anybody would like it to have.

”I would like to see something done for the fishermen, and I know Councilman Conrad pointed out they’re putting those J-hooks in to help out with the fishing.

”I feel like those dams were kind of a part of our town’s heritage like the petting zoo at Oleson Park. Not exactly the most glamorous part of our town’s heritage, but still a part of it. And the rapids idea is not my cup of tea, but if the people are for it, I don’t think it would be prohibitively expensive or a bad thing.”

You talked about crime earlier. Are there any other elements of public safety that you think should be addressed?

”I’m confused on why there are so many uncontrolled intersections in town. In our lawsuit-happy world these days, that seems kind of archaic to me.

”Mental health has been brought up by other candidates in reference to crime. I feel like that’s largely a stigma. I believe it’s when mental health challenges lead to poverty, homelessness, self-medication with alcohol and such, that people are more likely to get in trouble with the law. The city government addressing mental health is something I have to think about more, because it is a challenge.”

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